Air date: 1985-04-10

Runtime: min

Young Esther Summerson, brought up as an orphan, is summoned to London by her guardian's solicitors. She is to meet the Wards of Court in Jarndyce and Jarndyce court case over a will, and become acquainted with her guardian John Jarndyce for the first time.

Air date: 1985-04-17

Runtime: min

Esther is entrusted with the running of Bleak House.

Air date: 1985-04-24

Runtime: min

Lady Dedlock ceases the case, Esther refuses an offer of marriage and Miss Flite collapses after a court hearing.

Air date: 1985-05-01

Runtime: min

Lady Dedlock persuades Jo, a young crossing sweeper, to show her the haunts of the late Captain Hawdon. Richard's intended engagement to Ada perturbs Jarndyce, who considers it hasty, and they argue.

Air date: 1985-05-08

Runtime: min

Smallweed presses George for documents in Captain Hawdon's handwriting, while Jo is questioned about the 'Lady' Tulkinghorn showed around London.

Air date: 1985-05-15

Runtime: min

Esther becomes ill with smallpox, while Smallweed inherits Krook's property.

Air date: 1985-05-22

Runtime: min

Esther, severely scarred, has recovered from smallpox. She meets Lady Dedlock, who confesses that she is her mother. Jo has been found desperately ill and living rough, but dies soon afterwards. The lawyer Tulkinghorn, has been murdered in his rooms.

Air date: 1985-05-29

Runtime: min

Richard, now married to Ada, continues the legal cause of Jarndyce.