Befriended by aristocrat Sebastian Flyte, Oxford student Charles Ryder finds that the power and privilege experienced by the family is seductive. On a visit to the ancestral home, Brideshead, he falls in love with his friend's sister, Julia. However, as his ties to the Flytes deepen, Ryder finds himself at odds with their strong Roman Catholicism.
Brideshead Revisited (Season 1)
Et in Arcadia Ego (Episode 1) 8.0
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-10-12
Runtime: 100 min
Overview: In the spring of 1943, disillusioned Army captain Charles Ryder stumbles upon Brideshead, once home to the Marchmain family, and recalls how he visited it for the first time twenty years ago.
Home and Abroad (Episode 2) 8.0
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-10-20
Runtime: 53 min
Overview: While Sebastian recovers from a broken foot, Charles is introduced to Sebastian's younger sister Cordelia and his older brother Brideshead "Bridey". Sebastian decides to accept an invitation to Venice by his father, Lord Marchmain, and takes Charles with him.
The Bleak Light of Day (Episode 3)
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-10-27
Runtime: 53 min
Overview: As Charles gets closer to Sebastian's family, he and Sebastian begin growing apart. Lady Marchmain visits the university and implores Charles to be a good influence on her rowdy son.
Sebastian Against the World (Episode 4) 8.0
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-11-03
Runtime: 53 min
Overview: Sebastian's alcoholism, depression, and misbehaviour become more and more of a problem. At an unhappy Easter at Brideshead, Charles tries to reason with him and is left devastated.
A Blow Upon a Bruise (Episode 5)
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-11-10
Runtime: 51 min
Overview: Charles returns from Paris to spend New Year 1925 at Brideshead and finds the family keeping Sebastian penniless to prevent him from spending on alcohol.
Julia (Episode 6)
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-11-17
Runtime: 51 min
Overview: Rex Mottram is determined to marry Julia, a prospect which a fatally ill Lady Marchmain is reluctant about. Charles learns that Sebastian stole money and disappeared.
The Unseen Hook (Episode 7) 9.0
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-11-24
Runtime: 51 min
Overview: With Lady Marchmain very near to death, Charles searches French Morocco for Sebastian. He finds him, and is shocked by the state he is in.
Brideshead Deserted (Episode 8)
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-12-01
Runtime: 52 min
Overview: Bridey commissions Charles to paint some parts of the family's London residence before it is demolished. He meets Cordelia again, and she expresses her unhappiness with the current state of her family.
Orphans of the Storm (Episode 9)
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-12-08
Runtime: 53 min
Overview: Charles and Julia meet on a transatlantic liner and begin an affair, to the dismay of Rex and Celia.
A Twitch Upon the Thread (Episode 10)
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-12-15
Runtime: 52 min
Overview: Bridey rebukes Julia for having affair with Charles while being married to someone else, stirring up intense emotions in her. Cordelia brings distressing news of Sebastian.
Brideshead Revisited (Episode 11)
Writer: John Mortimer
Air date: 1981-12-22
Runtime: 90 min
Overview: In 1939, the terminally ill Lord Marchmain decides to return to Brideshead, and his children begin preparing for his death.
Seasons
Episodes 11
Episodes 7