"A Touch of Brimstone" is by far the most sexually explicit Avengers episode. Because of this, it also one of the most popular episodes. This was one of the shows that put the Avengers on the map. If you haven't already seen the photo from "A Touch of Brimstone" at the bottom of my blog, check it out because this photo single-handedly brought the Avengers to America. This photo of Emma Peel is one of the more suggestive outfits that she wears throughout her two seasons. This episode also features some S&M aspects with people being whipped and there is plenty of drinking going on. Basically, this episode lives up to its name in a very PG-13 fashion.It also helps that this is one of the best episodes in terms of plot, characters, and ideas. The show revolves around devastating practical jokes that are ruining British international relations (exploding cigars used by a Russian peacemaker, rubber scissors to cut the Hall of Friendship tape). This jokes lead to the Hell Fire club run by a man called John Cartney (played by Peter Wyngarde who I last reviewed in "Epic") with his "girl" (Carol Cleveland from Monty Python) and "friend" (Colin Jeavons who plays Lord Darcy). All of John's realtionships with other people are relative. Peter Wyngarde gives another steller performance as Cartney who is just as smarmy as he is eccentric. I personally prefer his multi-personality performace in "Epic," but he does fine here. Of course the main draw for this episode is Steed and Emma (and her outfit). Steed comes off as more of a badass in this episode (cleverly passing the various Hell Fire tasks including drinking from a giant goblet, "To the brim, Willy"), and Emma has more sex appeal as the "Queen of Sins" in the final act of this episode. In my opinion, this episode also has one of the best final fight sequences with Steed showing off his fencing skills.
There aren't nearly enough Steed/Emma moments for my liking though. There is one cute moment where Emma pours Steed's drink on some girl hanging onto Steed, but thats about it. The biggest draw for this episode is the whole Hell Fire club idea, not Steed and Emma's realtionship. This is an unfortuate trade-off, but it is still an excellent episode. Cartney's behavior is also more like a Joker. Maybe he should have been the villian in the Joker episode. Ohh... the possibilities....
If you want erotic with your Avengers or just a damn good time, give this one a shot. It doesn't disappoint and is probably the Avengers episode that most Avengers fans have in their top three. It is that well liked.
5 comments:
I have always wondered why he has Emma dress as the "Queen on Sins." The S & M outfit does not fit the 17th century costume of the rest of the Hellfire Club. Perhaps they just wanted to see what she would look like with a spiked necklace. It makes me wonder about how they decided on that costume.
I have always wondered why he has Emma dress as the "Queen on Sins." The S & M outfit does not fit the 17th century costume of the rest of the Hellfire Club. Perhaps they just wanted to see what she would look like with a spiked necklace. It makes me wonder about how they decided on that costume.
Nice post on my favorite Avengers episode. I would like to join the Hell Fire club. Where do I sign up? I also liked the sarcastic way in which John Steed reacts when his cover is blown in the organization. Instead of trying to cover up, Steed simply says "He's right you know," looking whimsical. I just wish I couldn't spot his stunt double so easily in the fighting scenes.
Hey, there is nothing wrong with a spiked necklace. For some reason the stunt double is less noticable for me. Anyway, thanks for yalls input.
Good review. I can't say I'm surprised WHY it got so popular . . . but hey, if the show is that good overall, then so be it. Did they plan to make some kind of episode like this to launch the show's popularity?
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