Episode 123: Emma Peel Era
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A.K.A.
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DVDs |
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Production completed: 5 July 1967
UK Premiere (London, Season 6): 19 October 1967
US Premiere (New York, Season 3): 13 March 1968
It's
almost one continuous chase scene as our heroes follow clues in a car rally/treasure hunt
that has turned into a race with the enemy to retrieve something that a now-dead colleague
of Steed's had hidden in the prize treasure chest. Oops, "someone put super in the
standard."
IMHO |
Once again I am at odds with popular opinion. Despite a lot of racing about, this one just does not seem to
go anywhere. Granted, a plot is not a prerequisite for an enjoyable Avengers
episode, but in lieu of a plot there must still be something. I suppose car aficionados
are in seventh heaven (and I suppose that not being a car aficionado could be considered a failing
of mine). And there are echoes of "The Danger Makers" as
Emma is subjected to a life-or-death run in a race track simulator. But Penny, dahling,
is just so annoying, and the drone of that simulator makes me want to tear
out what little hair I have left. Aside from one of Diana's best
performances, about the only reward for enduring it is a bevy of good one-liners, some of
which sound as if they were swiped from a James Bond film (or vice-versa).
Trivia |
Steed's double is noticeable in the fight scene with Mike, as he is wearing suspenders—or, to the Brits, braces. Note that the Brits consider suspenders to be what Yanks call garters. All rather confusing, this... (Thanks for clearing this up for me, Debbie!)
They didn't just break the "no blood" rule with a little spot on someone's shirt this time—there are huge stains and smears all over the place!
Valerie Van Ost (Penny) was one of several actresses screen-tested to replace Diana Rigg.
Steed's Aunties: A heavy parcel arrives for Steed at his flat. Emma: "Lead weights for your diving boots?" Steed: "Rock cakes from my Auntie Penelope."
On Location |
Benstead's house is actually Shenley Hall. By the way, does
Swingingdale look familiar? It's Aldbury, a.k.a. Little Storping in the Swuff from "Murdersville." The ubiquitous Haberdasher's Askes School makes yet another appearance, and
we catch a glimpse of Steed's flat from the outside. On
Location provides present-day views.
Best Scene |
Or is it another bunch of Best Lines? Steed introduces Emma to Mr.
Benstead. As Steed admires a race car, he remarks, "What a beauty!"
Benstead, ogling Emma, chimes in, "Oh, I do agree!" Steed: "Marvelous chassis."
Benstead: "Well, I wouldn't be quite so bold as to say that, but..." Steed:
"Her suspension's pretty complex, too." Benstead: "Eh?"
Best Line |
Emma's just left an Embassy Junket. Steed sympathizes with, "The rattle of ambassadorial medals, the drone of speeches..." and Emma finishes, "All proceeding at the pace of an infirm, gravely debilitated, very old snail."
Steed is expecting secret papers from you-know-where. Emma: "Hot stuff?" Steed: "I've laid out my asbestos gloves."
As they bounce through a field in the Bentley, Steed notices Penny's legs and remarks, "It's
a short skirt—er, short cut!"
Tag |
Emma "test-drives" Steed's new electric razor—with hair-raising results! (I'd love to use that razor on my head...)
