This, the second surviving episode from series one of 'The Avengers' sees Steed seeking Dr Keel's help to expose an underworld character known as 'The Deacon'. Word is out that two of his men are going to put the frighteners on somebody in the Chelsea area. Steed and Keel intervene during the assault and capture one of the attackers. Afterwards Keel treats victim Jeremy de Willoughby but he is keen that the police aren't brought in. After pressure is brought to bear on the thug Keel manages to find The Deacon and learns that he has been hired by a powerful man who doesn't want de Willoughby anywhere near his daughter.
I really enjoyed this early episode; it certainly had a darker tone than most of the later, more surreal, episodes. It was certainly to see Steed threaten a thug with a cut-throat razor then Keel tells the man he has a broken neck and could die any moment! If that weren't enough he later threatens to squirt acid in a man's face later proved to be a bluff. The story is gritty and about nasty criminals rather than spies or 'criminal masterminds'. The cast does an impressive job; Ian Hendry is impressive as Dr Keel and Patrick Macnee is great as Steed. The guest cast are good too; especially those portraying the variety of unpleasant characters. As well as a good central story there is some humour, notably in the final scene where de Willoughby is exposed as a cad. Overall This was an impressive episode that fans of the series will probably enjoy.
I really enjoyed this early episode; it certainly had a darker tone than most of the later, more surreal, episodes. It was certainly to see Steed threaten a thug with a cut-throat razor then Keel tells the man he has a broken neck and could die any moment! If that weren't enough he later threatens to squirt acid in a man's face later proved to be a bluff. The story is gritty and about nasty criminals rather than spies or 'criminal masterminds'. The cast does an impressive job; Ian Hendry is impressive as Dr Keel and Patrick Macnee is great as Steed. The guest cast are good too; especially those portraying the variety of unpleasant characters. As well as a good central story there is some humour, notably in the final scene where de Willoughby is exposed as a cad. Overall This was an impressive episode that fans of the series will probably enjoy.