I didn't much enjoy this the first few times I watched it years ago, but now re-watching my new digitally re-mastered box set I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's classic Avengers; the plot is sound and intelligent and there are eccentrics and a diabolical mastermind, plus a memorable and original fight scene at the climax played over a projected scene in reverse – totally bizarre, but it makes what is already a well-orchestrated fight sequence into something even more memorable; I think this is where the Avengers excels – they take the ordinary and always try to approach from a different angle or turn it on its head or play with your perceptions somehow.
Here Mrs Peel seems to be more the Mrs Peel we know and love, less caustic and arrogant towards Steed – she retains all those qualities, but in moderation, and there is an underlying warmth. I was surprised to read that others found this episode lacking in certain areas, for me this is absolutely first rate entertainment. Sorry, I'm trying to be critical, but there wasn't a moment I didn't thoroughly enjoy – maybe my shiny new box set has gone to my head after years of suffering with a sub-standard French import with loads of faults. A classic instalment in the classic Avengers series - easily worth a 10/10 of anyone's money.
NB. As I don't work for a tabloid newspaper like The Sun (in Britain) coming up with a pun for the title is the most difficult part for me, Diabolical! Refers to the mastermind, not my opinion of this episode. "Diabolical mastermind" becomes something of a catchphrase between Steed and Emma and is used in their final heartbreaking scene in "The Forget-me-not."
Here Mrs Peel seems to be more the Mrs Peel we know and love, less caustic and arrogant towards Steed – she retains all those qualities, but in moderation, and there is an underlying warmth. I was surprised to read that others found this episode lacking in certain areas, for me this is absolutely first rate entertainment. Sorry, I'm trying to be critical, but there wasn't a moment I didn't thoroughly enjoy – maybe my shiny new box set has gone to my head after years of suffering with a sub-standard French import with loads of faults. A classic instalment in the classic Avengers series - easily worth a 10/10 of anyone's money.
NB. As I don't work for a tabloid newspaper like The Sun (in Britain) coming up with a pun for the title is the most difficult part for me, Diabolical! Refers to the mastermind, not my opinion of this episode. "Diabolical mastermind" becomes something of a catchphrase between Steed and Emma and is used in their final heartbreaking scene in "The Forget-me-not."