Knots Landing: Season 5
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Knots Landing Season 4.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
The People vs. Gary Ewing
Sep 29, 1983
Gary's trial for the murder of Ciji begins. Karen becomes upset upon discovering Diana left with Chip Roberts.
Fugitives
Oct 6, 1983
When Diana discovers Chip's identity, she questions their relationship. Val and Ben suffer a setback.
Nowhere to Run
Oct 13, 1983
Chip and Diana are traced to a deserted shack in Oklahoma. Gary hires Laura to work for his company.
Marital Privileges
Oct 20, 1983
Diana and Karen clash over Chip. Val renews her acquaintance with Ben. Abby meets State Senator Sumner.
One Kind of Justice
Oct 27, 1983
When Chip won't confess, Lilimae adopts desperate measures. Mack is offered a job on a new crime commission.
...And Never Brought to Mind
Nov 3, 1983
Abby leaves Gary after he spends the night with Val. Lilimae needs help in the wake of her attack on Chip.
Sacred Vows
Nov 10, 1983
Gary and Abby marry, and Val is stunned by the news. Mack begins his new job on the crime commission.
A Change of Heart
Nov 17, 1983
Diana tells the police about Chip's murder of Ciji. Karen sees a doctor for insomnia. Gary follows Cathy.
Money Talks
Nov 24, 1983
Abby and Sumner begin a passionate affair. Gary invites Cathy to live at the ranch.
Homecoming
Dec 1, 1983
Gary convinces Cathy to take a job at the ranch. After escaping from the hospital, Chip hides on the ranch.
I'll Tell You No Lies
Dec 8, 1983
Diana plans to leave the ranch with Chip, until a chance encounter with Cathy leads to tragedy for Chip.
Denials
Dec 15, 1983
Mack discovers Sumner is having him followed. Karen becomes dependent on pills. Gary and Cathy get closer.
Witness
Dec 22, 1983
Val discovers she's pregnant, but her joy proves short-lived upon discovering the father's identity.
Secrets Cry Aloud
Dec 29, 1983
Mack has evidence against the Wolfbridge Group. Ben learns Gary is the father of Val's baby.
Forsaking All Others
Jan 5, 1984
Karen is committed to a hospital for detoxification. Sumner discredits Mack and asks for his resignation.
Reconcilable Differences
Jan 12, 1984
Gary uncovers damaging information about Cathy's past. Karen reaches a critical point in her detox program.
Second Chances
Jan 19, 1984
Gary learns Cathy served time for murder. Karen and Diana reconcile. Mack continues his investigation.
Lest the Truth be Known
Feb 2, 1984
Laura leads Mack to Sumner and learns the identity of the man behind Apolune. Val makes a decision about Ben.
So Shall You Reap
Feb 9, 1984
Laura tells Mack everything she knows about Abby's business deals. Abby discovers Laura and Sumner's affair.
High Ideals
Feb 16, 1984
Gary freezes the company assets and locks the office. Val's doctor instructs her not to go to El Salvador.
No Trumpets, No Drums
Feb 23, 1984
Mack goes undercover to investigate the Wolfbridge Group. Abby is served with divorce papers.
Silent Missions
Mar 1, 1984
Gary's life is in danger after he blocks the development of Lotus Point. Val gets bad news from El Salvador.
Finishing Touches
Mar 8, 1984
Mack tries to get Abby to discuss the Wolfbridge Group, as the organization chases Gary. Ben is found wounded.
Yesterday, It Rained
Mar 22, 1984
Karen learns Mack is still investigating the Wolfbridge Group. Ben arrives home. Laura learns Gary is alive.
Negotiations
Mar 29, 1984
Mack is the proposed target of an ambush. Val discovers Gary is alive and ends her engagement with Ben.