What about this scenario? Jason didn't die from his fall in the winery, in the very first episode.

Chase, Maggie and the family still come to Tuscany while Jason convalesces. They decide to stay even after he becomes stronger.

What we then see is a determined Chase getting Jason over his alcoholism. The duo set the wheels in motion to be just as much equal in Falcon Crest as Angela.

She still fights 'tooth and nail' to have the supreme authority. However Jason who is now more focused and not dependent on alcohol gives all he has to 'copper fasten' his share, ably accompanied by Chase, a board supervisor.

No doubt Angela would still have roped Lance into the ring, claiming his inheritance would have been severely depleted. Julia would evidently have sided with them, with Emma possibly leaning more towards her uncle and cousin, while Richard would still have come along, with a view to having it all.

Could you have envisaged the show's dynamics altering significantly by making Jason a principal character?