Knots Landing: Season 8
The eighth season of Knots Landing continues to explore the complex lives of residents living in a small California seaside community. As the series progresses, the narrative focuses on the domestic adventures, misdeeds, and everyday interactions of five families residing on a cul-de-sac. The season is characterized by ongoing power struggles that influence the community, specifically involving themes of politics, mo
Season 8 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Knots Landing is a prime time soap opera that originated as a spin-off of the series Dallas.
- The series centers on the lives of families residing on a cul-de-sac in a fictitious California coastal community.
- The show documents the domestic adventures, misdeeds, and everyday interactions of its core characters.
- The narrative is driven by the interconnected lives and personal stakes of five families living in the neighborhood.
Season overview
The eighth season of Knots Landing continues to explore the complex lives of residents living in a small California seaside community. As the series progresses, the narrative focuses on the domestic adventures, misdeeds, and everyday interactions of five families residing on a cul-de-sac. The season is characterized by ongoing power struggles that influence the community, specifically involving themes of politics, money, and sex. These elements serve as the primary drivers for the conflicts that rock the idyllic setting, testing the relationships and stability of the neighbors involved. The show maintains its established format as a prime time soap opera, building upon the foundations laid since its inception in 1979. Viewers follow the evolving personal and professional stakes for the characters as they navigate these challenges within their social circle. The season reflects the broader scope of the series, which documents the interconnected experiences of these families as they deal with the consequences of their choices and the pressures of their environment. Through these various interactions, the season examines the tensions inherent in the community, providing a look at the personal dramas that define the lives of the residents in this specific coastal location.
Episode Guide
Season 8 Progress Shield
Just Disappeared (1)
Sep 18, 1986
A kidnapper imprisons Karen. Ben returns to Val, and Sumner confesses to Peter his real plans for Lotus Point.
Distant Echoes (2)
Sep 18, 1986
Gary confronts Sumner about the clean-up at Lotus Point and decides to vie for state senator against Peter.
Reunion
Sep 25, 1986
Phil tells Karen that he wants Mac to feel what it's like not to know where his wife is. Greg decides to really clean up Empire Valley.
Past Tense
Oct 2, 1986
After hosting Phil at the ranch, Sumner realizes Phil's involvement with Karen's kidnapping.
Slow Burn
Oct 9, 1986
The kidnapper tries to kill Karen, but someone intervenes. Gary's affair with Jill is exposed.
For Appearance's Sake
Oct 16, 1986
Abby and kids move back to the ranch to help out Gary's family image. Gary catches Abby in bed with Peter, but doesn't care.
All Over But the Shouting
Oct 23, 1986
Mac thinks Greg has something to do with Karen's kidnapping. Greg puts Phil in a motel until he can arrange to send him to Hong Kong.
Pressure Points
Oct 30, 1986
Lotus Point reopens. Phil has an accident. Peter takes an interest in Sylvia's medication.
Brothers and Mothers (a.k.a.) Brotherly Love and Family Business
Nov 6, 1986
Paige and Michael keep a secret, while Mack plots to have his daughter move in with his family.
Over the Edge
Nov 13, 1986
Gary and Olivia strike a deal. Sumner meets a dangerous person. Abby keeps an important secret from Peter.
A Turn of Events
Nov 20, 1986
Abby suggests Sylvia have an attorney draw up a letter with the truth about Peter, to be released to the public if anything happens to her. Jean tells Ben to report that Peter was
Touch and Go
Nov 27, 1986
Mack and Karen confront Paige and Michael. Sylvia threatens Peter, as an eyewitness implicates him.
The Inside Man
Dec 4, 1986
Sumner makes Ben a lucrative offer. Paige takes an interest in Peter, while Karen suspects Paige is a liar.
Gifts
Dec 11, 1986
Paige dates Peter. Olivia has a crash while on cocaine with Lilimae in the car.
Truth Will Out
Dec 18, 1986
Olivia gets caught with cocaine. Karen catches Paige in another lie. Gary discovers Jill's big secret.
The Unraveling
Jan 1, 1987
Abby encounters a situation she can't manipulate - Olivia's cocaine problem. Paige sees her grandfather.
No Miracle Worker
Jan 8, 1987
Abby nears the breaking point in her efforts to prevent Olivia from using drugs; Mack departs for the East Coast to meet Anne.
My True Love
Jan 15, 1987
Mack reunites with Anne and brings her back. Gary and Abby discuss the divorce, and Sumner suspects Ben.
Never Trick a Trickster
Jan 29, 1987
Sumner discovers a listening device in his home. Paige and Anne reunite, while Ben gets a bad assignment.
A Plan of Action
Feb 5, 1987
Paige starts a new job at Lotus Point. Ben tells Val their family is in great danger.
Survival of the Fittest
Feb 12, 1987
Jean proves to Ben there is no escape. Sumner and Ben meet at Ben's office. A mysterious gunshot is heard.
In Mourning
Feb 19, 1987
Rumors of Sumner's death circulate, while Laura gets a pleasant surprise.
Neighborly Conduct
Mar 12, 1987
Val reassures Jill about Gary. Ben worries Jean will return. Anne arranges a private evening with Mack.
Deadly Combination
Mar 26, 1987
Anne tries to seduce Mack while Karen works late. When Mack rebuffs her, Anne takes drastic measures.
Our Secret
Apr 2, 1987
A terrible accident befalls Sylvia. Peter gives Olivia a locket. Paige knows Anne staged her drug overdose.
Breakup
Apr 9, 1987
Abby warns Peter to stay away from Olivia, who discovers Paige with Peter and mails the letter to Gary.
Parental Guidance
Apr 30, 1987
Abby retaliates after Paige and Peter hurt Olivia, who mails Sylvia's letter. Laura gives birth.
Do Not Fold, Spindle, or Mutilate
May 7, 1987
Abby and Paige argue. Olivia learns about Abby's relationship with Peter, who befalls an unfortunate fate.
Cement the Relationship
May 14, 1987
Abby buries Peter's body, but did she kill him or was it someone else? Ben fails to call Val.