Dylan's Porsche is experiencing severe wear and tear, so he must buy a new car. He plans to just get a working vehicle, but instead splurges on a new Porsche. Kelly realizes that she and Dylan have vastly different interests, and recommends that they see other people. As Dylan drives home after the break-up, he is carjacked. Andrea loses her virginity to Dan. She feels uncomfortable in English class and decides to transfer to another section. Jim sets up Brenda on a blind date with Stuart Carson, the son of a client. He is handsome and dashing, and the two stay out until 2 AM. Exhausted from his overnight radio show, David skips classes and lies around the apartment all day. Kelly and Donna complain that he has become a pig, and he makes an on-air apology. Music: ""Crossfire"" by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble; ""Man on the Moon"" by R.E.M.; ""Fire and Rain"" by James Taylor (#3, 1970)

Brenda wins the lead, much to the amazement of those who saw her audition. Steve starts a rumor that Brenda slept with Roy. Dylan is the only person who completely believes Brenda's denial. Laura causes Brenda to miss a rehearsal in an attempt to get her fired. When this fails, she asks Steve to injure Brenda. Roy kicks Laura out of the play. Steve and Brenda race to stop Laura from killing herself in the auditorium. Suzanne and Kevin get engaged, and Dylan learns more about Kevin's research. Kevin quits his job and decides to pitch the project to independent investors. Clare tries to tag along on Brandon's trip to Berkeley. Brandon tells the chancellor the truth about his daughter's behavior.

Music: ""Free Ride"" by The Edgar Winter Group (#14, 1973)

Kelly alienates her friends as she becomes more deeply involved with Finley's cause. Brandon writes an editorial supporting Finley in the hopes of getting back into Kelly's good graces. The university elects to oust Finley, who vows to continue his teachings elsewhere. He urges Kelly to break it off with Brandon, as he feels that Brandon distracts her from the ""evolution."" A record company pursues Ray, and Ariel is the A&R representative who must seal the deal. Donna and David warn Ray to stay away from Ariel, but he insists that their relationship will remain strictly business. Ray rejects the contract because it would require him to surrender his publishing rights. After a visit to Hawaii to ensure that the two get along, Dylan decides to leave Erica with Iris. Valerie demands compensation for her role in retrieving Erica and the money, and finds Dylan's $10,000 offer unsatisfactory. Jonesy agrees to a much larger payoff if she promises to work with him again.