Rodney's Reviews
Page 38 of 42

The Positive Negative Man
By Rodney Marshall

The basic plot certainly owes a lot to "The Cybernauts," with the Avengers surveying the cardboard cut-out carnage at each murder scene, and the whoosh sound of the karate chop replaced by the crackling of the electrically-charged hit man. In addition, the abandoned government base of Risley Dale adds an eerie atmosphere, recalling the derelict air bases in "The Town of No Return" and "The Hour That Never Was." One gripe I have is that it is obvious far too early on that Ray McAnally is the deadly mastermind. Despite this, the episode is impressive in two specific areas: special effects and humour.

As in "From Venus With Love," the special effects are first class: from the Bentley's dials exploding to the electrified railway track. It has been well-established that a real plate-glass window was used for McNally's sharp exit. There is a witty script with plenty of sharp Avengers dialogue. What a shame that Williamson wasn't made responsible for more of the colour Rigg episodes. Steed's flirting with the "Top Hush" secretary is well worth the three scenes dedicated to it, our Man from the Ministry delighted to find that the key she pulls out from her suspender belt and passes to him is reassuringly warm. I never fail to smile at the Batmanesque climax where Mrs. Peel—tied to the table—is covered in a silver (tinfoil?) sheet; Steed, arriving on cue, acknowledges that she has sterling qualities but wonders where her "hallmarks" are placed. Priceless.

All materials copyrighted per their respective copyright holders.
This website Copyright © 1996-2017 David K. Smith. All Rights Reserved.
Page last modified: 5 May 2017.

Top of page
Table of Contents