Michael and Philip are killed in the plane crash, and Linda is clinging to life. The cartel meets to discuss its ultimate goal: recovery of a Nazi treasure buried on Falcon Crest land.

Angela offers Greg Reardon a job and a political career and Richard is threatened by the cartel, which is undergoing power shifts as Gustav murders his own father to gain control.

Angela and Lance bribe a mechanic to claim Chase was drinking prior to piloting the fatal flight. Maggie's celebration for her father's return turns painful when Angela makes a startling announcement.

Padgett did not succeed in killing Richard. Lance becomes publisher of the newspaper. Joel mugs Maggie for drug money and is later hired by Cole as transportation foreman for the vineyards. Emma learns that Julia is alive.

After Sam Giannini is murdered, Gustav threatens Sam's widow. Maggie takes a job at Richard's radio station. Stephanie's mother warns her daughter about Richard. Francesca Gioberti arrives from Italy seeking help from her American cousins.

Chase is absolved of all blame for the plane crash. Lance tries to seduce Lorraine. Richard and Gustav romance Francesca, who signs over her share of Falcon Crest to Angela. Melissa tries to end her relationship with Greg.

Gustav and Spheeris kidnap and drug Julia.Melissa agrees to sell the Agretti harvest to Chase.Francesca sells her share of Falcon Crest to Richard, making him an equal partner with Angela and Chase.

Richard and Terry strike a bargain. Gustav and Spheeris torment Julia. With her divorce from Lance final, Melissa agrees to marry Cole. Maggie meets her biological mother, Charlotte Pershing, a compulsive gambler.

Angela disinherits Lance again. Chase learns that Ben never worked for the government. Charlotte loses big at the racetrack. Richard sends Joel to a drug rehabilitation center to get him away from Terry. Lance moves in with Lorraine.

Cole and Melissa honeymoon in Tahiti. Chase convinces Connie Giannini not to sell her land to Angela. Pamela advises Richard not to reject Lorraine, who is forced to move into Falcon Crest. Lance's trial is set to begin.

Lance goes into hiding to avoid prison, Angela takes over The Globe, and Robin tries to seduce Cole.The powers at Falcon Crest split over a proposed contract with Helios Foods, but two unsuspected players are at work in the deal.