Got to say when I watched the show again years later I have kind of warmed to the Tara king character. But for me the New Avengers was absolutely brilliant and gave the show a new look and a new era.
I thought this show was absolutely fascinating as a kid. I Loved it as i grew older. To this day, I still love that show. That intro theme music was forever stuck in my head. Of course the Emma Peel era was my favorite! Great Revisit video!
Well not the first original I didn't like the theme song too much with Honor Blackman series, but once I'm appeal showed up and that theme song yeah that was the s***
@@DanLoFat Oh yeah, It was the Mrs. Peel era I was referring to. My favorite seasons. Didn't really get into the Honor Blackman Episodes. And the Ms King era was ok.
After Honor Blackman left, they brought in Elizabeth Shepherd, who was the first Emma Peel. She did about 3 episodes. But the producers didn't like her, and she was replaced by Diana Rigg. Cheers.
Wonderful retrospective!! There will NEVER be a series as iconic as this one again. ( I only wish that they had played some better scenes featuring Tara King, as there were many not shown here.)
One thing I _loved_ about the Emma Peel character was her unperturbed, self-collected reactions. 18:48 Even in those rare moments when she registered shock (as when faced with a laser in “From Venus With Love”), she still seemed cool and unflappable.
I always saw Steed's partnerships as an extension to the paradigm of all human relationships. For example: Steed's relationship with Dr. Keel (of what I've seen) was that of a mate who was always looking for a favour. To Mrs Gale Steed relationship was more that of the annoying older brother figure. To Mrs Peel Steed was the loving husband type figure. To Miss King Steed was the protective fatherly figure. Finally to Purdy and Gambit Steed was the benevolent uncle figure. Whether the writers of the show wrote Steed that way or it was Patrick McNee's idea to portray Steed that way it was very cleverly done and quite plausible!
I love the Emma Peel Avengers, but I have seen only clips of the New Avengers. Episodes are hard to find. I have the original Avengers recordings, but I can't find the new Avengers anywhere.
Some of the comments in this video are just plain wrong...........1/ The Avengers started its slide into the weird world with Season 5 with Emma Peel, and not season 6 with Tara King. 2/ The ratings worldwide did not drop in its last season, as suggested. The show did struggle in America, but that was because it played against the top show there at the time i.e "Laugh In", but elsewhere was just as popular as ever, and was a massive hit in France in particular...3/ Even Brian Clemens said that some of the stories in season 6 were amongst the best in the series. 4/ Tara King was not a damsel in distress and in fact carried some of the episodes action entirely by herself without Steed.
You are substantially correct, particularly about the ratings, internationally. The show ended only because of it's cancellation in the US, which left the producers short of funds. But, the decision to return to more realistic stories violated the extremism that the US viewers had become accustomed to, and the unrelenting emphasis on "spy stuff" and the addition of (the character of) Mother dragged the show into a more normal format that didn't fit (and doesn't hold up well, today). The main problem, however, is that Linda Thorson's character had an entirely changed relationship with Steed: she was not an equal, nor even lesser partner, but inexperienced, weak, and fawning. It was an unbearable change. Whereas Emma was used to mock the "damsel in distress" idea, Tara reinforced that role, making it especially absurd that she would be considered an official "secret agent." She passed spy-school "basic training"? Seriously? Think of Emma spitting in the corrupt villager's faces as she was tortured to near suffocation in the pond in "Murdersville"... now, compare that to Tara's near-hysterics as water is dripped on her forehead in "Legacy of Death." Speaking of water... Tara is "prevented" from escaping the "Prisoner-esque" hotel in "Wish You Were Here" because a bucket of water is dumped on her? It was awful, and the idea that Thorson's arrival "ruined" the series is largely correct, because the character was a drastic change from the groundbreaking role that she had taken over.
@@eerievlad It was the American network who demanded that Mother become a regular character. He was meant to be in only one episode. That's why he only appears in the later-produced episodes of the final series.
@@eerievlad It is my impression that Linda Thorson did everything that was asked of her and did it well, some episodes worked and some didn't through no fault of hers other than maybe she had to follow on from Diana Rigg and was too compliant with the producers/writers ideas.
Not at all. The "weird world" sci-fi elements in the color Peel series were because audience research indicated that was what they wanted. After the last break in production, the final episodes were dialed back considerably, and frankly, were among the best of that series, because they combined fantasy and sci-fi with reasoned explanation that made the stores believable. Note even Rigg's hairstyle changed (parted on the side) which gave her a tougher look (Murdersville). It's true, the Thorson episodes were as popular as ever outside of the US. But for Clemens to insist that they were among his best is just not true. Neither was his ability to toughen or make interesting a character that was shoved upon him (the ex-producers girlfriend). Thorson's character was weak, and simply not believable as a trained agent. I think it would have been unbearable to accept, at that time, the change from Rigg. Aside from "Legacy of Death," Tara seems to be done in by water more than once, as she abandons escaping from the hotel in "Wish You Were Here" because the villans dumped a bucket of water on her. Comon, this was just awful. To cap it, the producers changed film stock, and the Thorson episodes have a distinctly inferior look to them. Thus, the change from the Rigg episodes even though Rigg was in "Forget-Me-Knot." Had the series been renewed, it is likely Clemens would have replaced Thorson. While Thorson was on vacation during the filming of "Killer," Jennifer Croxton, her temporary replacement, is quite clearly being tested, to a nearly comical degree, dressed and coiffed as a substitute Peel, with "Diana" in her name. Clumsy, and transparent.
@@eerievlad Some of the Thorson episodes are really weak, the natural chemistry and humour of Diana Rigg with Steed would be impossible to recreate and most of the attempts to do so fail badly for me. It was overall a pale imitation but still interesting to a person with a nostalgic interest in the 60's.
Quite possibly the line that Steve says oh fancy that Mrs Gail Mrs Gail that's number one so she kept her name in the in the marriage apparently and she's working in fort Knox and what was she set as p**** galore and wasn't fort Knox rated, that's hilarious tip of the hat to 007 and that activity It's almost like the first introduction to possible crossover episodes where characters of one episode coming to a show of a characters of another like Green acres and petticoat junction. That's what they needed they need a double O7 to appear in an episode of The avengers Infinity it's possible that John steed was even set to play the part of q which would have been hilarious considering that Steve was a bit of a MacGyver in The avengers series.
Someone forgot to remember she knocked out a stuntman for I believe it was 8 min in the graveyard in one scene. She was told that she was a competitive judo artist also.
16:22 That sure looks like Graham Hill, the famous World Champion racing driver. I like to say that John Steed taught me how to dress. I was a young teenager who thought that Levi's and a t-shirt was the way to dress. Also, although I don't own a vintage Bentley, I do own a new Bentley Continental.
Emma Peal is my favorite Avenger. She was cool, energetic, chic and intelligent. Seldom missed an episode. I believe Dianna Rigg could have been a female Bond.
Some of the discussion indicates a lot of opinions of the Thorson series seem to be based solely on The Forget-Me-Knot episode. Brian Clemens is clearly pleased with the brick in the handbag stunt, but I know too many people that wouldn't give the Tara King shows a chance because they'd seen or heard about that specifically, & didn't think it fit a "true" Avengers girl. That gag only happened once, of course. Clemens admits he simply didn't see Thorson as appearing believable doing martial arts, so he fashioned her into someone who fought instinctively, rather than through dedicated training. However, this changed fairly early on, & most of Tara's fights are genuinely effective & exciting. Stating that her character couldn't through a man over her shoulder just isn't true, regardless of one's impressions or recollections. This documentary omits the behind-the-scenes politics that took place during Thorson's tenure, which go a long way toward explaining inconsistent character traits & capabilities, but I found the series enjoyable then & now, & certainly a worthy continuation on from the color Diana Rigg shows. I'm glad Tara King is that much different & unique. Had they created a third female lead who happened to also be a martial arts master, independently wealthy, & established expert in absolutely everything, Like Mrs. Gale & Mrs. Peel, I'm not sure the actress or character would have been received any better. And imagine if this series had been produced during today's social media frenzy. It might never have survived even the first major cast change!
The fashion/costume choices for Mrs Peel are perfect for a campy, fictional show like this. HOWEVER... these fashion trends being adopted by the public at large was a comical disaster.
I think the Tara King episodes get a bad rep, purely because they followed Mrs Peel. They are different, much more far fetched, but still great. New Avengers just didn’t work for me.
I read elsewhere that the fella who played Steed was a bit of a problem. He caused Pussy Galore to quit and had a drinking problem. He did stop drinking all together. I liked this show during the Diana Rigg era her chemistry between Steed and her were excellent plus she was hot looking for a teen as I was back when it was on tv . I also liked the intro and music . One episode thst sticks to mind is the Cyber robot that was a favorite. Wish they show it on tv but nowadays they want you to pay for everything.
Apparently you got what you paid for, nothing. Avengers wouldn't exist without Macnee, he did it for over a decade. Was raised by women & worked well with them, listen to any of them interviewed here & they speak well of him (This is Your Life, BAFTA Awards). Honor Blackman left to be Pussy Galore, just as Rigg left to become only Mrs. Bond. Macnee had decades long career, including reappearing with Rigg in her '70's American sitcom, they played ex-lovers.
@@unowen-nh9ov Yep. That episode is available on RUclips if you dig around for it. There are some cheeky references about her "walking out on him in London" ala Emma leaving Steed when Peter Peel crawled out of the Amazon.
@@kbc163 They totally lampooned Steed & Emma, he plays a self-absorbed musician, she wants to tell him where to put his piano/oboe/tuba/whatever but says it wouldn't fit & storms off. Sulking, he consoles himself with, "I'm an artist, I can do anything!" 40 year old memory, don't know how accurate (if @ all!)...
Hendry's character was fine, however it was the ladies who took the show in both a different direction and another level and elevated it into something much bigger. Otherwise had that not happened, the series would have remained a straightforward crime drama show and not the iconic legend it became.
He was married three times: Barbara Douglas (1942-1956) - He had two children from this marriage. She passed away in 2012 Katherine Woodville (1965-1969) - She passed away in 2013 Baba Majos de Nagyzsenye (1988-2007) - They were married until her death He outlived all his wives.
![VENEZUELA vs. ARGENTINA [1-1] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 9](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SJfoPdeOPCQ/mqdefault.jpg)
The best TV series ever made. End of. I still adore it today.
It took awhile over years..but i came to love Linda Thorson episode's
Oh, how iI miss “THE AVENGERS” - - - ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES!
I’M HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND THIS! 😃😁😄!
Got to say when I watched the show again years later I have kind of warmed to the Tara king character. But for me the New Avengers was absolutely brilliant and gave the show a new look and a new era.
As a lad I had a massive crush on Diana Rigg especially when she toyed with her hair. Oh & her Lotus Elan too.
This program and music was a huge impression on me as a young teenager, the music makes me smile even today when I hear it.
Love this show.
We worked with Patrick in Orlando on a television show called super force he shed some great stories with us
Still a favorite of mine!
My childhood right there, loved all the series, especially the Cybernauts.
Just love this show. One of the best TV shows ever. I miss this show.
I loved this show. Grew up wanting to be one of the Avenger ladies.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be "Morticia", "Catwoman" or "Mrs.Peel"! I have HUGE, positive childhood memories of this show.
Diana...heaven must be missing one lovely 😇 angel.
I thought this show was absolutely fascinating as a kid. I Loved it as i grew older. To this day, I still love that show.
That intro theme music was forever stuck in my head.
Of course the Emma Peel era was my favorite!
Great Revisit video!
Well not the first original I didn't like the theme song too much with Honor Blackman series, but once I'm appeal showed up and that theme song yeah that was the s***
@@DanLoFat Oh yeah, It was the Mrs. Peel era I was referring to. My favorite seasons. Didn't really get into the Honor Blackman Episodes. And the Ms King era was ok.
❤ok I was 6. I had a crush on Steed and when I saw Emma's hair I styled mine like hers but I couldn't find the leather jumpsuit, until now !!😮
After Honor Blackman left, they brought in Elizabeth Shepherd, who was the first Emma Peel. She did about 3 episodes. But the producers didn't like her, and she was replaced by Diana Rigg. Cheers.
McNee was an Aquarian and Rigg a Leo, who pair up beautifully as personality and friendships, depending with other people could be more.♥
I enjoyed this show, “The Avengers” staring Emma Peel and Patrick Macnee. ❤
Emma Peel was the name of the character.
21:21-21:28 Patrick evidently showed Diana his deep heart..and for Tara season 's last episode he sadly looked exhausted...
Pity there’s nothing like this on TV nowadays.
RIP Honor Blackman
Loved it then & love it even more. Missed then all.
Absolutely brilliant, I love this show.
Honor Blackman still was a knockout even at an advanced age. Bravo.
Wonderful retrospective!! There will NEVER be a series as iconic as this one again. ( I only wish that they had played some better scenes featuring Tara King, as there were many not shown here.)
One thing I _loved_ about the Emma Peel character was her unperturbed, self-collected reactions. 18:48 Even in those rare moments when she registered shock (as when faced with a laser in “From Venus With Love”), she still seemed cool and unflappable.
I loved the show.
I always saw Steed's partnerships as an extension to the paradigm of all human relationships. For example: Steed's relationship with Dr. Keel (of what I've seen) was that of a mate who was always looking for a favour. To Mrs Gale Steed relationship was more that of the annoying older brother figure. To Mrs Peel Steed was the loving husband type figure. To Miss King Steed was the protective fatherly figure. Finally to Purdy and Gambit Steed was the benevolent uncle figure. Whether the writers of the show wrote Steed that way or it was Patrick McNee's idea to portray Steed that way it was very cleverly done and quite plausible!
good doc
I love the Emma Peel Avengers, but I have seen only clips of the New Avengers. Episodes are hard to find. I have the original Avengers recordings, but I can't find the new Avengers anywhere.
Some of the comments in this video are just plain wrong...........1/ The Avengers started its slide into the weird world with Season 5 with Emma Peel, and not season 6 with Tara King. 2/ The ratings worldwide did not drop in its last season, as suggested. The show did struggle in America, but that was because it played against the top show there at the time i.e "Laugh In", but elsewhere was just as popular as ever, and was a massive hit in France in particular...3/ Even Brian Clemens said that some of the stories in season 6 were amongst the best in the series. 4/ Tara King was not a damsel in distress and in fact carried some of the episodes action entirely by herself without Steed.
You are substantially correct, particularly about the ratings, internationally. The show ended only because of it's cancellation in the US, which left the producers short of funds. But, the decision to return to more realistic stories violated the extremism that the US viewers had become accustomed to, and the unrelenting emphasis on "spy stuff" and the addition of (the character of) Mother dragged the show into a more normal format that didn't fit (and doesn't hold up well, today). The main problem, however, is that Linda Thorson's character had an entirely changed relationship with Steed: she was not an equal, nor even lesser partner, but inexperienced, weak, and fawning. It was an unbearable change. Whereas Emma was used to mock the "damsel in distress" idea, Tara reinforced that role, making it especially absurd that she would be considered an official "secret agent." She passed spy-school "basic training"? Seriously? Think of Emma spitting in the corrupt villager's faces as she was tortured to near suffocation in the pond in "Murdersville"... now, compare that to Tara's near-hysterics as water is dripped on her forehead in "Legacy of Death." Speaking of water... Tara is "prevented" from escaping the "Prisoner-esque" hotel in "Wish You Were Here" because a bucket of water is dumped on her? It was awful, and the idea that Thorson's arrival "ruined" the series is largely correct, because the character was a drastic change from the groundbreaking role that she had taken over.
@@eerievlad It was the American network who demanded that Mother become a regular character. He was meant to be in only one episode. That's why he only appears in the later-produced episodes of the final series.
@@eerievlad It is my impression that Linda Thorson did everything that was asked of her and did it well, some episodes worked and some didn't through no fault of hers other than maybe she had to follow on from Diana Rigg and was too compliant with the producers/writers ideas.
Not at all. The "weird world" sci-fi elements in the color Peel series were because audience research indicated that was what they wanted. After the last break in production, the final episodes were dialed back considerably, and frankly, were among the best of that series, because they combined fantasy and sci-fi with reasoned explanation that made the stores believable. Note even Rigg's hairstyle changed (parted on the side) which gave her a tougher look (Murdersville).
It's true, the Thorson episodes were as popular as ever outside of the US. But for Clemens to insist that they were among his best is just not true. Neither was his ability to toughen or make interesting a character that was shoved upon him (the ex-producers girlfriend). Thorson's character was weak, and simply not believable as a trained agent. I think it would have been unbearable to accept, at that time, the change from Rigg. Aside from "Legacy of Death," Tara seems to be done in by water more than once, as she abandons escaping from the hotel in "Wish You Were Here" because the villans dumped a bucket of water on her. Comon, this was just awful. To cap it, the producers changed film stock, and the Thorson episodes have a distinctly inferior look to them. Thus, the change from the Rigg episodes even though Rigg was in "Forget-Me-Knot."
Had the series been renewed, it is likely Clemens would have replaced Thorson. While Thorson was on vacation during the filming of "Killer," Jennifer Croxton, her temporary replacement, is quite clearly being tested, to a nearly comical degree, dressed and coiffed as a substitute Peel, with "Diana" in her name. Clumsy, and transparent.
@@eerievlad Some of the Thorson episodes are really weak, the natural chemistry and humour of Diana Rigg with Steed would be impossible to recreate and most of the attempts to do so fail badly for me. It was overall a pale imitation but still interesting to a person with a nostalgic interest in the 60's.
Une série intemporelle , que j'aime depuis ma petite enfance , forever !
😢 i miss the Avenger Ema Steed Tara......every weekend I see that movie.
sad there not here anymore r.i.p xx
I used t watch them weekly for a long time and then, they wen off the air. Too bad.
I think that the most beloved partner by Patrick Macnee was with no doubt Diana Rigg.
How could Brian Clemens believe there was no longer any sexual tension between Steed and Mrs. Peel? That unresolved tension was part of the fun.
Emma's karate chops...actually wimpy but they got the job done!
I had no idea of the early season.
Diana Rigg as Emma Peel saying "that was very very dirty" 60 years ago probably shouldn't still have the effect it has, but it has 😂
Quite possibly the line that Steve says oh fancy that Mrs Gail Mrs Gail that's number one so she kept her name in the in the marriage apparently and she's working in fort Knox and what was she set as p**** galore and wasn't fort Knox rated, that's hilarious tip of the hat to 007 and that activity
It's almost like the first introduction to possible crossover episodes where characters of one episode coming to a show of a characters of another like Green acres and petticoat junction. That's what they needed they need a double O7 to appear in an episode of The avengers Infinity it's possible that John steed was even set to play the part of q which would have been hilarious considering that Steve was a bit of a MacGyver in The avengers series.
Someone forgot to remember she knocked out a stuntman for I believe it was 8 min in the graveyard in one scene. She was told that she was a competitive judo artist also.
16:22 That sure looks like Graham Hill, the famous World Champion racing driver.
I like to say that John Steed taught me how to dress. I was a young teenager who thought that Levi's and a t-shirt was the way to dress. Also, although I don't own a vintage Bentley, I do own a new Bentley Continental.
Emma Peal is my favorite Avenger. She was cool, energetic, chic and intelligent. Seldom missed an episode. I believe Dianna Rigg could have been a female Bond.
I think its unfrair that they always ignore Venus and Dr. King.
The Avenger Forever
Tx: 10 November 2005
Some of the discussion indicates a lot of opinions of the Thorson series seem to be based solely on The Forget-Me-Knot episode. Brian Clemens is clearly pleased with the brick in the handbag stunt, but I know too many people that wouldn't give the Tara King shows a chance because they'd seen or heard about that specifically, & didn't think it fit a "true" Avengers girl. That gag only happened once, of course. Clemens admits he simply didn't see Thorson as appearing believable doing martial arts, so he fashioned her into someone who fought instinctively, rather than through dedicated training. However, this changed fairly early on, & most of Tara's fights are genuinely effective & exciting. Stating that her character couldn't through a man over her shoulder just isn't true, regardless of one's impressions or recollections. This documentary omits the behind-the-scenes politics that took place during Thorson's tenure, which go a long way toward explaining inconsistent character traits & capabilities, but I found the series enjoyable then & now, & certainly a worthy continuation on from the color Diana Rigg shows. I'm glad Tara King is that much different & unique. Had they created a third female lead who happened to also be a martial arts master, independently wealthy, & established expert in absolutely everything, Like Mrs. Gale & Mrs. Peel, I'm not sure the actress or character would have been received any better. And imagine if this series had been produced during today's social media frenzy. It might never have survived even the first major cast change!
The Quill!!
The fashion/costume choices for Mrs Peel are perfect for a campy, fictional show like this. HOWEVER... these fashion trends being adopted by the public at large was a comical disaster.
Divertidas.
I think the Tara King episodes get a bad rep, purely because they followed Mrs Peel. They are different, much more far fetched, but still great. New Avengers just didn’t work for me.
I read elsewhere that the fella who played Steed was a bit of a problem. He caused Pussy Galore to quit and had a drinking problem. He did stop drinking all together. I liked this show during the Diana Rigg era her chemistry between Steed and her were excellent plus she was hot looking for a teen as I was back when it was on tv . I also liked the intro and music . One episode thst sticks to mind is the Cyber robot that was a favorite. Wish they show it on tv but nowadays they want you to pay for everything.
Apparently you got what you paid for, nothing. Avengers wouldn't exist without Macnee, he did it for over a decade. Was raised by women & worked well with them, listen to any of them interviewed here & they speak well of him (This is Your Life, BAFTA Awards). Honor Blackman left to be Pussy Galore, just as Rigg left to become only Mrs. Bond. Macnee had decades long career, including reappearing with Rigg in her '70's American sitcom, they played ex-lovers.
@@unowen-nh9ov Yep. That episode is available on RUclips if you dig around for it. There are some cheeky references about her "walking out on him in London" ala Emma leaving Steed when Peter Peel crawled out of the Amazon.
@@kbc163 They totally lampooned Steed & Emma, he plays a self-absorbed musician, she wants to tell him where to put his piano/oboe/tuba/whatever but says it wouldn't fit & storms off. Sulking, he consoles himself with, "I'm an artist, I can do anything!" 40 year old memory, don't know how accurate (if @ all!)...
The best thing to happen to the evolution of the Avengers was Hendry leaving…. I really didn’t like his character……
Hendry's character was fine, however it was the ladies who took the show in both a different direction and another level and elevated it into something much bigger.
Otherwise had that not happened, the series would have remained a straightforward crime drama show and not the iconic legend it became.
John Bates
Ian Hendry left to pursue a career in Hollywood. *The* Ian Hendry?
Actually, Shepperton and Elstree.
Stirred libidos of young women as well !
The commenters are awful except for the actors.
Camp ???.
W H O was Patrick McNee ('Mr. Steed') ever married to ??
He was married three times:
Barbara Douglas (1942-1956) - He had two children from this marriage. She passed away in 2012
Katherine Woodville (1965-1969) - She passed away in 2013
Baba Majos de Nagyzsenye (1988-2007) - They were married until her death
He outlived all his wives.
Avengers was before the BBC was all shitty and poz
The Avengers was an ITV series. As was another cult 60's series The Prisoner. The BBC never managed a decent adventure series in the 60s or 70s.