It's Lucy Ewing's birthday. Sue Ellen is planning the music, Pam brings her home dresses, and J.R is planning the guest list. Lucy is not pleased. She tries to convince Grandaddy Jock to let her invite her mother. Jock says he does not want Valene on the Ranch given how she left the last time. Lucy tries to explain that J.R lied, and her mother never took the bribe J.R offered, but he stands firm. Lucy leaves Southfork in the middle of the night, taking a guitar, and J.R's car with her. Eventually she is picked up by a con man, Willie Guest, who includes Lucy in some of his thefts and scams.

During a storm, the Ewing plane, with both J.R and Bobby on board, crashes. The news gets to Ellie first, who, worried about his heart condition, insists the news be kept from Jock. As J.R and Bobby fight for survival, the Ewing women contemplate life with them in it. Sue Ellen is worried her place at Southfork is not secure without a Ewing heir. She comes across Lucy trying to get in touch with Gary, and argues with the young girl. Lucy taunts back that Sue Ellen will never have Southork without a child of her own. Miss Ellie confronts a reporter who comes to Southfork, and Jock overhears and is furious that the news has been kept from him.