Bedlam Solution

⚠ Spoiler Warning — This page contains the complete solution to Bedlam. Try to escape on your own first!

About this Bedlam solution

This solution is for Bedlam on the TRS-80 Model I/III and TRS-80 Color Computer. It documents the three possible escape routes from the asylum. Map and ending screenshots by Kevin Lindley.

Foreword

There are three possible endings to Bedlam. Which one will work is chosen randomly at the beginning of each game. If one approach doesn't work, try another. You'll need to experiment across multiple playthroughs to see them all.

Map

Bedlam Map

Complete map of the Bedlam asylum
Thanks to Kevin Lindley for this map! Click the image to enlarge.
Endings

The Three Escape Routes

1

The Storage Shed with the Green Door

To win this way, collect the following items: Blue Pill, Red Key (use the hook to get it out of the hole), Meat (from the refrigerator), Green Key.

The hardest part is getting the green key from the electrotherapy room with the nurse who likes to strap you down and zap you. Here's the trick:

  • Get injected by the crazy doctor so that every move produces a second, random move.
  • Enter the electrotherapy room, grab the key, and hope the random move takes you back out.
  • If not, you'll get zapped and have to try again.
  • Once you have the key, find the dog, put the blue pill in the meat, and feed the meat to the dog.

Note: After the injection you may be far from fine. If you type PLUGH you'll be restored to normal.

Screenshot of the escape via shed ending
Thanks to Kevin Lindley for the screenshot!
2

The Secret Door

First, you need to locate all the characters: Houdini, the Real Doctor, Napoleon, X-Ray Johnson, Merlin, and Picasso. To do this:

  • Open all green and blue doors.
  • Unlock and open all red doors.

Once all characters are found:

  1. Type EXAMINE ROOM in each room. One room will display the message: "there is a secret door here."
  2. Try to open it — you'll find you're not strong enough.
  3. Find Napoleon and type NAPOLEON FOLLOW ME (he's erratic, may take a few tries).
  4. Return to the room with the secret door and type NAPOLEON OPEN SECRET DOOR.

Napoleon grabs the secret door and bursts it open — escape!

Screenshot of the secret door ending
Thanks to Kevin Lindley for the screenshot!
3

The Painted Door

If this is the chosen solution for your game, Picasso will eventually paint a special door on one of the walls. You can tell it is special because — unlike the other painted doors he creates — this one actually appears in the room description:

"On the north wall is one of Picasso's painted doors which is closed"
  1. Find the room with Picasso's special painted door.
  2. Type OPEN PAINTED DOOR.

You'll see: "the painted door opens to reveal an escape route! you have escaped!"

Screenshot of the painted door ending
Thanks to Kevin Lindley for the screenshot!