"Dial a Deadly Number" is one of the most indelible episodes, one that could have been done with Cathy Gale, but works so much better with Emma Peel. The death of a high finance executive is wrongfully diagnosed as heart failure, when it is revealed that a pen-shaped beeper lodged in his breast pocket is responsible for killing him, courtesy of a mysterious electronics genius named Fitch (John Carson). While Emma follows Fitch's trail, Steed looks to invest with the banking house of Henry Boardman (Clifford Evans), leading to a vast array of suspicious characters, all of whom seem to have their share of secrets to hide. Steed gets to flirt with all the women in this one, including a pretty secretary (Tina Packer) discussing "round figures!" One of the series' most suspenseful sequences involves Fitch's attempt to eliminate Steed by replacing his pocket watch with one booby trapped to kill when he opens it. There is an undeniable level of added sexual tension when the diabolical Fitch unzips part of Emma's leather costume, and indulges in a bit of fondling before the camera cuts away to Steed's predicament (aware that his watch is a deadly weapon, Emma is helpless to warn him). Jan Holden, last seen in "The Undertakers," is in smoldering form as the conniving wife of Henry Boardman (even Steed is intrigued by her, to Emma's apparent annoyance), while Peter Bowles, returning from "Second Sight," is barely noticeable (he'd be back in form for "Escape in Time and "Get-A-Way!") Also back are Norman Chappell, last seen in "The Gilded Cage" (he would return for "Murdersville"), John Bailey, last seen in "Killer Whale" (he would return for "Killer"), and Gerald Sim, last seen in "The Wringer" (he would return for "The Rotters"). In the last of his three series appearances, John Carson enjoys his meatiest role, while Clifford Evans, star of Hammer's "The Curse of the Werewolf" (1961) and "The Kiss of the Vampire" (1962), is a standout in his first appearance, later to be seen in both "Death's Door" and "Whoever Shot Poor George Oblique Stroke XR40?" Two other newcomers would also return, Anthony Newlands in "Game," and Michael Trubshawe in "All Done with Mirrors."
Review of Dial a Deadly Number
