![]() ![]() ![]() The UK didn't order a season five, but the US did. And let's not forget a TOUCH OF BRIMSTONE that gets the award for sexiest episode ever. TOO MANY CHRISTMAS TREES brought the Steed/Emma chemistry to he highest calibur. THE CYBERNAUTS brought a strong sci-fi element. THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT was a clautrophobic "girl alone in a house" sort of thriller. Some season four episodes are good even for today's standards: THE GRAVEDIGGERS has a hilarious silent film spoof climax. They always enjoyed great lines togheter. The Steed/Emma relationship was subliminally romantic and funny. ![]() And then there is the wonderful chemistry between McNee and Rigg. This time, the scripts were much sharper and the show never took itself very seriously. But what made it so much better than the previous seasons? The most obvious answer would be Emma Peel, or the bigger budget, but I would give credit to the writers. Yes, the fourth season was indeed revolutionary. The new AVENGERS became so popular that it was exported to the US. Patrick McNee also played a very different Steed: He went from a James Bond-like sexist macho man to a more kind gentleman spy. Diana Rigg brought the charm and kindness that Blackman lacked, altrough she lacked Honor's strenght and toughness. The show premiered in 1965 as a completely different deal. So Sheakespeare stage actress Diana Rigg was cast as a replacement. But it was soon noticed Sheppard's cold beauty and persona was not right for the role. So Elisabeth Shappard was cast as Emma Peel (Man appeal! Get it?) and production started. Since Blackman had already made the character so popular, it was decided a new partner would be created to be paired up with Steed. But even knowing Patrick McNee came back, the studio faced a major problem: Cathy was gone. Plus, a big revolution happened: The series moved from videotape to film and the budget was also sightly improved. Albert Fennel and Brian Clemmens were both recruited to keep up the standard. When season three ended, ABC decided to pull the plug on THE AVENGERS and sold the series to Telemen Limited. However, it all backfired when Honor Blackman decided to leave the series in order to star in GOLDFINGER. PART TWO: KINKY BOOTS AND BOWLER HAT (65-68) THE AVENGERS was already a popular show in England during the early 60s. ![]()
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