Episode 90: Emma Peel Era
Page 90 of 192
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A.K.A.
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Other Viewpoints |
Strictly for the Worms
La poussière qui tue
Tödlicher Staub
Morte silenziosa
Polvo Silencioso
Dodelijke mest
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Produced: ca. 14 June to 2 July 1965
UK Premiere (London, Season 4): 31 December 1965
US Premiere: Not included in original Season 1 lineup
"Where
have all the martlets gone?" This query from a birdwatcher sends our duo searching for a deadly chemical
that may have gotten into the wrong hands—specifically those of a "huntin',
shootin', fishin', sittin' on every committee" slimeball who has cut a deal with a
curious assortment of greedy locals to bring the government to its knees by defoliating
the countryside. As Steed tells Emma, "Don't confuse me with the facts."
IMHO |
This outdoorsy outing loses points for unevenness and a tendency to drag, and the villains are not particularly interesting—with the possible exception of Juggins the pig-killer. Plus it features the most unimaginative teaser of the series: little more than stuffed birds (and some fruit bats, according to Tony McKay) being dropped on the ground. Still, there are a number of worthwhile bits: Emma's opinion of Omrod, as expressed to Steed in the pub, is a right giggle and I love how Steed keeps his wine cool. Steed and Dr. Fellows exchange some great lines, and the foxhunting protesters at the end add a cute touch.
As a follow-up note, my opinion of this episode has softened somewhat (hence the added half-bowler) with the release of the A&E videos, as many wonderful little bits were cut from the "uncut" off-air version I had recorded back in the 80s. Sadly, they were not enough to compensate for the episode's shortcomings, but they did make the hour pass more enjoyably.
Trivia |
Exclusive: Writer Roger Marshall has penned an essay about his tenure on The Avengers.
Steed's Aunties: Miss Snow says she can't keep her horse away from the trough. "Just seems to want to keep on drinking all the time." Steed: "Oh, dear! I once had an auntie like that." (Could be Sybil Peabody from "A Sense of History." Also may have a mention in "The £50,000 Breakfast.")
On Location |
The Stirrup Cup Inn was actually Well End Lodge, Well End. Deeves Hall Lane makes another appearance. And Tyke's Water Lake, Elstree, was used yet again—On Location provides a present-day view.
Best Scene |
Steed has a bizarre delusion of Emma being an old-west doc as she removes a bullet (see the first grab).
Best Line |
Steed spots Miss Snow entering the pub and tells Emma, "I'll see what I can pick up here." And Emma quips, "I'm sure you will... pick up something."
Essential Reading |
- Mrs. Peel... We're Needed by Piers Johnson