Episode list

The Hammond family attends the funeral of its patriarch Robert. Jennifer Kingsley, Robert's assistant, is summoned to the family home for the reading of the will. Robert's legacy proves to be a Pandora's box as the family's road haulage business is divided equally between his three adult sons and Jennifer, who is revealed to be his mistress and the mother of his illegitimate daughter Barbara. Eldest son Edward refuses to share the firm to which he has devoted his life, while brothers Brian (an accountant) and David (a layabout playboy) have no interest in the company. Jennifer stuns Barbara with the revelation that she's illegitimate. After learning that they haven't been left any capital, Brian's restless wife Ann encourages him to sell his shares in the firm. David informs his girlfriend Jill of his father's death and his ambivalence toward a conventional lifestyle. Robert's widow Mary avoids dealing with her late husband's betrayal. The brothers and Jennifer convene for their first director's meeting.

A chairman and managing director is elected at Hammond Transport. Still attempting to accept her mother's revelation, Barbara visits her father's grave. Ann enlists Mary's assistance in convincing Brian to sell his shares in the firm. Edward receives financing to buy his brothers' and Jennifer's shares, but his deliberate cruelty changes Jennifer's mind. Barbara meets with the family solicitor Mr. Cassel to learn more about the man Robert Hammond. Ann insists on seeing Brian before he gives Edward a decision, but he's more concerned with the firm's balance sheets. Mary vows to contest Robert's second will. Feeing suffocated by domesticity, Ann issues Brian a stern warning about their marriage.

Mary gives Edward a note requesting a meeting with Jennifer. Ann spends the afternoon with Mr. Foster, the father of one of her children's schoolmates. David demonstrates an interest in the firm's lorries, but Edward is annoyed that he sought help from employee Bill Riley instead of him. Jennifer refuses Mary's invitation. Ann arranges a dinner with Mr. Stevens, Brian's former employer, and manipulates him into not completely severing Brian's employment. Barbara wants to meet with Mary. David entertains Jill, who finds him boring since receiving his boring directorship. After Mary unleashes her animosity on Jennifer and Barbara, Jennifer blames Edward.

As David decides whether or not to remain in the firm, Brian suggests the company needs to undergo growth. Barbara questions Ann about Robert Hammond's personality and learns he was very much like Edward, only more charming and more calculating. A new salesman invites Jennifer to lunch. David and Jill ponder a life of leisure traveling the world should he accept Edward's offer. Mary makes Brian a financial offer. After David gives Edward a final decision, Edward returns to Brian with a counter-offer. A furious Ann seeks solace from David.

David develops a closer relationship with Barbara and Jennifer. Edward reminds his brothers of a party hosted by Birkett, an important client, but Brian declines and David wants out of it, too. Jennifer lunches with Walker and learns more about his personal life. Mary tells Jennifer that she doesn't want their private life a topic of conversation at the Birkett party. Ann decides to attend the party alone. Jill meets Edward for the first time, and he's amazed by the sight of Jennifer in her evening gown. Barbara pumps Birkett for more information about her father. David cools his relationship with Jill. Brian wonders what's keeping Ann at the party so late, while she amuses herself with a handsome guest.

David meets with Sir John Borret to arrange a new contract for Hammond Transport. Jennifer encourages Brian to talk openly with Ann about her activities following the Birkett party. Brian warns Jennifer that Edward won't readily accept Walker's accounting systematization. David and Jennifer find themselves needing one another's voting support against Edward. Ann refuses to ease Brian's fears that she's having an affair and realizes it comes down to his choosing between her or the firm. Barbara considers leaving home. Sir John orders his beautiful assistant Sally to cultivate David. Edward fears his brothers and Jennifer have made their first move to oust him.

Hammond Transport moves forward with the Borret contract, but the financial strain of loans places the firm in a precarious position. Mary blames Jennifer for casting the crucial vote. David cautions an indignant Barbara about Peter. Brian and Ann examine properties for their new home. Edward and Bill Riley hear news about a potential dock workers strike. Jennifer comes to a realization about her developing relationship with Frank Walker, while Sally reveals more of her character to David. Edward summons the directors for an emergency board meeting, and Brian delivers a grim estimate of how long the company can continue unimpeded if the strike reaches fruition.

A Hammond Transport shipment is being withheld due to the strike. Mary experiences heart problems. Ann discovers that Brian's salary is frozen during the strike, jeopardizing the purchase of their new house. Mary summons Barbara to discuss the future. Bill and David break the picket line to liberate the Hammond shipment. David confides to Brian his intention to fight Edward. Edward and Jennifer share a quiet moment. Ann talks tactics with Edward to move Brian where they want him.

Sir John pumps Sally for personal information about the brothers and subsequently arranges a business lunch. Edward suspects Borret of having a sinister motive behind the meeting. Mary suggests giving Brian her house to ease tensions with Ann. Sir John presents a stunning offer to Hammond. Jennifer warns Edward not to run roughshod over the other directors. Mary and David discuss Edward's personal life and finding the right wife for him. Brian's inquiries make the Borret situation clearer. Barbara receives news about art school. Edward drops round Jennifer's flat. Brian tells Ann of Mary's proposition, but her reaction is not what he expected.

Brian confides in David about Ann's latest move, while Ann seeks refuge with her parents. Jennifer begins to see more of Robert's qualities in Edward, and Barbara gives her approval should they seek a relationship. David reacts defensively when Edward mentions Sir John luring them in with Sally Woolfe. The directors weigh Edward's proposal to promote Bill Riley and groom him for an eventual directorship, but Bill scoffs at the notion. Brian confronts Ann about their responsibilities to the family. Still recuperating from her heart attack, Mary overhears Edward's warm conversation with Jennifer. David's relationship with Sally reaches a turning point. Mary issues a stern warning to Jennifer about marrying Edward.