The Avengers Forever: Rodney's Reviews

	Rodney's Reviews Page 4 of 42

The Cybernauts
By Rodney Marshall

Cybernauts have become something of an Avengers cliché, particularly as they have appeared in three episodes. However, that is no fault of the original and IMHO "The Cybernauts" is one of the best ever Rigg episodes. Re-watching it, one is aware of just how subtle the script is. To begin with, neither the robot nor the deadly mastermind is seen until almost halfway through the show. Then there is the red herring of the karate club with its sinister Sensai, magnificently played by John Hollis. Even the motive of Dr. Armstrong is unique; whereas most of the Avengers masterminds are after wealth or global power, his motives are entirely pure. We are told early on that he clashed with his government department because he wanted to use his innovative research for anti-war aims and, however misguided or Orwellian his vision may be, he has no interest in material gain. He simply believes that mankind is incapable of ruling without making fatal errors, that government by automation is the future.

Steed's philosophical man versus machine debate with Armstrong is a delight and the hour is suffused with witty touches, from Mrs. Peel's karate fight in her smart suit to Steed's comment as he looks at Benson: "Is that another one? Looks almost human." There are clever touches such as the contrast between Steed's playful approach to the lift in the United Automation's building—grinning as he runs his stick along the grooves—and Mrs. Peel's fear—which is almost tangible—in the same location as the episode reaches its climax. The maintenance cybernaut wears overalls and a cloth cap, suggesting that even Armstrong senses that robots need a human touch. Far cleverer than the sequel, this is classic Avengerland; indeed, IMHO, it does not get any better than this.