"Too Many Christmas Trees" might have been the episode I think is the best, but "Epic" is one I hold closest to my heart. I am a film-buff and I love strange things. Therefore this episode completes me. It is a surreal, funny, and stupid walk through movie land and I liked every minute of it. This is certainly not an episode for everyone. The gaps of logic, overacting by Z. Z. (me), and the ridiculous final act make it hard to love for some people, but easy for people like me.
This is yet another "Emma episode" and plays out like a comedic version of "The House That Jack Built." The plot and the setting are different, however. Emma Peel is in her first snuff film (this might have been the first snuff film idea ever). The episode is set in a crazy movie studio rather than a crazy house. This show also has the pleasure of my personal favorite guest performance by Peter Wyngarde who assumes no less than eleven different personas and acts well in every one of them (except maybe the evil scientist one). My personal favorite is when he plays the gangster (top left) and tosses a coin up in the air similarly to gangster in the movie "Some Like it Hot." I also like how is tired after every performace suggesting how hard it is for any person to put on so many costumes. Wyngarde did a brilliant job in "Touch of Brimstone" and did an excellent job here.
Its the little touches that make this episode work. From Emma being part of a Z. Z. Von Schnerk logo (RARRR!) to Z. Z. Von Schnerk's random antics (Animal Vitality!) to Steed getting over the electrical fence (prop staircases), the episode just comes together really well. Also, any person with any appreciation for film history will get a kick out of Emma opening a saloon door just like in a Western.
This is a strange episode in that it seems to polarize Avengers watchers. People either love it or hate it and there is very few people in the middle ground. It says a lot about an Avengers watcher whether they liked or disliked "Epic." As it stands, I love every second of it. It might not be your cup of tea, but it is worth watching because of Wyngarde's performance and the various nods at film genres.
4 comments:
This episode "completes" you? But, you should save that line for your first serious love! All kidding aside, great blog.
Why do you think it polarizes its viewers? Is it because it's silly and playful and some Avengers' fans prefer the more serious shows like "The Joker"?
It is just that some people think its too ridiculous while others love its playful charm. People just normally love it or hate it.
Nice review, Z.Z. I must say though, I don't see the problem with having a more "whimsical" episode. But I guess in contrast to those who are looking for more serious plots in their television shows . . . to each his own.
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