During the 4^th season of Dallas, the writers and producers wanted to continue the tremendous success that came from season 3 which marked the first time that the series earned the top spot in ratings. They had to create new situations, new plots, and new twists to satisfy the demands of the American television audience.

While some minor plots were woven into the main story line, the big story line was the romance between Cliff Barnes and Sue Ellen. J.R. obviously had to contend with being a jealous man, so he went about trying to financially ruin Cliff by toppling Wentworth Tool and Die, a company created by Cliff's mother. This caused a good deal of friction between Cliff and his mother, and she fired him as a result.

Even though good fortune seemed to elude him, Cliff was determined to marry Sue Ellen. Yet, for the problems they experienced in the past, Sue Ellen and J.R. made a public announcement to the family they were going to be married again. Cliff found this to be one too many back stabbings from J.R., so he attempted suicide.

Now the problem wasn't only that Cliff had decided to commit suicide, but Sue Ellen felt guilty for the fact that he tried. To justify her mental imbalance, she told J.R. that if Cliff died, then the wedding was off. That sounds reasonable! Season 4 ends with Sue Ellen at the bedside of Cliff Barnes.