Visitor Reviews
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Visitor Reviews |
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Two's a Crowd There is a decadent feel to this one, my favourite episode. I believe it stands out for two reasons: firstly, Patrick Macnee's superb performance as suave Gordon Webster; he looks different when he tries to be Steed. Secondly, Julian Glover, who stands out from the other members of PSEV; as usual, Julian can be relied upon to bring a touch of arrogance to his character, and he does not disappoint. I think two things spoil this episode: number one, Brodny, who gets on my wick, to be honest, unlike poor Ivenko who seemed a nice chap really. Number two, the so-obviously-fake remote-controlled aircraft, the first of which Steed shoots down with a shot more accurate than a gold medal winner of the Olympic shooting event, and the ridiculous bomber that crashes on the Embassy at the end—though having said that, it's quite good for a laugh. Steed is about 50 steps ahead of the hapless Brodny throughout, and two of his bits of dialogue stand out for me. The first is when he gives Brodny the bottle of "Creme de Violettes" and says "Hope the Colonel likes it." Brodny: "Oh, I'm sure he vill." Ha ha! The second is when Emma tells Steed about his double: "Come now, Mrs Peel. If I had a twin, I'm sure mother would have mentioned it." Superb scripting from Philip Levene, yet again. 9 out of 10. Two's a Crowd I like this episode pretty well, mostly for Macnee's performance. Watching him play the vulgar Gordon Webster gives some insight into the elegant Steed. I understand the intentions of the plot, which is not to say that the plot adds up. Steed makes it clear at the end that there never was a Gordon Webster: the whole thing was a set-up by the good guys to expose PSEV. So how could they guarantee that Brodny would show up at the fashion show? And how could Steed manage to be at his apartment whenever Mrs. Peel would expect to find Steed there, but also at the Russian Embassy whenever the Russkies would expect to find Gordon Webster there? I don't find it incredible that Steed shoots down the model aeroplane at the end, since the plane doesn't appear to be moving at the time! In the tag scene, you get to see Steed on a horse, which is always a treat. I suspect the elegant horsewoman riding along with him is not Diana Rigg, though. Two's a Crowd Well, one of the high points of this episode is apparently a detractor for many. Personally, I enjoy Warren Mitchell's performance of Brodny in the two episodes he's in. I think he and Patrick Macnee have a lot of chemistry as friendly enemies (one competent, the other bumbling). Actually, there's much to enjoy in this episode, most notably, Macnee's dual performance. Also, there is the use of model ships and planes as weapons, and the truth behind "Psev." Although there is a lot to be appreciated about this episode, it still isn't one of my favorites. The pace seems to slow down once too often, and Mrs. Peel is far too underutilized for an episode that isn't one of the individual character episodes. Even if this was a Steed/Macnee showcase, it could have seriously used 10cc's of Diana Rigg. 2 1/2 out of 5 bowlers. Two's a Crowd Brodny's relationship with Steed is more "natural" than some of Steed's supposed friends and fellow agents (usually previously-unseen); I quite like it, especially Brodny's touching 'puppyish' copying of Steed's bowler/umbrella look! But to my mind Julian Glover is too similar in each one of his roles (always typecast as an arrogant/military type). Bizarrely, "Colonel Psev" manages to telephone the Russian quartet at one point, even though they are all his constituents and all in the room together! Why was this arranged, and how? Also, when Brodny is at the fashion show his (sensible) first action is to telephone Steed to see if he is at his apartment — Steed's dialogue in answering the phone shows he is genuinely puzzled by the silent caller; so this cannot be a tape. What if Brodny had spoken? Could the "Steed" tape operated by Major Carson have coped? I think Brodny attending the fashion show was to be predicted: Psev buys lots of suits and follows fashion (revealed in Steed/Emma dialogue). So whilst Emma covers the aero-model shop (a Psev obsession), Steed/Webster covers another of Psev's interests. No doubt if these had failed, they would have tried another location. Emma/Diana on a horse in a very "Theresa di Vincenza" riding outfit? Absolutely glorious. Two's a Crowd Plot: Good. A lot of twists and turns, maybe too many. The one nice twist was having Psev turning out to be four people, which I wasn't expecting. I could see the Gordon is Steed outcome a mile away. Humour: Good. I just love the dialogue "Major Carson, make your self at home and uh feel free to take off that raincoat." "He can't do that." "Oh!" The character Brodny was brilliant. Direction: Good. Nice shot in the opening looking down at Brodny while the message plane dived down. Acting: Very good. Wonderful performance from Warren Mitchell as a nervous, gullible ambassador. Patrick did a great job as "Webster." Music: Very good. I love that music when Ivenko is searching the desk. Tag: Very good. Mrs. Peel deserved to get Steed back for deceiving her. Miscellaneous: I found it strange and mean of Steed to deceive Emma. He could have just told her and she could have acted, it isn't like she would mess it up like Tara. Overall Rating: 6/10 Two's a Crowd This episode had the rare bit of Steed hamming it up as "Webster" and the very unusual aspect of the four Russian spies who where really Psev! Mrs. Peel seemed ready to shoot and/or punch Steed, thinking he was his double. The end with the fake remote-controlled bomber was a bit much, but, in case you missed it, Elena is killed along with the other three Russians, so that makes her the third woman killed in The Avengers! It was also a blast to see Brodny trying to dress-up like Steed. |
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