Miss Ellie's sadness over Gary's birthday is short-lived when she learns the he and Val plan to marry in Dallas.

J.R. is rushed to the hospital in critical condition following his gunshot wound. As the police investigate, they discover many people have the motive for shooting J.R. and everyone patiently waits by J.R.'s bedside hoping he will wake up and identify the shooter.

J.R., paralyzed after the shooting, undergoes further surgery to help save his life. While J.R. is in the hospital, Bobby takes over Ewing Oil for the time being. Meanwhile, Sue Ellen worries that she was the shooter as the police identify more suspects in the shooting.

Jock unveils the new plan for Ewing Oil. Meanwhile, Ray's development runs into problems and Donna's book is published.

Cliff confronts J.R. about the note he is holding for the Ewings and threatens foreclosure. Meanwhile, Bobby uncovers a link between Kristin and J.R.

The Ewing family come together for Bobby's funeral. Dusty informs Sue Ellen that he is in love with her. Miss Ellie is happy to see Gary back home for a while.

While contemplating suicide, J.R. has a visit from Adam who takes him on a journey to see how life would be if the Ewing family had never existed.