Don risks everything to land an A-List performer in order to take Soul Train nationwide. While Tessa struggles to live up to Don's expectations, she discovers a new act that could be the next big thing.

Don works with an unlikely partner, Tessa has second thoughts, JT's old friend leads him down the wrong path, and the Clarke family awaits Joseph's return from Vietnam.

When Dick Clark debuts a rival show, Don enlists the help of a renowned activist to take him down; JT makes a deal with the Crips in order to protect his family; Tessa auditions for a dance troupe and has a run-in with her past.