Part 1: '2nd October, 1972', originally transmitted on BBC2, 4 January 1981

Howard and Barbara wake up, have breakfast with their children and then go shopping for supplies for the party they are giving that night. Barbara is depressed over the death of an acquaintance who left a suicide note saying, 'This is silly'. She feels it is symptomatic of the despair of their generation, but Howard doesn't agree. He drives to the university where he teaches and bumps into fellow lecturer, Moira. He tells her that controversial geneticist Mangle has been invited to speak at the university. Moira is outraged and plans to raise it at the next day's departmental meeting.

Felicity, one of Howard's students, tells him she now believes that she isn't a lesbian any more, but doesn't know what to do. He tells her she should do whatever she likes. Two new students arrive and he tells them why Sociology is the most important subject on the curriculum. After a meeting of the Revolutionary Student Front, Howard continues to spread the rumour that Mangle has been invited to speak at the University. He later runs into his accident-prone colleague Henry, who apologises for the falling out they had at the end of the previous term.

Howard passes the afternoon with Flora, another colleague. After they have sex they discuss Barbara and her discontent and her accusation that Howard is a phoney, a radical only interested in following the latest trends. He heads home and finds Barbara having a bath, angry that he didn't help more in the preparations for the party. Henry's wife Myra arrives early to tell them that she plans on leaving her husband. When Barbara leaves the room, Myra reminds Howard of their brief affair years ago.

Dr McIntosh and his heavily pregnant wife arrive for the party, soon joined by large numbers of people, including Annie Callender, the new lecturer in English Literature. Howard is quickly drawn to her as she seems completely at odds with his philosophy, challenging all his positions. McIntosh's wife comes down with labour pangs and goes to hospital, but it proves to be a false alarm. Barbara takes McIntosh to bed. Howard finds Felicity in his basement study reading the manuscript of his new book. Looking through the window, Annie sees that after being initially angry Howard ends up having sex with Felicity. Flora arrives just as Henry deliberately thrusts his hand through a window, slashing his wrists.Part 1: '2nd October, 1972', originally transmitted on BBC2, 4 January 1981 Synopsis Howard and Barbara wake up, have breakfast with their children and then go shopping for supplies for the party they are giving that night. Barbara is depressed over the death of an acquaintance who left a suicide note saying, 'This is silly'. She feels it is symptomatic of the despair of their generation, but Howard doesn't agree. He drives to the university where he teaches and bumps into fellow lecturer, Moira. He tells her that controversial geneticist Mangle has been invited to speak at the university. Moira is outraged and plans to raise it at the next day's departmental meeting. Felicity, one of Howard's students, tells him she now believes that she isn't a lesbian any more, but doesn't know what to do. He tells her she should do whatever she likes. Two new students arrive and he tells them why Sociology is the most important subject on the curriculum. After a meeting of the Revolutionary Student Front, Howard continues to spread the rumour that Mangle has been invited to speak at the University. He later runs into his accident-prone colleague Henry, who apologises for the falling out they had at the end of the previous term. Howard passes the afternoon with Flora, another colleague. After they have sex they discuss Barbara and her discontent and her accusation that Howard is a phoney, a radical only interested in following the latest trends. He heads home and finds Barbara having a bath, angry that he didn't help more in the preparations for the party. Henry's wife Myra arrives early to tell them that she plans on leaving her husband. When Barbara leaves the room, Myra reminds Howard of their brief affair years ago. Dr McIntosh and his heavily pregnant wife arrive for the party, soon joined by large numbers of people, including Annie Callender, the new lecturer in English Literature. Howard is quickly drawn to her as she seems completely at odds with his philosophy, challenging all his positions. McIntosh's wife comes down with labour pangs and goes to hospital, but it proves to be a false alarm. Barbara takes McIntosh to bed. Howard finds Felicity in his basement study reading the manuscript of his new book. Looking through the window, Annie sees that after being initially angry Howard ends up having sex with Felicity. Flora arrives just as Henry deliberately thrusts his hand through a window, slashing his wrists.