Mastermind: 1988
Season 16 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Mastermind Season 15.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 16 Progress Shield
Episode 1
Jan 7, 1988
Mastermind is back with the first of this year's 64 contenders, who tonight set out to see who can become 'Mastermind 1988'. The season opens at the University of Exeter when the
Episode 2
Jan 14, 1988
The University of Exeter is host as four more contenders do battle to find Mastermind's 1988 champion John Ingram (unemployed sales administrator) The life and works of Tolstoy
Episode 3
Jan 21, 1988
The University of Liverpool is host to four contenders from the north west of England who compete for a place in the semi-finals. Philip Wilson (computer system administrator) The
Episode 4
Jan 28, 1988
with Magnus Magnusson at the University of Liverpool Alan Roberts (trainee licensee) Orchestral music 1830-1950 Alastair Finch (general practitioner) The films of Cary Grant Ann
Episode 5
Feb 4, 1988
St George 's School for Girls, Edinburgh, this year celebrating its centenary, is host to four contenders competing for the title Mastermind 1988 Sandy Macpherson (chartered surve
Episode 6
Feb 11, 1988
with Magnus Magnusson from St George's School for Girls, Edinburgh Ewen Macpherson (retired lecturer) The history of the Highland Railway 1854-1923 Vicki Graham (administrator) F
Episode 7
Feb 18, 1988
The Great Hall of Hatfield Polytechnic is the setting for this week's Mastermind which involves four contenders from London and the south east. Roy Bailey (film producer) The lif
Episode 8
Feb 25, 1988
Four contenders from London and the South East seek a place in the semi-finals of Mastermind 1988. They are the guests of Hatfield Polytechnic in Hertfordshire. John Rook (lecture
Episode 9
Mar 3, 1988
Four contenders compete in the historic surroundings of the keep of Colchester Castle. Tom Billson (county cricket scorer) The life and career of Woody Herman Pamela Mobsby (sheep
Episode 10
Mar 10, 1988
Colchester Castle is again the setting for four contenders from London and the South East, who compete in the impressive museum in the keep of the castle. David Beamish (House of
Episode 11
Mar 17, 1988
Bedford School is host to four contenders seeking the title of Mastermind 1988. Keith Harrison (schoolteacher) The life, times and novels of Benjamin Disraeli Eileen Eaves (retir
Episode 12
Mar 24, 1988
Four contenders from the Midlands and east of England are competing in the Great Hall of Bedford School. Jasmin Schelts (registered child minder) History of English costume 1789-19
Episode 13
Mar 31, 1988
Tonight's programme comes from the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop in Hampshire. Set among the impressive exhibits of this new museum, four contenders from the south of Engl
Episode 14
Apr 7, 1988
The Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop in Hampshire is the setting for tonight's competition between four contenders from the south of England. David Simms (professional tenni
Episode 15
Apr 14, 1988
with Magnus Magnusson at the Great Hall of the University of Leeds Geoffrey Hutton (retired bank manager) The American Civil War; Christine Moorcroft (advisory teacher) The life
Episode 16
Apr 21, 1988
Mastermind reaches the end of the first stage in this year's series, with four contenders competing for the last place in the semi-finals. The location is the Great Hall of the Un
Episode 17
Apr 28, 1988
Tonight Mastermind reaches the semi-finals. The venue is St Andrew's College of Education, Bearsden, Glasgow. Henry Boettinger (consultant and author) The life and work of Thomas
Episode 18
May 5, 1988
St Andrew's College of Education, Bearsden, Glasgow is the location for the second semi-final of this year's series. Mike Rice (freelance journalist) The Life and Novels of Barba
Episode 19
May 12, 1988
Middlesex Polytechnic at Trent Park in North London is the setting for this third semi-final. Kevin Perkins (contracts liaison officer) The Novels of Agatha Christie; Tom King (fr
Episode 20
May 19, 1988
This is the last semi-final for the outright first-round winners. It comes from the New Hall of Middlesex Polytechnic at Trent Park. Mark Turner (barrister) The Life and Times of E
Episode 21
May 26, 1988
Tonight's semi-final is for the four best-scoring losers in the series. They compete at Middlesex Polytechnic for the last place in the final. Eileen Eaves (retired schoolteacher
The Final Five
Jun 2, 1988
Magnus Magnusson introduces a closer look at the five contenders who have made it to the final of Mastermind 1988. He also talks to past Mastermind champions and members of the Mas
The Final
Jun 5, 1988
After months of intense competition, the five finalists out of the original 64 contenders now compete for the coveted title of Mastermind 1988. The MacRobert Arts Centre at the Un