International oil companies are starting to leave Stavanger after years of unsuccessful oil exploration. This has consequences for everyone in the city, not least Christian Nyman who has worked as a diver on a platform, and Toril Torstensen who has an American boyfriend who works for Shell. Ingrid Nyman makes a big decision on behalf of the whole family.

The mayor in Stavanger speculates on whether the Americans might have found oil.

Fredrik Nyman has to come up with a plan to save the factory.

Ingrid plans a party for Fredrik's 50th, and the divers take risks on the oil rig.

Phillips Petroleum looks to build a gigantic tank for oil storage.

Christian and Martin start their own diving company, and an old friend of Toril's returns.

Anna does something she regrets at the Esso Motor Hotel, and Tori reaches out to Bengt.

Parliament votes on which city is to become the oil capital of Norway.