The Owl Service

Season

1969

UK

7.2

Three teenagers discover a mysterious set of owl and flower-patterned dinner plates in the attic and the magical ancient legend of the "Mabinogion" comes to life once again in their Welsh valley.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Episode #1.1

Teenagers Alison and her new stepbrother Roger arrive at a remote Welsh country cottage to spend a three-week honeymoon with them. They find a mysterious set of dinner plates-the 'owl' service and mysterious, unexplained events begin.

S1 • E2

The Mystery Deepens

Alison and Gwyn explore the local legend of Blodeuwedd, a mythical woman created out of flowers - turned into an owl as punishment for being unfaithful. Could there be a connection between this and the plates?

S1 • E3

A Strange Picture

Alison hides the plates in a treehouse in the house's grounds, which Gwyn discovers - he lfollows her there for a secret night-time liaison. Huw starts to act strangely and becomes hysterical, convinced the youngsters are possessed.

S1 • E4

The Plates Are Hidden

Roger develops his photos of the hillside copse, revealing a strange figure. Huw is convinced that the youngsters are reenacting tragic history. Nancy reveals her former relationship with the house's former owner.

S1 • E5

Betrayal

Despite her mother's warning, Alison takes a romantic walk Gwyn. They meet again later at the stable, where Alison hears strange noises - similar to what she'd heard the night she discovered the plates. Jealous Roger wants to leave.

S1 • E6

The Missing Key

After Alison was forced by her father to snub him at the stable block - and following repeated criticism from his mother - Gwyn feels downhearted. His mother threatens to leave the cottage in 48 hours, but Gwyn wants to stay, and feels helpless. He finally confronts Alison to air his feelings, and explain to her how Bertram was killed in the motorcycle accident. Roger interrupts their meeting and taunts Gwyn - hoping to finally drive a wedge between them. Gwyn now feels as if he has nowhere left to go and, in desperation, heads alone for the mountains.

S1 • E7

Who Is There?

Gwyn wanders alone in the mountains. Huw finds him and reveals hidden mysterious artifacts. One is the brake-blocks from Bertram's motorbike - and Huw finally reveals Gwyn's real father. Clive suggests they break the lock on outhouse door.

S1 • E8

The Legend Unravels

Roger breaks in to the stable, finding mysterious old items. Nancy attacks him, then hurriedly leaves. Huw gives Alison an old pendant as a gift on Gwyn's behalf, and the powers of the valley legend appear to finally possess her.