The Final Countdown

Maggies Leben hängt an einem seidenen Faden. Nachdem der Tumor bereits zum Verlust ihrer Sehkraft geführt hat, rät Chefarzt Michael Ranson zu einer operativen Entfernung des kranken Gewebes. Doch dies ist mit großen Risken verknüpft. Angela drängt Lance, sich mit Melissa zu versöhnen, damit es einen Erben auf Falcon Crest gibt. Als ihm Melissa die kalte Schulter zeigt, wendet sich sein Zorn gegen Angela.

Michael convinces Chase to let him operate on Maggie's tumor, which has already taken her sight and may take her life. Michael enlists his former lover, anesthesiologist Lillian Heller, for helping with Maggie's operation. Lillian is a houseguest, which arouses Terry's jealousy. As Maggie is wheeled into the operating room, Chase wonders if he will ever see his wife again. At Falcon Crest, Angela urges Lance to reconcile with Melissa in order to produce a true heir to Falcon Crest. However, when Lance begs Melissa to give their marriage a second chance, she sees through his insincerity and coldly reminds him that she is the sole beneficiary to Falcon Crest and has no intention of sharing her empire with him. Philip adds to his winery staff by hiring away Angela's best people. Meanwhile, Pamela carries out Spheeris's orders to help destroy Richard, while Richard is preoccupied with trying to win over Chase to obtain his inheritance for the completion of the racetrack.