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.
An unexpected visitor forces Don to reevaluate his new life. The Clarke family tries to pick up the pieces after their devastating loss. Patrick's loyalties are tested as the cop killer investigation heats up.
Don figures out a new creative way to score top talent for the show. Tessa goes to the extreme to get the dancers into shape only to end up hurting the show. JT's family is hanging by a thread.
Don has to save the show after a powerful earthquake almost brings the whole thing crashing down; Tessa has to make a choice between her career and the striking "Soul Train" dancers.
Don is forced into a complicated situation when Little Richard threatens to not perform on the show; the Clarke family clashes over their new houseguest; Gerald fights for his life against his business rival gangster.
Don celebrates the success of the "Soul Train" in Chicago but discovers it may cost him more than he bargained for; the dancers have a run-in with racists.
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.
In 1968 Don takes one step towards his dreams while dealing with his father's failing health; an estranged uncle with a dark agenda threatens the Clarke security; the Tuckers put the move to Oklahoma on hold so JT can pursue music.
Simone handles a sticky situation, Gerald double-crosses someone from his past, and Don questions Dolores's motives as his health continues to decline.
Tessa and Brooks deal with the fallout from Don's temper, Simone attempts to get back on "Soul Train" as a dancer, and Gerald tries to keep Ruby away from Don.
Simone thanks JT for helping her get back on "Soul Train," JT accepts a promotion to "run errands" for Gerald, and Don gets shot down by a successful publicist.
Tessa must rein in Sly and the Family Stone, Flo calls out Simone on how she treated Kendall, and Don gets flack when he books a famous white musician.
On the eve of their performance of Soul Train, James Brown loses his best musicians Fred Wesley and Maceo Parker. Don and Gerald help James get them back while learning a lesson in humility.
Simone steps up as JT attempts to get custody of his sister, Ruby uses her connections to impress Don, and Gerald and Don's loyalty to each other is tested.
Don rushes back home to Chicago after his son Raymond alerts him of an altercation with the neighbor. Meanwhile, in the aftermath of 206, Ruby looks to get revenge on Don and Gerald.
As Don battle his raging migraines, he looks to secure a new talk show with the network; after surviving their near death experience, Simone and JT search for their own independence and win over Aiya's foster parents.