Episode 92: Emma Peel Era
Page 92 of 192
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Tag
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Stats ?
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A.K.A.
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Other Viewpoints |
Voyage sans retour
Stadt ohne Rückkehr
La città senza ritorno
Pueblo Sin Retorno
De spookstad
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Originally filmed 29 October to 13 November 1964
Re-filmed 21 July to ca. 30 July 1965
UK Premiere (London, Season 4): 28 September 1965
US Premiere (New York, Season 1): 1 September 1966
Agents are disappearing one after another in the village of Little Bazeley
by the Sea, and Steed solicits Emma's help in discovering their fate. The locals greet our duo
with unfavorable looks, and it isn't long before they encounter odd goings-on and grim mysteries.
For instance, some of the residents have a penchant for badger-hunting on the dunes—at night...
IMHO |
The first Emma Peel episode to hit the air features lots of dark, stylish imagery and subtle avante garde touches, such as the opening sequence in which a grizzled fisherman unflinchingly observes a man emerge from the sea in a giant plastic zip-lock bag. The scene wherein Steed solicits Emma's participation in the assignment whilst crossing swords in her apartment provides a clever and telling character introduction, especially in light of his dirty swordplay tricks, which includes a bratty whack on her butt. There's an abundance of clever dialog and cute set pieces, such as Steed's bottomless goodies bag on the train ("Are you sure you won't have a marzipan delight?"), all of which makes the dated enemy invasion plot easier to swallow. A perfect start for the series. (Ironically, this was the last episode to premiere in the initial U.S. run.)
Trivia |
Much of this episode was shot twice, as Elizabeth Shepherd was originally cast as Emma Peel and later let go. The first version was directed by Peter Graham Scott. It was re-filmed with Diana Rigg partway through the season, which explains why she seems so at ease with her role—although it was still written and played as something of an introductory episode.
On Location |
Wighton served as Little Bazeley, shoreline scenes were shot at Holkham Gap, and the airfield scenes were filmed at Bircham Newton near Hunstanton, Norfolk. Well End Lodge, Well End makes an appearance in the tag scene.
Best Scene |
Steed investigates the abandoned airfield. Not only is the scene rife with atmosphere, but revealing of Steed's sillier side, as he takes a spin on a merry-go-round and tips his bowler to himself in a broken mirror.
Best Line |
As Steed unties Emma from the saddle, Emma cries, "Ow! Tight girth!" Steed: "We'll have to cut down on the oats."
Essential Reading |
- Mrs. Peel... We're Needed by Piers Johnson