This was first episode of the Cathy Gale
era written by Brian Clemens, and it shows. It would have been more
suitable for a remake on the Emma Peel era than "Death of a Great Dane."
The plot, where Steed infiltrates into the Lakin brothers, is classic
fourth season; indeed, it has some connections with two Emma Peel
episodes, "The Murder Market" (Steed
pretends he killed his partner), and "The Fear Merchants"
(he asks for expert help to get rid of a woman).
John Laurie and Harold Scott make two
lawyers who take all their experience the wrong way; they are unscrupulous
(well, they are lawyers, aren't they?—just a joke) although deeply in
love with their profession. Laurie's performance reminds a bit of his
character of Sir James on the aforementioned "Death of a Great Dane,"
especially at the end where you see a poor old man whose dirty game has
come to the end. Besides, with the Lakin Bros. being excessively happy on
the trial scenes, the only disappointment for me is the end, which is not
executed with the clarity of the rest of the episode. But it doesn't
matter. This is a great Cathy Gale episode.
Brief for Murder
by Darren A. Burch
I had a feeling that I was going to love this. And, joy of all joy, I
did—it's absolutely brilliant. I don't hesitate to say that it is Brian
Clemens' best script for The Avengers. Unlike some of his later
work, it doesn't have that slot-filler feel to it. It's very intelligently
written, and you can tell that he put some real effort into getting it
right. The law details were probably due to script editor Richard Bates'
influence. The way that Clemens writes the relationship between Steed and
Cathy is brilliant. There is a real spark in their conversation. The whole
build-up of Steed shooting Cathy is excellent, really confusing the
audience until that marvelous revelation of Mrs. Gale sitting up in the
visitors gallery complete with black wig and sunglasses.
The way that the script is brought to screen is masterly, but then I
would say that, as it's directed by Peter Hammond. There are just
countless moments when you know that this is Hammond's show. When Steed
first pays a visit to the Lakin brothers, we have that wonder moment of
choreography as the businessmen walk back and forth until we see Steed. It
works so well with the music. I love all those wonderful low angles in the
Yoga establishment. Those scenes just scream sixties and have a wonderful
surreal quality to them. The give-away that this is Hammond's hour comes
from his famed mirror shots. The exterior filming as Cathy is shot by
Steed and falls into the river is very effective. And another thing, the
stock music chosen is much better than normal. Some pieces almost sound
like Laurie Johnson. There is an atmosphere that is so Avenger-esque, as we
would come to know it, but hadn't really been seen before. "Build a Better Mousetrap"
is often hailed as the first time we see Brian Clemens' Avengers but I
disagree and say that it is definitely here that it rears its beautiful
head.
There are some brilliant eccentrics on display. Miss Prim is
brilliantly played as an "off the planet" individual. John Laurie's work
has always entertained me and his performance here is no exception. I love
the way that he plays the more sinister of the brothers, and we have no
doubt that he is the real mastermind behind the operation. Harold Scott is
suitably batty as Miles. Helen Lindsay as Barbara Kingston gives a very
intelligent performance. It's interesting to see Fred Ferris pop up again
as a policeman (a role he last took in "Bullseye");
I wonder if he is the same inspector.
I love the set design. The courtroom is obviously the Old Bailey on a
budget but it serves its purpose. The Yoga establishment, the Lakin
Brothers office and surrounding streets really stand out—the Yoga
establishment for its big mirrors and bizarre wall painting, and the
offices for their old London charm. There is something almost Dickensian
about them.
If there's one thing that nags me about this episode, it's the timing
of the final scenes. The Lakins return from the office too quickly for my
liking, but this is a minor quibble. I don't hesitate to give this five
out of five.
Brief for Murder
by James Harvey
Plot: Because I'm really used to reviewing Emma Peel episodes,
it makes it quite tricky to sum up a Cathy Gale. Even so, I do still
like the early episodes and this one is one of my definite favourites.
The plot is very like one of an early sixties BBC drama. The atmosphere
expressed in this story makes it easy and enjoyable to watch. I
particularly like the twist in the tale as Cathy turns up in the
courtroom when she's just been murdered by Steed! Cathy and Steed are
great in this one and the two crooked lawyers (Harold Scott and John
Laurie) really give the episode a comic feel to it.
My Ratings: This episode comes first in my Cathy Gale top ten, and
I'd give it an 8/10 score (4 bowlers). So, if you're thinking of watching
this episode for the first time I hope my review has been helpful.