The Ewing family are shocked by the news that James is J.R.'s son. A tanker crash creates a P.R. nightmare for both Ewing Oil and Weststar. Michelle attempts to squeeze both Carter and J.R. Vanessa attempts to convince her son to return to Europe.

J.R. begins to mould James, who seems to already have the seduction line done to perfection. Cliff wants to be part of the official investigation into the tanker accident. John Ross is surprised to have a new half-brother. Bobby wants to commit to April. Miss Ellie gives J.R. the letter that Jock wrote.