Rebecca gives Cliff autonomy in running Wentworth Tool and Die, which upsets Katherine. Donna learns during her book research that the late Sam Culver and Jock had Sam's uncle Jonas Culver committed to a mental institution to get his oil-rich land. J.R. gets Christopher's birth certificate from California. Clayton wants to find out from Afton whether Cliff is worthy of Sue Ellen. Katherine meets with J.R. about how to stop Cliff. J.R. plots to have Cliff buy worthless land. Farraday blackmails Bobby. Roger tells Lucy she can never have pictures with anybody else and threatens her. Pam tells Roger to stay away from Lucy.

Clayton goes overseas on vacation. Bobby finds Farraday murdered. Sue Ellen accuses J.R. of destroying her friendship with Clayton. Donna and Miss Ellie clash over Donna's discovery of Jock's involvement in Jonas Culver's death. Cliff thinks he's on the verge of striking oil and asks Sue Ellen again to marry him. J.R. tells Bobby he's Christopher's father and demands Bobby's loyalty on Ewing Oil business in return for keeping the matter secret. J.R. tells Sue Ellen that Cliff is heading for disaster. Police take Bobby in for questioning about Farraday's murder.