In the series premiere, it's been two decades since viewers saw the Ewing family and everyone is gathering at Southfork Ranch for the upcoming wedding of Bobby's adopted son, Christopher, to Rebecca Sutter. Although the occasion is joyous, an old family rivalry erupts in the younger generation when secret oil drilling on Southfork results in a major gusher. As the fight over oil and land threatens to tear the Ewings apart once again, everyone has his or her own agenda.
The plot to take control of Southfork gets complicated as two-timing affairs and blackmail arise, and JR starts to ask too many questions. Meanwhile, Christopher and Elena bury their feelings in order work together on a business deal. But Rebecca may be hiding secrets of her own.
Just as John Ross sets out to claim his birthright and make his father proud, JR decides to move back to Southfork, much to Ann's dismay. Bitter Ewing family enemy Cliff Barnes (guest star KEN KERCHEVAL - Dallas {original series}) returns and tries to reconnect with his nephew, Christopher. A startling family announcement offers an opportunity to heal old wounds.
John Ross seeks to gain an upper hand on a family member and resorts to blackmail, but J.R. decides to handle the situation his own way. Meanwhile, Christopher opens up to Bobby about his difficulty in choosing between the two women he loves.
With tension mounting between the newly married Christopher and Rebecca, family ties begin to unravel when the deed to Southfork is revealed. In order to thwart J.R.'s schemes, Ann seeks help from someone in her past, and Christopher decides it is time to fight dirty.
John Ross is bothered by the weight of having to do his father's dirty work and decides to move into Southfork. Strife continues to grow between Ann and Bobby when it is revealed she went to her ex for help with a family problem. Rebecca approaches Bobby and Christopher with information that she believes might help save the ranch.
Rebecca reveals a life-changing secret to Elena. Still riling from his interaction with Bobby, Ann's ex-husband demands an apology. Meanwhile, John Ross is under pressure from his allies and tries to turn one family member against another. And a family associate is murdered, leaving everyone to wonder about the culprit.
When murder hangs over the Ewing household, the family is forced to make decisions ... for the good of the family. Christopher moves closer to his dream when a large oil company approaches him about rights to new methane technology. And the Ewings fight to protect Southfork from outsiders.
John Ross learns the value of family when he must choose between blood and oil. Sue Ellen and Rebecca both find themselves victims of men who could destroy their lives. And the Ewings must once again rally around one another when a medical crisis strikes.
In the dramatic season one finale, family bonds bring the Ewings together as a loved one faces a medical crisis. Christopher and Elena begin to learn that not everyone is who they appear to be, including the people closest to them. Long-buried secrets are revealed as the past rears its ugly head.
