Mastermind: 1990
Season 18 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 17.
- 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 18 Progress Shield
Episode 1
Jan 7, 1990
With Magnus Magnusson from the University of Lancaster's Great Hall. Mastermind is back for its 18th series with the first of this year's 64 contenders for the title Mastermind 199
Episode 2
Jan 14, 1990
With Magnus Magnusson from the University of Lancaster. Four contenders from the North of England compete for a place in the semi-finals. Dave Williams (teacher) 'Epic' historical
Episode 3
Jan 21, 1990
With Magnus Magnusson from the University of Bristol, where four more hopefuls are in the spotlight at the Victoria Rooms. Ian Mallinson (retired schoolmaster) Life and work of An
Episode 4
Jan 28, 1990
With Magnus Magnusson. Four contenders from Wales and the west of England compete at the Victoria Rooms, University of Bristol. Margaret Withers (retired architect) The life and wo
Episode 5
Feb 4, 1990
With Magnus Magnusson. St Andrews University, Scotland's oldest, is the setting for tonight's heat of Mastermind, when four contenders, all living in Scotland, compete for a place
Episode 6
Feb 18, 1990
From the University of St Andrews with Magnus Magnusson. The four contenders are: Philip Atkinson (media director) The life and career of Lyndon Baines Johnson; John Mottram (reti
Episode 7
Feb 25, 1990
Four contenders from London and the south of England compete in the Peel Centre at the Metropolitan Police Cadet School at Hendon for a place in the semi-finals. Julia McAllister
Episode 8
Mar 4, 1990
The Metropolitan Police Cadet school at Hendon is again the venue where four contenders take their chance in the quest for the title 'Mastermind 1990'. Kate Taylor (freelance writ
Episode 9
Mar 11, 1990
Four contenders from the south of England and the Channel Islands are competing for a place in the semi-finals, in the dramatic setting of the Great Hall at Winchester. Maurice Mc
Episode 10
Mar 18, 1990
From the Great Hall, Winchester. Four contenders from the south of England and the Channel Islands compete for a place in the semi-finals. Maurice McGrave (reference librarian) Th
Episode 11
Mar 25, 1990
Tonight's contenders are: Peter Hooper (immigration officer): British and American musical theatre since 1945; David Edwards (schoolteacher): Life and work of Michael Faraday ; Ma
Episode 12
Apr 1, 1990
Tonight's contenders are: James Alexander (student psychiatric nurse) 20th-century European drama; Margaret Thomas (housewife) The life and reign of Queen Victoria; Alan Drury (s
Episode 13
Apr 8, 1990
The contenders tonight are: Bernard Howell (civil servant) Life and music of Frederick Delius; James Palmer (retired university lecturer) History of British aviation, 1909-60; Eliz
Episode 14
Apr 15, 1990
Tonight's contenders are: John Flashman (civil servant) Life and works of John Constable; Gavin Hyde (lock keeper) Life and works of Henry Williamson; Paul Webbewood (civil serva
Episode 15
Apr 22, 1990
The contenders tonight are: Dave Ross (welfare rights worker) History of British football from 1863; Josephine Levine (cosmetic consultant) The novels of Evelyn Waugh; Kenneth Go
Episode 16
Apr 29, 1990
The contenders tonight are: James Moore (freelance writer) British-American musical theatre, 1915-35; Andrew Pantin (civil servant) Life and works of Christopher Isherwood; Brian
Episode 17
May 6, 1990
The contenders in tonight's semi-final are: Chantal Thompson (trainee solicitor) Life and career of Montrose 1612-50; Hamish Cameron (computer manager) Life and times of Edward I
Episode 18
May 13, 1990
The contenders in tonight's second semi-final are: Brian Bibby (civil servant) History of the Belgian Royal Family; Isobel Osmont (wife and mother) Life and times of Simon Bolivar
Episode 19
May 27, 1990
The contenders in tonight's third semi-final are: Bruce Watson (antique furniture restorer) Life and works of James Brindley; Helen Grayson (technical writer) Novels of Kurt Vonn
Episode 20
Jun 3, 1990
In tonight's fourth semi-final are David Steele (local government accountant) on the life and career of President Truman; Paul Webbewood (civil servant) on the life and career of O
Episode 21
Jun 10, 1990
The last semi-final is for the four highest-scoring losers. Tonight's contenders: Stephen Burgess (leading steward. Royal Navy) on the history of the Royal Navy, 1756-1815; Mary R
The Final
Jun 17, 1990
The climax of the 1990 series from the City Chambers, Glasgow, when the winner will receive the coveted Mastermind trophy from Jonathan Powell , Controller BBC1. The finalists are: