Episode 120: Emma Peel Era
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We're Needed
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Tag
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Stats ?
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A.K.A.
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Other Viewpoints |
Qui suis-je?
Wer ist Wer?
Chi dei due?
¿Quién Es Quién?
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Production completed: 18 April 1967
UK Premiere (London, Season 5): 5 May 1967
US Premiere (New York, Season 2): 19 May 1967
Enemy agents Basil and Lola attempt
to infiltrate—and then annihilate—the organization by swapping minds with Steed and
Emma!
IMHO |
Never mind that mind-swapping is "way out"—the performances are not to be missed. In fact, the guest actors do a better job of impersonating our duo than the reverse (Steed is actually reminiscent of his old self back in the Cathy Gale days). We get to see Steed and Emma kiss—several times, Steed chomp on cigars, and Emma chomp on chewing gum and boogie to some tunes. The "important announcements" after each commercial break are hysterical, as the announcer becomes progressively more confused. These, plus the comic music cues and the goofy "floral network," make it vividly clear that this one is played for laughs. Hats off to Philip Levene.
Oh, and wouldn't you just love to know what Emma whispers in Steed/Basil's ear to make him blush?
Trivia |
This story was inspired by a nearly disastrous production situation: Patrick Macnee was leaving on vacation, and Diana Rigg was leaving the series. Thus a story was required that did not feature one or both of the leads in nearly every scene, as is normally the case. Also note that writer Philip Levene cameos as Daffodil.
Steed addresses Mrs. Peel as Emma, which is a dead giveaway that he's not himself—not to mention that he went through a door before her. The real Steed called her Emma only once, in "The Forget-Me-Knot."
Not positive, but this just might be the first time we see the exterior of Steed's flat.
On Location |
An extremely brief snippet of this episode (Emma on horseback) was filmed at Woburn Sands, apparently intended as part of an unused promotion piece.
Best Scene |
Through the window, Steed/Basil spies Lola/Emma headed their way. Steed/Basil: "How nice to see you." Emma/Lola: "Wonder what I'm doing here?" Steed/Basil: "Whatever the reasons, you're very obliging." Indeed!
Best Line |
Steed/Basil: "What sort of fiend are we dealing with? A man who would bite the end off a cigar is capable of anything." (Don't tell anyone, but Steed regularly bit the ends off his cigars back in the Cathy Gale days.)
Essential Reading |
- Mrs. Peel... We're Needed by Piers Johnson