The final confrontation between Smiley and Karla takes place. But in this game there are no victors, only losers.

Smiley is hot on the trail leading to Karla, but must make the ultimate sacrifice - cutting off his wife Ann.

Smiley gets into trouble with his superiors, who want the investigation closed. But he finally encounters the woman and gets her account.

Vladimir has two proofs, but Smiley has only found one. It was an erotic photograph of Otto Leipzig, the General's lieutenant. Now aware that Vladimir has quarrelled with his postman Toby Esterhase, Smiley plans to visit old friends.

'Tidy him up, keep us out of it and don't wander'. Lacon's instructions to Smiley are specific, but Vladimir had two proofs and was bringing them with him.

Madame Ostrakova was desperate to believe the sweating Russian who promised the return of her daughter. Then there was the Paris letter which rang old bells for General Vladimir. These two events summoned master spy George Smiley from retirement.