TAKE-OVER |
   
|
Steed celebrates Christmas in February
Tara tries to set him straight* |
|
Production completed: 21 February 1969
UK Premiere (London, Season 7): 23 April 1969
US Premiere (New York, Season 4): 14 April 1969
At the country home of some friends
of Steed's, three men and a woman arrive and promptly make the homeowners prisoners. But
no one had expected Steed's arrival, which puts a wrinkle in the strangers' plans to ruin
a peace conference that is to take place nearby.
Having the feel of a
stage play rather than a TV show, this one stands out
from the crowd (as well as from typical Terry Nation
fare). Striking in its stylistic breaks, it is played
quite straight, with the only hint of goofiness being the best scene. Even the music is uncharacteristic—several fights are unaccompanied by
a single note. But it is almost too different, too un-Avengers, which is
the main reason it fails to achieve best-of status. Having Steed's hair
getting all mussed up simply will not do!
*This unofficial subtitle is by Yours Truly.
As an after-dinner diversion, the group engages in a
"name-that-composer" game, with Steed and Grenville trying to out-do one
another. The music is over-the-top avant-garde—as is the dialog. A welcome break in an
otherwise dead-serious episode.
"I haven't seen a room clear so quickly since Freddie
Ferman took a live skunk into a Turkish bath." (Steed's remark at seeing the dining
room clear out right after dinner)
At Tara's flat, Steed plays a game of invisible golf.
|