The History Man — Season 1
Adapted from the novel by Malcolm Bradbury
About this season
Ardently left-wing, or so it seems, Howard Kirk subtly extends his power over students and colleagues alike at a redbrick university.
Episodes (4)
1. Part 1: October 2nd 1972
Aired 4 January 1981 • 48 min
Howard Kirk is a radical Sociology lecturer at the University of Watermouth. It's a new term and he and his disenchanted wife Barbara throw a house party for students and faculty while he uses Professor Mangel's non-visit to stir up the students.
2. Part 2: October 3rd 1972 (A.M.)
Aired 11 January 1981 • 48 min
The day after the night before. Henry Beamish attempted suicide, Jane McIntosh gave birth, and Kirk had sex with his student Felicity Phee. George Carmody threatens Kirk with exposure after he fails him in class for not fitting in.
3. Part 3: October 3rd 1972 (P.M.)
Aired 18 January 1981 • 49 min
A meeting of the senate is sitting. Howard's plan to add right-wing Mangel to the visitors list pays dividends when Dr Zachery insists he should be invited. Felicity Phee helps Barbara and has a chance to confront Kirk.
4. Part 4: Gross Moral Turpitude
Aired 25 January 1981 • 63 min
Kirk is vindicated over his marking of Carmody's work. However, Carmody has filmed Kirk having sex with Felicity and files an official complaint to the Vice Chancellor. Kirk gets his demonstration for Mangal but tragedy strikes on the way there.