As the gang of West Beverly begins its senior year, Andrea accuses the new reading teacher and Blaze faculty advisor, Gil Meyers, of sexism when he names Brandon the new editor of the school paper. Meanwhile, David discovers that his summer fling Nikki, is a transfer sophomore student and Donna's new friend. Brenda and Steve become "senior buddies" to two freshmen who are Sue Scanlon, the late Scott's younger sister who has two personalities, and Herbert, an intellectual type. Also, Kelly continues to be uncomfortable and jealous about seeing Dylan with Brenda.

Fate touches Brenda when her Paris beau, Rick, suddenly shows up, causing her to question her relationship with Dylan. Tragedy literally strikes Andrea when she's seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident. Meanwhile, Donna considers becoming more intimate with David, but she feels guilty about thinking about the subject of sex. Nikki also gets tickets for the Rosie O'Donnell show about the topic of AIDS and gets Brandon, Donna and David to come with her. After Steve gets bad news regarding his low SAT score, he decides to take the risk and gets Herbert to help him hack into the school computer to change his grades.

Steve stays close to Andrea (now confined to a wheelchair with two broken legs) who is keeping on top of the Feds investigation of the school break in; He fears that she may find out his criminal secret. Steve gets more worried when the sleazy school janitor, Hutchins, demands more blackmail money to keep quiet about Steve's copy of the master key . Meanwhile, Brenda, now dating Rick, freaks out when she sees Dylan dating Kelly. Dylan gets bad news regarding his appeal over his SAT' score; His frustrated peaks and he hits the road. Jim's dull work life gets a lift by his new attractive secretary Dottie and Rick's admiration of his career.

After his car breaks down while on the road, Dylan finds comfort with Anne, a wealthy heiress living at a remote ranch in the mountains. Back in Beverly Hills, Brandon learns first-hand about Nikki's abusive past when her musician ex-boyfriend, Diesel, suddenly shows up and drags Nikki away. Donna helps repair Brenda and Kelly's damaged friendship. After Hutchins threatens to blow the whistle on Steve, Steve tries to talk Herbert into taking the wrap.