Lucille is acquitted as the pieces of Travis's death finally fall into place, but her subsequent actions may lead to her downfall; Lane and Jason's chance at friendship is cut short by a violent act of revenge by Jack. Meanwhile, Reese gets caught in the crossfire when she tries to stop the Massick-Burton feud; and two of Peyton's worst nightmares come true.

A familiar face returns to town, causing double trouble for Peyton and Reese, who barely avoids Veronica's trap for Tom; and Lane's kidnapper makes explosive plans for Dean's demise. Meanwhile, Lucille settles the score with her own captive, Edward.

A tragedy ruins the captive Lane's hopes for escape; and Eleanor sets out to tarnish Peyton's image, although Brian's father takes a shine to her. Meanwhile, Tom makes a deal to implicate Veronica in Reese's drug bust; Nick and Peyton learn of the emerald's whereabouts; Dean and Reese grieve together after a friend's ""death.""