"Man-Eater of Surrey Green" is such a weird, strangely blood-thirsty, funny, and yet well done episode. Its the only real sci-fi episode that the Avengers has to offer. This episode again proves that innovation is the key (most of the time), but this "evil plant" plotline has been done before (just not in much British television, except maybe Dr. Who). The main plotline involves a evil, smart, man-eating plant wants to take over the world or at least Britian after it crashes onto Earth. It does this through mind-control apparently. It doesn't make much sense, but its a great effort from the director and the cast. The first thing that I found surprising about this episode is the amount of death. At least 20 people die in this episode which is an Avengers record. Also, being a fan of zombies, I loved the way the mind-controled people behaved a lot like them. There is an average amount of Emma/John interactions, but there is one great moment with Mrs. Peel that I love. Toward the end, the duo is with their companion named Ms. Sheldon. At one point, Mrs. Peel looks off camera and says "Ms. Sheldon" like Ms. Sheldon wet herself or started a strip tease. Then the camera cuts to Ms. Sheldon being dragged off by monstrous vines. It never fails to bring a smile to my face. Also, the end fight sequence is tense even though its in an area full of nude mannequins. The episode is full of some really stupid moments that I love.
This is the kind of hit or miss episodes that comes along occasionally in Avengers. It might be one that only I love. If you like bad sci-fi movies or have a flair for all that is weird in this world, then I recommend this episode. Keep in mind, its really well made, just bad production values render it humorous.
3 comments:
I'll tell ya "vhat I dink."
You did a good job covering a lot of aspects of the episode. I read a lot of reviews, but they aren't actually for television shows, so I can't guarantee any of my suggestions are good ideas.
- This post, among others, will comment on how "well" an episode is made. How, precisely? What makes it good? This might get important if you happen to run into episodes that aren't so well-made. Comment on the dialogue, the plot, the visual quality... did anything stand out or flunder?
- Now you can comment on the overall plot. Mention if it differs substantially from other typical Avengers plots and what makes this one unique. Then you can start going into the story line and explain what happens.
- Give your opinion on the plot, of course. (...This is starting to sound more like an outline, isn't it?) I like that you include your personal feelings on how the show could be better, what you liked, etc. Keeping up with a theme is nice too, like how you've commented on the Emma/John scenarios for all these episodes. If you find out interesting tidbits about this episode (as in, the filming of), those would also be cool to put in.
Sorry if this all sounds completely obvious. I like what you have so far; well done. Remember grammar is your friend ;) Keep avenging!
I love the Ms. Sheldon section myself. I think this is accentuated by the fact that Ms. Sheldon (in contrast to the svelte and well-dressed Emma Peel) is older, wears really bad long skirts and cardigans, and has some weird device in her ear because she's hard of hearing. (This is not anything like a hearing aide, but rather something more like an I-pod pod). To see her being drug off by the leg by a large leafy plant after Emma comments on her shocking behavior is just bizarre.
I agree that the nude mannequins add a nice touch. I think this is also one of a handful of episodes when John and Emma are pitted against each other by a diabolical mastermind.
I love it when Emma and John are pitted against one another (or with one another as the case may be in Who's Who???). I find that most of the old ladies in the Avengers episodes are not represented well (See: Girl from Auntie).
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