April is released. Miss Ellie tells the family that Clayton will not be living at Southfork. Charlie resents being forced to leave and Jenna has her doubts about it as well. Clayton tries to explain to Ellie about his "innocent friendship" with Laurel. Shulton tells Miss Ellie that Clayton has slept with Laurel. Ray meets a woman named Connie Hall and makes her in distress. Pearce tells April to stay out of his life. Bobby asks Clayton about why he had to leave Southfork. Pearce is happy that he managed to make it look like his parents are dead. Cliff meets Casey Denault. An angry Clayton beats Shulton up. Cliff becomes addicted to tranquilizers. Clayton is arrested for the murder of Shulton.

Connie Hall tries to tell Ray that his marriage is over. J.R. continues to tease Clayton about Laurel and the homicide charge. Bobby spends more time with Kay in Washington. Casey tries to convince Cliff that they have a lot in common business-wise. J.R. offers Laurel a hideaway from media attention. Bobby strikes a deal with a Washington senator to get the Ewing Oil name back. Sue Ellen teams up with Kimberly to prevent J.R. from taking over Weststar. J.R. and Laurel declare a truce. J.R. wants to work side by side with Bobby. J.R. uncovers the evidence to clear Clayton's name in the homicide case, and he blackmails Laurel. The Ewings and Clayton are very grateful to J.R.