Episode 139: Tara King Era
Page 140 of 192
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Tag
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A.K.A.
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On the Radio |
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Other Viewpoints |
Miroirs
Spieglein,
Spieglein in der Hand
Specchi
Todo
Hecho con Espejos
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Production completed: 13 June 1968
UK Premiere (London, Season 7): 13 November 1968
US Premiere (New York, Season 4): 2 December 1968
Secrets have been leaking from a
secret (naturally) communications facility where Steed had been spending a lot of time, so
he is placed under house arrest to help flush out the real traitors. While Steed remains
poolside with Mother and Rhonda, Tara is sent in, with a less-than-able-bodied assistant,
and single-handedly uncovers the means whereby the secrets are getting out.
IMHO |
If all of the Tara King episodes were this sharp, there would be no reason to carp. Tara proves quite resourceful, level-headed, good in a fight and a keen high-diver to boot. Not to mention that her denim wardrobe suits her "action character" much better than all that frilly stuff...
Trivia |
Mother's "office" is the middle of a swimming pool, and he's drifting about on a floating chair, with telephones at one side and liquor at the other. (Talk about a wet bar...)
Based on an interview Dave Rogers conducted with Patrick Newell, it would appear that this episode, the 11th produced, marks the introduction of Rhonda, Mother's helpmate, a character invented on the spot, more or less, as a means to solve Patrick Newell's problems maneuvering his wheelchair on the set. Rhonda, played by Rhonda Parker, never spoke a word as she wheeled Mother around for two-thirds of the series. (That's her getting eyed by Steed, above. Tall, isn't she?)
It also marks the first episode in which we see Linda Thorson with her own hair. At the outset of the series, the producers decided to make Tara blonde, and the peroxide used on Linda's naturally brunette hair caused it to fall out! Which also explains Tara's bewildering array of wigs—a character "cover-up" for a real-life blunder.
Director Ray Austin, by the way, was the stunt arranger for the Emma Peel era, and made a credited appearance in "The Gravediggers."
Howard Blake composed the incidental music for this episode.
*This unofficial subtitle is by Yours Truly.
On Location |
Rabley Park, Ridge; Stanmore Army barracks; Beachy Head, East Sussex; Start Point Lighthouse, Devon. The pool in which Mother is seen floating about also makes an appearance in "Faces."
Best Line |
"Disembodied and still have an appetite?" (Steed upon hearing Tara's ethereal voice)
Essential Reading |
- Mrs. Peel... We're Needed by Piers Johnson