The lowdown: 'The Avengers' is one of the most fondly remembered British TV shows of the 1960s, and
combined action, adventure and humour over six seasons from 1961 to 1969 on ITV1. The star of the show 
for most of its run was British Secret Service agent John Steed (Patrick Macnee), who was accompanied 
by a succession of beautiful, resourceful and independent women. Indeed, the characterisation of women 
in 'The Avengers' was far ahead of most TV shows of the era, and Diana Rigg's portrayal of Emma Peel
contributed significantly to the show's popularity. Each episode saw Steed and his assistant investigating
issues of national security, epionage and international intrigue, and while some of the plots in later years
were far-fetched and ludicrous, it was always entertaining. The first two seasons were much more serious
in tone, and indeed in the early episodes Steed was very much a secondary character. He was joined by
Honor Blackman as Cathy Gale in the second season.

The episode: 'Propellant 23' was the second episode of Season 2, and was first broadcast on 6 October
1962. It opens with Jules Meyer, a passenger on a flight to France, receiving a telegram. He is convinced
that somebody is trying to kill him, and demands to see the pilot, Captain Legros (played by Nicholas
Courtney). When the plane arrives in Marseilles, Myer collapses and dies while being escorted to the
terminal by airport police. It transpires that Steed and Cathy Gale were sent to meet Myer, as he was 
carrying a new top-secret rocket fuel called Propellant 23, which is also being sought by enemy agents.
The flask containing the rocket fuel ends up in the hands of a local man, who thinks it is a hair tonic and
gives it to one of the air pilots. Steed and Cathy find themselves in a race against time to find the rocket 
fuel and get it safely to London.

The verdict: Great fun and wonderful to see appearances by actors as Courtney (in his first TV role) and
Geoffrey Palmer. A bit more slow-paced and serious than the Emma Peel episodes that most people are
familiar with, but nevertheless a marvellous example of British drama from the 1960s. Sadly, many of the
early episodes are missing, so it is good to be able to see surviving episodes from this era.

Video Clip:  A difficult passenger      7.5mb
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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