Rodney's Reviews
Page 41 of 42

Sleeper
By Rodney Marshall

The New Avengers has often been criticised for lacking the style of the 'original series'. This is somewhat unfair; it was a product of the mid-1970s, an era which time forgot in terms of fashion. Yet it would have been ridiculous for The New Avengers to have pressed 'rewind' and simply reproduced 1960s culture. The 'New' warns us not to pre-judge.

The horrendous, lime green décor in Gambit's flat reminds us that we are indeed in the harsh reality of 1976. However, in terms of plot, direction and humour Sleeper does not disappoint. The basic storyline—of a modern Bonny and Clyde terrorising London banks while Londoners 'enjoy' an enforced Sunday morning lie-in—is a clever idea. The episode is intelligently directed and the atmosphere of a deserted city is effectively conveyed. It reminded me of The Day of the Triffids.

There is as much humour as can be found in almost any Avengers episode. Many people have commented on the scene in which Purdey poses as a mannequin, only to be literally uncovered as her pyjamas fall down, followed by a hilarious fight using a clothes rack. Equally amusing is Steed and Gambit's equivalent scene by the bus stop. However, there are plenty of other intelligent, light touches which are less obvious. My personal favourite is when Steed and Gambit attempt to work out which bank will be next in line. Steed suggests that there is little point in robbing the Bank of England in view of the current economic climate... one in which, let us remind ourselves, it took French and Canadian finance to get this so-British series made. Overall, I think that this is a most satisfying episode.

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Page last modified: 5 May 2017.

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