Power struggles over politics, money and sex rock the idyllic seaside community of Knots Landing.
Episode 1
Just Disappeared (1)
September 18, 1986
A kidnapper imprisons Karen. Ben returns to Val, and Sumner confesses to Peter his real plans for Lotus Point.
Episode 2
Distant Echoes (2)
September 18, 1986
Gary confronts Sumner about the clean-up at Lotus Point and decides to vie for state senator against Peter.
Episode 3
Reunion
September 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.
Episode 4
Past Tense
October 2, 1986
After hosting Phil at the ranch, Sumner realizes Phil's involvement with Karen's kidnapping.
Episode 5
Slow Burn
October 9, 1986
The kidnapper tries to kill Karen, but someone intervenes. Gary's affair with Jill is exposed.
Episode 6
For Appearance's Sake
October 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.
Episode 7
All Over But the Shouting
October 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.
Episode 8
Pressure Points
October 30, 1986
Lotus Point reopens. Phil has an accident. Peter takes an interest in Sylvia's medication.
Episode 9
Brothers and Mothers (a.k.a.) Brotherly Love and Family Business
November 6, 1986
Paige and Michael keep a secret, while Mack plots to have his daughter move in with his family.
Episode 10
Over the Edge
November 13, 1986
Gary and Olivia strike a deal. Sumner meets a dangerous person. Abby keeps an important secret from Peter.
Episode 11
A Turn of Events
November 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 seen with Jill before the accident.
Episode 12
Touch and Go
November 27, 1986
Mack and Karen confront Paige and Michael. Sylvia threatens Peter, as an eyewitness implicates him.
Episode 13
The Inside Man
December 4, 1986
Sumner makes Ben a lucrative offer. Paige takes an interest in Peter, while Karen suspects Paige is a liar.
Episode 14
Gifts
December 11, 1986
Paige dates Peter. Olivia has a crash while on cocaine with Lilimae in the car.
Episode 15
Truth Will Out
December 18, 1986
Olivia gets caught with cocaine. Karen catches Paige in another lie. Gary discovers Jill's big secret.
Episode 16
The Unraveling
January 1, 1987
Abby encounters a situation she can't manipulate - Olivia's cocaine problem. Paige sees her grandfather.
Episode 17
No Miracle Worker
January 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.
Episode 18
My True Love
January 15, 1987
Mack reunites with Anne and brings her back. Gary and Abby discuss the divorce, and Sumner suspects Ben.
Episode 19
Never Trick a Trickster
January 29, 1987
Sumner discovers a listening device in his home. Paige and Anne reunite, while Ben gets a bad assignment.
Episode 20
A Plan of Action
February 5, 1987
Paige starts a new job at Lotus Point. Ben tells Val their family is in great danger.
Episode 21
Survival of the Fittest
February 12, 1987
Jean proves to Ben there is no escape. Sumner and Ben meet at Ben's office. A mysterious gunshot is heard.
Episode 22
In Mourning
February 19, 1987
Rumors of Sumner's death circulate, while Laura gets a pleasant surprise.
Episode 24
Neighborly Conduct
March 12, 1987
Val reassures Jill about Gary. Ben worries Jean will return. Anne arranges a private evening with Mack.
Episode 25
Deadly Combination
March 26, 1987
Anne tries to seduce Mack while Karen works late. When Mack rebuffs her, Anne takes drastic measures.
Episode 26
Our Secret
April 2, 1987
A terrible accident befalls Sylvia. Peter gives Olivia a locket. Paige knows Anne staged her drug overdose.
Episode 27
Breakup
April 9, 1987
Abby warns Peter to stay away from Olivia, who discovers Paige with Peter and mails the letter to Gary.
Episode 28
Parental Guidance
April 30, 1987
Abby retaliates after Paige and Peter hurt Olivia, who mails Sylvia's letter. Laura gives birth.
Episode 29
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.
Episode 30
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.
