I don't know why but I've always found myself drawn to this one. Not that I think it's particularly good, but
perhaps because it's so bad it's good. A perfect exercise in an over-long melodrama, it's
so different than the rest of the show, even the Blackman episodes. I think I like it in
parts as opposed to the whole. Most players are campily wooden, but Macnee's performance
feels a bit more relaxed and fun to watch. I love the fact that he does his own stunts
(e.g. carrying the drunk over his shoulders, and the fight scene with Brand at the end).
In the Peel episodes they throw in a stunt man if he just sneezes too violently...
1) In the beginning, as the director moves from
talking to Carla to one of the stagehands, the camera following him runs into something...
you can hear the crash just before the camera shakes.
2) Sheila was fumbling with the phone trying to put it back
in it's cradle after the call was finished.
3) While Dr. King and the body guard were presumably the
only ones on deck talking together, you hear someone coughing briefly off-stage (one of
the production crew?).
I'll give it three bowlers.
By the way, a teddy bear was picked up from the couch in
Carla's room, and I suspect it was the same one used in "Mr
Teddy Bear."
Mission to Montreal
by Alexis Rockford
This episode is worth watching just for the simple two words: Martin King. What's
not to like about this attractive yet sardonic doctor who has, for some unknown reason, gotten involved in
espionage? Not to mention the fact that Steed's cheeky remarks throughout are priceless. In my opinion, this
installment is the best of the MK trilogy, having everything an Avengers fan could want: intrigue, romance,
double agents, humour, and most importantly that classic Avengers quality, chemistry.
Sparks fairly fly between Martin and Carla in several scenes. And the relationship between King and Steed, which
has been called "at best, ambiguous" is nevertheless amusing. Steed's playing with the good doctor as merely a pawn
in his spy game is delightfully absurd. Whereas you get the impression that Keel actually enjoys playing secret
agent, the Martin King episodes leave you to imagine that Steed has some unexplained hold on him which causes him to
lend aide to Steed's little missions.
Best scene: Steed taunts the good doctor about his oriental robe ("Don't tell me you actually bought that").
Best line: Steed advises Dr. King, "You're not planning to wear that. It's death to the most rudimentary of
romance."
Of course, there are the little drawbacks, such as the muffled dialogue, shifty cameras, and confusing fight
scene, but these minor flaws hardly take away from the general appeal of the episode.
All in all, a charming little jewel, if only for the fact that it is one of John Rollason's few screen
appearances. I'm amazed that somebody didn't discover him. He wasn't exactly the best actor, but he certainly wasn't
wooden or a "puppet."
Three bowlers.
Mission to Montreal
by Frankymole, Bristol
The Avengers Afloat! The unusual locations continue, this time with a splendid cruise ship, courtesy of some
tremendously atmospheric sets and lighting. It all looks quite solid and expensive. There is barely a fluff in
sight, and a rather good collection of characters to spice things up. Quite enjoyable is the superbly sinister John
Bennett, as a "luxuriously" named bodyguard who spends the entire episode almost getting into fights, before being
floored by a fairly docile old drunk. Lots of well-known faces in this one for nostalgic cult TV fans.
The
Avenged?: A runaround after stolen microfilm, enlivened by the violent ring of enemy agents infiltrating the ship.
Quite a good punch-up featuring Patrick Macnee, too.
Diabolical Masterminds? Indeed. Mark Eden and Alan Curtis as
reluctant and murderous agents respectively. There is also a nice twist or two, whereby Eden's character is secretly
the husband of the leading lady, and the masterspy in charge of the agents turns out to be quite a surprise. This
latter twist is cleverly revealed by Steed who quotes the masterspy's recognition phrase, unaware that the character
has already revealed their identity to the audience by its use.
The Avengers?: Murder mysteries on board ships rely on the cast of characters being temporarily cut off from the
outside world. However, a new angle is tried: Dr King boards at the start; Steed comes aboard at the first port of
call (France). Steed already has a helper called Sheila in place, and King brings his nurse. With at least three
enemy agents, things start getting crowded, but it all works rather well.
Umbrella, Charm and a Bowler Hat?: All
present and correct, once Steed sheds his servile steward rig. Some chuckles are to be had with his ribbing of King
over the latter's chinoiserie dressing gown: "Don't let her see you in that dressing gown, old boy, it's death to
the most rudimentary form of romance!" Steed gets rebuffed for a dance with the film starlet, and she takes quite a
shine to Dr King for his integrity. Their growing regard for each other is well-handled, with the ring of truth:
Carla: "Do you think that means I'd like to have an affair with you, subconsciously?" Dr King: "And how would you do
that subconsciously?" Patricia English adeptly juggles neurosis, fear and hope.
Bizarre?: There are some rather
nasty stabbings, usually just when it starts to feel like a jolly romp. The whole ship seems awash with alcohol,
too, though Steed doesn't touch a drop until the end credits roll!
Very enjoyable, four bowlers.
