In Scottsville John-Boy enters a dance marathon with Daisy Garner, a total stranger. It starts out fun but quickly becomes a drudgery until Olivia comes to the rescue.

John-Boy goes to New York City after waiting weeks without word on his novel. It pays off and John-Boy talks to an editor who agrees to publish his novel. John-Boy comes back home and tells them the good news. He also tells the family he is moving to New York City.

John-Boy comes back home and helps with reopening the old Guthrie Mine. John and some other men work in the mine. Without warning, the fault gives way to its weaknesses and traps the men under tons of dirt and rock.

John-Boy asks Daisy to marry him so both return home and make arrangements .John talks to Daisy's mom and learns Daisy has a 3 yr old daughter.

Boone Walton comes back to Walton's mountain and gets in trouble with the law. Boone gets released in Jason's custody. Daisy Garner also comes back to Walton's Mountain to visit.

Mary Ellen gets prescription drugs and abuses them in order to study long hours for her Nurse's exam. Cissy Tucker Yancy Tucker's wife has had enough and she puts her foot down.