After the divorce hearings, Sue Ellen moves into her new apartment with John Ross. Lucy meets a young photographer called Roger. Mitch makes progress in his medical profession, and gets closer to Lucy. A cable from Jock announces his return from South America and Miss Ellie plans a barbecue as a homecoming. Ellie gets a phone call that changes everything forever.

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.