List of Onedin Line episodes

This episode list shows details of the 91 episodes of the BBC television series The Onedin Line.

James Onedin is an ambitious, headstrong sea captain working for the Callon Line. Upon returning to Liverpool in 1860, he is denied a bonus by his employer, Thomas Callon, because a portion of the cargo has been lost. Upon seeing a notice offering the old schooner Charlotte Rhodes for sale, James decides to set up his own shipping company. Unfortunately, his cautious brother Robert, who has inherited their father's chandler's shop while he was away, refuses to put up any capital.

James calls on Captain Webster to inquire about the Charlotte Rhodes. Webster rejects James' low offer (his life savings), but his plain spinster daughter, Ann, who deftly manages her cantankerous and drunken father, is concerned about her future. She makes James a counteroffer: the ship as dowry. Anne Webster is significantly older than James, at a time when single women had barely any rights. He offers her an interest in the company, but she insists on the protection that only marriage can bring. He is surprised, but, after some thought, accepts.

He persuades Robert to enter into a partnership (and a equal share of the profits of the first voyage) by giving him all his money. When Ann objects, James explains in private that he is not doing his brother any favour. The money will not last long, and while he is at sea, Robert will have to fend off the creditors and families of his crew.

On the return journey from Portugal, James and Anne appear to be getting on extremely well despite the unorthodox origin of their union. He begins to teach her how to navigate.

A seaman dies and James becomes gravely sick with a fever. Anne has to take over his duties, including navigation. The ship's mate, Mr Baines, is illiterate and cannot help. The crew do not want to take orders or even advice from a woman, but Anne is strong-willed and perseveres despite their growing hostility. She tries to recall and follow James' instructions, but fails to keep the ship on course. Eventually, Baines refuses to heed her instructions any longer.

The strain takes its toll on Anne. Finally, just when things seem to have reached the breaking point, Anne makes a bargain with Baines: she will teach him to read and write in return for his cooperation. They agree to share the responsibilities, and successfully get the ship back on track as James recovers.

When Robert finds out there was no profit on the first voyage, he wants out of the partnership, but is dissuaded by his wife Sarah. James' sister Elizabeth is engaged to Fogarty, but is frustrated by his insistence on getting married only after Callon makes him a captain. She is also strongly attracted to Frazer. James prefers Frazer as well, as his family would be very useful for the newly established Onedin Line.

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