Cliff plots to tempt J.R. with political office. Mark Graison continues to try to impress Pam. J.R. gets a visit from an Air Force general concerning Harwood Oil's cancelled military contracts. J.R. gets Sue Ellen to ask Clayton to refine his oil but the plans backfires. Bobby sees J.R. talking to George Hicks of the Texas Energy Commission and suspects Hicks has been bought by J.R. Miss Ellie goes to Galveston to get away from it all and runs into Clayton. J.R. tries to romance Holly but she threatens him with a gun. Bobby plots to play dirty with George Hicks.

After the plane crash, Rebecca dies, with Pam at her bedside. Clayton accuses J.R. of being responsible for Rebecca's death. The Texas Energy Commission rescinds J.R.'s variance and J.R. gets mad at George Hicks who tells him he was blackmailed by Bobby. Cliff feels guilty for Rebecca's death and seeks consolation from Afton. Katherine arrives from New York and accuses Donna of being responsible for J.R.'s losing his variance. J.R. takes up Driscoll's Caribbean deal. Mark Graison attends Rebecca's funeral but J.R. stays away. Pam makes a big decision.