Episode 103: Emma Peel Era
Page 103 of 192
 |
||||||
 |
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
|
||||||
Tag
|
||||||
|
||||||
Stats ?
|
||||||
|
||||||
A.K.A.
|
||||||
|
||||||
Other Viewpoints |
How to Succeed at Murder....Without Really Trying
Comment reussir
un assassinat
Mordet
die Männer" or "Fit für Mord" depending on the vintage of the print
Scuola
di danza per delitto
Como Triunfar... En El Crimen
Moord in de zakenwereld
|
Produced: early February 1966
UK Premiere (London, Season 4): 18 March 1966
US Premiere (New York, Season 1): 13 June 1966
"Ruination to all men" is
the battle cry of the baddies, this time a band of power-hungry secretaries led by
Henrietta, an ugly little puppet under the control of a mysterious mastermind. Their plan
to do away with greedy businessmen is uncovered by Steed and Emma after one too many
entrepreneurs is knocked off.
IMHO |
Not a particularly great episode in my book, mostly because of that annoying puppet—the person behind which turns out to be a bigger surprise for the ultra-feminist militia than for the audience. And in his apparent attempt to put men and women on equal footing, Clemens unintentionally set feminism back a half-century— Emma even cowers behind Steed at one point! But it's worth it all just to see the unforgettable J.J. Hooter. "I smell a great deal." Indeed, he declares, "I have smelled all over the world!"
Trivia |
Terry Ellett of Valencia, California, thinks Henrietta was voiced by Honor Blackman, whereas David Bruce of Athens, Ohio thinks it's Yolande Turner ("The Girl from Auntie" and "The £50,000 Breakfast"). What do you think?
Pablo Alonso of Argentina remarks that the idea of a mastermind who gives orders through a puppet might have inspired the Batman comic book villain The Ventriloquist and his puppet-alter ego Scarface (created late 80s-early 90s by British writers Alan Grant and John Wagner). The main difference is that everybody knows who controls the puppet. Pablo also notes that the sign on the gym entrance is basically the same that appeared on the building for Purbright in "Quick-Quick Slow Death." Note: "Gordon Jacksons Ltd."—a reference to the actor?
D.P. Paré notes that Steed uses a pistol that falls out of the possession of one of the henchwomen during Emma's big brawl to kill Henry in a rather abrupt, violent shooting.
On Location |
Mary Merryweather's is actually the studio exterior.
Best Scene |
The sequence with J.J. Hooter and the tire pump is definitely worth the price of admission.
Best Line |
Identifying the perfume Emma produces from the tire pump, Mr. Hooter exclaims, "Leap into my fervid arms!"
Essential Reading |
- Mrs. Peel... We're Needed by Piers Johnson