Jock's death devastates J.R., Ray and Lucy the most. J.R. seeks consolation with Serena but feels very depressed and neglects Ewing Oil business. Bobby takes over most of the operations. Miss Ellie is pressured by family lawyer Harv Smithfield and by Bobby but refuses to allow Jock's will to be read and to have Jock declared legally dead. Sue Ellen meets a new man named Tom. Ray refuses to go into another deal with Punk Anderson. Donna and Ray drift apart because of Donna's success. J.R. tells Sue Ellen he will never let her take John Ross away from him, despite the recent divorce.

J.R. finally returns to the business and brings John Ross into the office for the first time. Pam is concerned about whether Christopher came from a healthy family and pressures Bobby to tell her about who Christopher parents were. J.R. is afraid the reading of Jock's will is going to divide Ewing Oil shares in a way he won't like. Lucy's photographer friend Roger starts following her. Cliff gets Afton a singing job. Ray has an affair with a girl from the bar. J.R. sleeps with Marilee Stone and convinces her to talk the cartel into doing business with Ewing Oil again. Bobby has a fight with Ray over his negligence in running the ranch.