"The Avengers" (1961) TV series 1961-1969

User Rating:

8.6/10   

Creator:

Sydney Newman

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Release Date:

28 March 1966 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Comedy | Mystery | Thriller

Plot:

A quirky spy show of the adventures of an eccentricly suave British agent and his predominately female partners.

Plot Keywords:

Epilogue Scene | Femme Fatale | Attractive Young Woman | Quirky | Female Protagonist

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win

Cast

Patrick Macnee

...

John Steed / ... (159 episodes, 1961-1969)

Also Known As:

Mit Schirm, Charme und Melone (Austria) (West Germany) [de]
Vengadores, Los (Argentina) (Spain) [es]
Vingadores, Os (Brazil) (Portugal) [pt]
Agente speciale (Italy) [it]
Chapeau melon et bottes de cuir (France) [fr]

Runtime:

60 min (161 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Associated British Elstree Studios, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company:

ABC Weekend Television

Trivia:

Emma Peel's revolver is a gold-plated, pearl-handled pocket version of the Webley Mk IV chambered for .380/200 (aka .38 S&W).

Quotes:

Emma Peel: You diabolical mastermind, you!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The O.C.: The Avengers (#4.1)" (2006)

Campy yet fun and original

Definitely 60's and it is obvious. Yet this is still one of the most fun shows ever made. John Steed is the epitome of British class, right down to the Bentley in British Racing Green (notwithstanding the Tara King years).

Then there is Emma Peel, mmmmm Emma Peel. Aside from Diana Rigg's obvious physical charms her real appeal is the strength of her character. Totally confident, cool, classy, and capable (driving a Lotus Elan was also a big plus) Diana Rigg created a female character (which was resisted by the producers tooth and nail I understand) that surprised me even though I first saw the show over 20 years after it went off the air. Emma Peel was devoid of the traditional female stereotypes that permeate the airwaves always in need of rescue and if not are total cartoons. She could kick ass and frequently saved Steed's butt in the process. Mass media still has a major allergy to original, tough female characters which is a testament to the originality of the character.

Something was lost after Tara King took over. It was a return to the stereotypes and the show lost something for me, that and I didn't like Steed's new car, just didn't have the same class as his former Bentley.

Still I highly recommend watching it, fun plots, wry humor, over the top villains, great characters, and an impossible lack of blood. How can you not have fun watching this?