THE AVENGERS

Full Name:	The Avengers
Series Name:	The Avengers
Nationality:	British
Organization:	The Avengers
Occupation	Agency

Creator:	Sydney Newman
Time Span:	1961 - 2017

ABOUT THE SERIES

       The Avengers are a group of operatives whose mission is to protect Britain from extraordinary dangers.
       The series of books derive from two British television series. Few series from British television has had close to the acceptance and appreciation in the States as has the Avengers. The suave urbanity of John Steed and the incredibly sexy assurance of Emma Peel captured imagination of Americans. Thanks to syndication, it was seen over and over again, gaining new audiences along the way. Moreover, it was telecast at one time or another in over 120 different countries.
       There were really two different series involved: The Avengers and The New Avengers.
       The first, and best well known, ran in Great Britain from January 1961 to September 1969, numbering 161 episodes. During that period in which the Avengers changed makeup several times, the one constant was John Steed, played admirably by Patrick MacNee.
       When the show first came on the air, Steed was the junior partner of a police surgeon named Dr. David Keel (Ian Hendry). It was originally a half-hour crime drama with the mystery-solver being the surgeon. Steed was the mysterious spy who convinces Keel to join his organization but the emphasis remained larger of Keel. This pairing lasted only one season and Hendry left for other interests.
       Taking his place was the anthropologist Dr. Catherine Gale. This highly intelligence, judo-throwing member of the group initially was just asked to help in a black magic case but was enticed to come in on a more regular basis. During this second season, however, Dr. Gale was sometimes replaced with either Dr. Martin King (Jon Rollason) or a jazz singer named Venus Smith (Julie Stevens). These last two did not make it into season three.
       It wasn't until the fourth season that the show really hit its main stride, and started to become popular in the States. Steed changed from being rather harsh and demanding and became the gentile man of confidence he would always be remembered as. He was also joined, most importantly, by the scrumptious Mrs. Emma Peel, delightfully played by Diana Rigg. Mrs. Peel would be Steed's partner-in-danger for two full seasons.
       The final season saw Mrs. Peel depart with her long-lost, suddenly refound husband (who bore an astonishing resemblance to Steed). She was replaced as Steed's teammate by the cute and perky Tara King (Linda Thorson) who had the unenviable job of following such a dynamite act as Mrs. Peel. Interestingly, of all of the four partners that Steed would have (Keel, Gale, Peel, and King), only the last one would have any professional training as a spy, being a graduate of the spy school the Avengers' organization ran.
       The second series, The New Avengers, appeared on the scene 7 years after the original left with the first of 26 episodes spanning two seasons airing in October of 1976. The New Avengers consisted of John Steed, every bit as debonair as ever, the delectable Purdey (Joanna Lumley) and Mike Gambit (Gareth Hunt).
       These adventures were lush and bright, filled with action and humor. Unfortunately, as popular as the original Avengers were and as very popular as Lumley proved to be, the show didn't last too long.

BOOKS

Number of Books:	20
First Appearance:	1963
Last Appearance:	1998


1			The Avengers Written by Douglas Enefer Copyright: 1963 Both John Steen and Cathy Gale are invited to the same high-class party onboard a millionaire's yacht, and neither that pleased to see the other. When a famous actress is murdered in their midst, they reluctantly agree to work together.

2			Deadline Written by Peter Leslie Copyright: 1965 Someone is trying to destroy the British government by altering the speeches of key officials when they are reprinted in newspapers across Europe, causing anger over things that are just not true.

3			Dead Duck Written by Peter Leslie Copyright: 1966 Why did the man seated near Steed and Peel in the 5-star restaurant suddenly fall over dead? For that matter, why has several different people die after eating duck? To find out what it is all about, the Avengers have to travel to North Anglia and muck about the marshes.

4			The Floating Game Berkley #1 Written by John Garforth Copyright: 1967 The main emphasis of this assignment seems to be the plot by the Mafia to take over the British government. To stop it, Mrs. Peel learns to deal blackjack on a floating casino and Steed once again finds himself the victim of torture.

5			The Laugh Was On Lazarus Berkley #2 Written by John Garforth Copyright: 1967 Men are being raised from the dead, walking zombies at the command of a dangerous man with a diabolical plan to destroy the Pentagon. Using his abilities to transplant brains, the villain has acquired an H-Bomb and is more than ready to use it if Steed and Mrs. Peel cannot stop him.

6			The Passing Of Gloria Munday Berkley #3 Written by John Garforth Copyright: 1967 The pop singer Gloria Munday has been murdered and the question of who and why have been passed to Steed and Mrs. Peel. Feeling that it is connected to her profession and not her private life, Mrs. Peel decides to take her place.

7			Heil Harris Berkley #4 Written by John Garforth Copyright: 1967 Is the man named Harris just a crackpot or could he really be Adolf Hitler, turning 78 while living in Hertfordshire? That is what John Steed is trying to find out even as Emma Peel goes undercover to join a neo-Nazi group wanting to bring forth the Fourth Reich.

8			The Afrit Affair Berkley #7 Written by Keith Laumer Copyright: 1968 A mad scientist is intent of taking over the world but first he must leave warnings of his plans in the most bizarre ways. The first warning is a note inside a kippered herring. The second came out of a squeezed toothpaste tube. After that, things get weird.

9			The Drowned Queen Berkley #7 Written by Keith Laumer Copyright: 1968 The queen in the title is the Atlantic Queen, the world's first submarine luxury liner. As preparations go on for her maiden voyage, word comes that there is a plot to destroy the vessel. Steed cover is as the ship's dance instructor.

10			The Gold Bomb Berkley #7 Written by Keith Laumer Copyright: 1968 A gentleman with the rather bizarre name of The Walker has a desire to blow up half of England and he is quickly proceeding to acquire the means to carry it off. A stock of uranium has gone missing and it is the job of Steed and Tara to find it.

11			The Magnetic Man Berkley #8 Written by Norman Daniels Copyright: 1968 John Steed is sent to Hong Kong to perform a very prosaic mission, couriering a briefcase of important papers. No sooner had he taken possession of the satchel, however, but he is knocked out and the papers stolen.

12			Moon Express Berkley #9 Written by Norman Daniels Copyright: 1969 How would you like a trip to the moon? A new company is out there offering the unprecedented opportunity, if the price is right. With no apparent government behind the company, the question of who it is and how they got the technology to pull it off sends in John Steed and Tara King to find out.

13			House Of Cards New Avengers #1 Written by Peter Cave Copyright: 1976 From an episode written by Brian Clemens, it is through the use of tarot cards that hidden messages are being passed to 12 Soviet moles, hypnotized to believe they are true and loyal British subjects.

14			The Eagle's Nest New Avengers #2 Written by John Carter Copyright: 1976 From an episode written by Brian Clemens, the title refers to a little known monastery on a remote island off the north of Scotland. At the establishment, research is being conducted in the field of cryogenics, tied to the fall of the Nazis.

15			To Catch A Rat New Avengers #3 Written by William Harris Copyright: 1977 From an episode written by Terence Feeley, the deep cover mole had worked inside British Intelligence for many years but now it was time to return to his home and receive the rewards he had earned for so long. His last task is to eliminate John Steed.

16			Fighting Men New Avengers #4 Written by Justin Cartwright Copyright: 1977 From an episode written by Brian Clemens, trained to be the ultimate in killing machines, the men of the 19th Special Commando unit were supposed to be used in only the direst of wartime situations but someone has other plans.

17			The Cybernauts New Avengers #5 Written by Peter Cave Copyright: 1977 From an episode written by Brian Clemens, the cybernauts were huge, slow-moving and quite dangerous. Robots with no wills of their own, they answered only the orders of the maniac who was thought dead long ago but has now returned to avenge those he blames for crippling him.

18			Hostage New Avengers #6 Written by Peter Cave Copyright: 1977 From an episode written by Brian Clemens, all evidence clearly points to just one man as the one leaking the most vital secrets of the government and that man is John Steed.

19			Too Many Targets Written by John Peel Copyright: 1990 The most dangerous double agent ever to plague the British Intelligence field is operating and it looks to John Steed as though it is Mother. But then Emma Peel and Cathy Gale don't agree, Dr. Keel is believing an ape is to blame, and Tara King is just confused. All the major Avengers from the original series return to work together in this extremely well-crafted novel that is a success not only as a story but also as a welcome reunion of some old friends.

20			The Avengers Written by Don MacPherson Copyright: 1998 The Prospero Project is an ultra top secret experiment keyed to learning how to control the weather. The leader of the scientists heading the project is Dr. Emma Peel. It is going well until someone has stolen the secrets and destroyed much of the laboratory and the evil-doer is apparently Mrs. Peel! Joining with John Steed, she must prove her innocence and stop the villains. Starring Ralph Fiennes as John Steed and Uma Thurman as Mrs. Peel, with Sean Connery playing the bad guy, this truly horrible film bears some resemblance to the original series, largely the names of the characters, but otherwise is totally forgettable. The novelizations, on the other hand, is quite well written, taking into account that the underlying plot was despicable.

NOVELLAS AND SHORT STORIES

Number of Stories:	7
First Appearance:	1967
Last Appearance:	1968


1			Double Trouble Written by Peter Leslie Copyright: 1967 1st story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1968. Plot unknown

2			A Race Against Time Written by Peter Leslie Copyright: 1967 2nd story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1968. Plot unknown

3			Sunset In The East Written by Peter Leslie Copyright: 1967 3rd story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1968. Plot unknown

4			A Question Of Intelligence Written by Peter Leslie Copyright: 1967 4th story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1968. Plot unknown

5			All The Fun Of The Fair, Mr. Steed Written by Unknown Copyright: 1968 1st story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1969. Plot unknown

6			Mensa Sana And All That Written by Unknown Copyright: 1968 2nd story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1969. Plot unknown

7			Avast There, Mr. Steed Written by Unknown Copyright: 1968 3rd story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1969. Plot unknown

YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

Number of Books:	5
First Appearance:	1967
Last Appearance:	1978


1			The Avengers Annual 1968 Written by Peter Leslie Copyright: 1967 Published by Atlas Publishing & Distributing Co. Ltd. A collection of 4 short stories and 4 comic strip stories as follows. The Short Stories are: 1. Double Trouble 2. A Race Against Time 3. Sunset In The East 4. A Question Of Intelligence The Comic Strip Stories are: 1. Odds Against Steed 2. Flying Eagles 3. Steed's Holiday 4. A Brush With Disaster

2			The Avengers Annual 1969 Written by Unknown Copyright: 1968 Published by Atlas Publishing & Distributing Co. Ltd. A collection of 3 short stories and 3 comic strip stories as follows. The Short Stories are: 1. All The Fun Of The Fair, Mr. Steed 2. Mensa Sana And All That 3. Avast There, Mr. Steed The Comic Strip Stories are: 1. Clothes Make The Man 2. Are You A Clansman, Mr. Steed? 3. Mary, Mary

3			The Avengers Annual 1970 Written by Unknown Copyright: 1969 Published by Atlas Publishing & Distributing Co. Ltd.

4			The New Avengers Annual 1978 Written by Unknown Copyright: 1977 Published by Brown Watson

5			The New Avengers Annual 1979 Written by Unknown Copyright: 1978 Published by Brown Watson

MOVIES

Number of Movies:	1
First Appearance:	1998
Last Appearance:	1998


1			The Avengers Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik Writer: Don MacPerson Actors: Ralph Fiennes as John Steed, Uma Thurman as Emma Peel, Sean Connery as de Wynter, Patrick Macnee as Invisible Jones, Jim Broadbent as Mother Released: 1998 Sir August de Winter wants to destroy the world using his personal invention, a weather altering device. John Steed and Emma Peel are sent to stop him.

TELEVISION


Number of Episodes:	187
First Appearance:	1961
Last Appearance:	1977
Network:	ITV

REGULAR CAST
Patrick Macnee	John Steed [ 1-8 ]
Ian Hendry	Dr. David Keel [ 1 ]
Honor Blackman	Cathy Gale [ 2-3 ]
Diana Rigg	Mrs. Emma Peel [ 4-5 ]
Linda Thorson	Tara King [ 6 ]
Joanna Lumley	Purdy [ 7-8 ]
Gareth Hunt	Mike Gambit [ 7-8 ]

       In 1961, ITV brought to the British viewers The Avengers, an interesting adventure drama. It started with a doctor whose fiancee is murdered and who wants to bring the killers to justice. Enter dashing and debonair and mysterious John Steed with a way to do just that. Then Steed had other ways that the doctor (David Keel) could help stop others malafactors.
       In 1962, Season 2 saw the replacement of Keel with Cathy Gale, a literal kick-butt woman who was as sharp as she was deadly. She worked with Steed for two years.
       1964 saw the arrival of the deliciously dangerous Mrs. Peel and for another two years, Steed had a companion fighting crime and other very odd troublemakers.
       1966, the final season of the original drama, saw Mrs. Peel depart and Tara King take over the partner role.
       A decade later, John Steed was back with two more years of very oddball missions and scrapes, this time with the lovely Purdey and dour Mike Gambit.

1	Hot Snow Episode 1-01, first aired 01/07/1961

2	Brought to Book Episode 1-02, first aired 01/14/1961

3	Square Root of Evil Episode 1-03, first aired 01/21/1961

4	Nightmare Episode 1-04, first aired 01/28/1961

5	Crescent Moon Episode 1-05, first aired 02/04/1961

6	Girl on the Trapeze Episode 1-06, first aired 02/11/1961

7	Diamond Cut Diamond Episode 1-07, first aired 02/18/1961

8	The Radioactive Man Episode 1-08, first aired 02/25/1961

9	Ashes of Roses Episode 1-09, first aired 03/04/1961

10	Hunt the Man Down Episode 1-10, first aired 03/18/1961

11	Please Don't Feed the Animals Episode 1-11, first aired 04/01/1961

12	Dance with Death Episode 1-12, first aired 04/15/1961

13	One for the Mortuary Episode 1-13, first aired 04/29/1961

14	The Springers Episode 1-14, first aired 05/13/1961

15	The Frighteners Episode 1-15, first aired 05/27/1961

16	The Yellow Needle Episode 1-16, first aired 06/10/1961

17	Death on the Slipway Episode 1-17, first aired 06/24/1961

18	Double Danger Episode 1-18, first aired 07/08/1961

19	Toy Trap Episode 1-19, first aired 07/22/1961

20	The Tunnel of Fear Episode 1-20, first aired 08/05/1961

21	The Far Distant Dead Episode 1-21, first aired 08/19/1961

22	Kill the King Episode 1-22, first aired 09/02/1961

23	Dead of Winter Episode 1-23, first aired 12/09/1961

24	The Deadly Air Episode 1-24, first aired 12/16/1961

25	A Change of Bait Episode 1-25, first aired 12/23/1961

26	Dragonsfield Episode 1-26, first aired 12/30/1961

27	Mr Teddy Bear Episode 2-01, first aired 09/29/1962

28	Propellant 23 Episode 2-02, first aired 10/06/1962

29	The Decapod Episode 2-03, first aired 10/13/1962

30	Bullseye Episode 2-04, first aired 10/20/1962

31	Mission to Montreal Episode 2-05, first aired 10/27/1962

32	The Removal Men Episode 2-06, first aired 11/03/1962

33	The Mauritius Penny Episode 2-07, first aired 11/10/1962

34	Death of a Great Dane Episode 2-08, first aired 11/17/1962

35	The Sell-Out Episode 2-09, first aired 11/24/1962

36	Death on the Rocks Episode 2-10, first aired 12/01/1962

37	Traitor in Zebra Episode 2-11, first aired 12/08/1962

38	The Big Thinker Episode 2-12, first aired 12/15/1962

39	Death Dispatch Episode 2-13, first aired 12/22/1962

40	Dead on Course Episode 2-14, first aired 12/29/1962

41	Intercrime Episode 2-15, first aired 01/05/1963

42	Immortal Clay Episode 2-16, first aired 01/12/1963

43	Box of Tricks Episode 2-17, first aired 01/19/1963

44	Warlock Episode 2-18, first aired 01/26/1963

45	The Golden Eggs Episode 2-19, first aired 02/02/1963

46	School for Traitors Episode 2-20, first aired 02/09/1963

47	The White Dwarf Episode 2-21, first aired 02/16/1963

48	The Man in the Mirror Episode 2-22, first aired 02/23/1963

49	Conspiracy of Silence Episode 2-23, first aired 03/02/1963

50	A Chorus of Frogs Episode 2-24, first aired 03/09/1963

51	Six Hands Across a Table Episode 2-25, first aired 03/16/1963

52	Killer Whale Episode 2-26, first aired 03/23/1963

53	Brief for Murder Episode 3-01, first aired 09/28/1963

54	The Undertakers Episode 3-02, first aired 10/05/1963

55	Man with Two Shadows Episode 3-03, first aired 10/12/1963

56	The Nutshell Episode 3-04, first aired 10/19/1963

57	Death of a Batman Episode 3-05, first aired 10/26/1963

58	November Five Episode 3-06, first aired 11/02/1963

59	The Gilded Cage Episode 3-07, first aired 11/09/1963

60	Second Sight Episode 3-08, first aired 11/16/1963

61	The Medicine Men Episode 3-09, first aired 11/23/1963

62	The Grandeur That Was Rome Episode 3-10, first aired 11/30/1963

63	The Golden Fleece Episode 3-11, first aired 12/07/1963

64	Don't Look Behind You Episode 3-12, first aired 12/14/1963

65	Death A La Carte Episode 3-13, first aired 12/21/1963

66	Dressed to Kill Episode 3-14, first aired 12/28/1963

67	The White Elephant Episode 3-15, first aired 01/04/1964

68	The Little Wonders Episode 3-16, first aired 01/11/1964

69	The Wringer Episode 3-17, first aired 01/18/1964

70	Mandrake Episode 3-18, first aired 01/25/1964

71	The Secrets Broker Episode 3-19, first aired 02/01/1964

72	Trojan Horse Episode 3-20, first aired 02/08/1964

73	Build a Better Mousetrap Episode 3-21, first aired 02/15/1964

74	The Outside-In Man Episode 3-22, first aired 02/22/1964

75	The Charmers Episode 3-23, first aired 02/29/1964

76	Concerto Episode 3-24, first aired 03/07/1964

77	Esprit De Corps Episode 3-25, first aired 03/14/1964

78	Lobster Quadrille Episode 3-26, first aired 03/21/1964

79	The Town of No Return Episode 4-01, first aired 10/02/1965

80	The Gravediggers Episode 4-02, first aired 10/09/1965

81	The Cybernauts Episode 4-03, first aired 10/16/1965

82	Death at Bargain Prices Episode 4-04, first aired 10/23/1965

83	Castle De'ath Episode 4-05, first aired 10/30/1965

84	The Master Minds Episode 4-06, first aired 11/06/1965

85	The Murder Market Episode 4-07, first aired 11/13/1965

86	A Surfeit of H2O Episode 4-08, first aired 11/20/1965

87	The Hour that Never Was Episode 4-09, first aired 11/27/1965

88	Dial a Deadly Number Episode 4-10, first aired 12/04/1965

89	Man-Eater of Surrey Green Episode 4-11, first aired 12/11/1965

90	Two's a Crowd Episode 4-12, first aired 12/18/1965

91	Too Many Christmas Trees Episode 4-13, first aired 12/25/1965

92	Silent Dust Episode 4-14, first aired 01/01/1966

93	Room Without a View Episode 4-15, first aired 01/08/1966

94	Small Game For Big Hunters Episode 4-16, first aired 01/15/1966

95	The Girl From Auntie Episode 4-17, first aired 01/22/1966

96	The Thirteenth Hole Episode 4-18, first aired 01/29/1966

97	Quick-Quick Slow Death Episode 4-19, first aired 02/05/1966

98	The Danger Makers Episode 4-20, first aired 02/12/1966

99	A Touch of Brimstone Episode 4-21, first aired 02/19/1966

100	What the Butler Saw Episode 4-22, first aired 02/26/1966

101	The House That Jack Built Episode 4-23, first aired 03/05/1966

102	A Sense of History Episode 4-24, first aired 03/12/1966

103	How to Succeed... at Murder Episode 4-25, first aired 03/19/1966

104	Honey For the Prince Episode 4-26, first aired 03/26/1966

105	From Venus With Love Episode 5-01, first aired 01/14/1967

106	The Fear Merchants Episode 5-02, first aired 01/21/1967

107	Escape in Time Episode 5-03, first aired 01/28/1967

108	The See-Through Man Episode 5-04, first aired 02/04/1967

109	The Bird Who Knew Too Much Episode 5-05, first aired 02/11/1967

110	The Winged Avenger Episode 5-06, first aired 02/18/1967

111	The Living Dead Episode 5-07, first aired 02/25/1967

112	The Hidden Tiger Episode 5-08, first aired 03/04/1967

113	The Correct Way to Kill Episode 5-09, first aired 03/11/1967

114	Never, Never Say Die Episode 5-10, first aired 03/18/1967

115	Epic Episode 5-11, first aired 04/01/1967

116	The Superlative Seven Episode 5-12, first aired 04/08/1967

117	A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Station Episode 5-13, first aired 04/15/1967

118	Something Nasty in the Nursery Episode 5-14, first aired 04/22/1967

119	The Joker Episode 5-15, first aired 04/29/1967

120	Who's Who??? Episode 5-16, first aired 05/06/1967

121	Return of the Cybernauts Episode 5-17, first aired 09/30/1967

122	Death's Door Episode 5-18, first aired 10/07/1967

123	The 50,000 Pound Breakfast Episode 5-19, first aired 10/14/1967

124	Dead Man's Treasure Episode 5-20, first aired 10/21/1967

125	You Have Just Been Murdered Episode 5-21, first aired 10/28/1967

126	The Positive Negative Man Episode 5-22, first aired 11/04/1967

127	Murdersville Episode 5-23, first aired 11/11/1967

128	Mission... Highly Improbable Episode 5-24, first aired 11/18/1967

129	The Forget-Me-Knot Episode 6-01, first aired 09/25/1968

130	Game Episode 6-02, first aired 10/02/1968

131	Super Secret Cypher Snatch Episode 6-03, first aired 10/09/1968

132	You'll Catch Your Death Episode 6-04, first aired 10/16/1968

133	Split! Episode 6-05, first aired 10/23/1968

134	Whoever Shot Poor George Oblique Stroke XR40 Episode 6-06, first aired 10/30/1968

135	False Witness Episode 6-07, first aired 11/06/1968

136	All Done With Mirrors Episode 6-08, first aired 11/13/1968

137	Legacy of Death Episode 6-09, first aired 11/20/1968

138	Noon Doomsday Episode 6-10, first aired 11/27/1968

139	Look - But There Were These Two Fellers... Episode 6-11, first aired 12/04/1968

140	Have Guns- Will Haggle Episode 6-12, first aired 12/11/1968

141	They Keep Killing Steed Episode 6-13, first aired 12/18/1968

142	The Interrogators Episode 6-14, first aired 01/01/1969

143	The Rotters Episode 6-15, first aired 01/08/1969

144	Invasion of the Earthmen Episode 6-16, first aired 01/15/1969

145	Killer Episode 6-17, first aired 01/22/1969

146	The Morning After Episode 6-18, first aired 01/29/1969

147	The Curious Case of the Countless Clues Episode 6-19, first aired 02/05/1969

148	Wish You Were Here Episode 6-20, first aired 02/12/1969

149	Love All Episode 6-21, first aired 02/19/1969

150	Stay Tuned Episode 6-22, first aired 02/26/1969

151	Take Me To Your Leader Episode 6-23, first aired 03/05/1969

152	Fog Episode 6-24, first aired 03/12/1969

153	Who Was That Man I Saw You With? Episode 6-25, first aired 03/19/1969

154	Homicide And Old Lace Episode 6-26, first aired 03/26/1969

155	Thingumajig Episode 6-27, first aired 04/02/1969

156	My Wildest Dream Episode 6-28, first aired 04/07/1969

157	Requiem Episode 6-29, first aired 04/16/1969

158	Take-Over Episode 6-30, first aired 04/23/1969

159	Pandora Episode 6-31, first aired 04/30/1969

160	Get-A-Way Episode 6-32, first aired 05/14/1969

161	Bizarre Episode 6-33, first aired 05/21/1969

162	The Eagle's Nest Episode 1-01, first aired 10/22/1976

163	House of Cards Episode 1-02, first aired 10/29/1976

164	The Last of the Cybernauts ...?? Episode 1-03, first aired 11/05/1976

165	The Midas Touch Episode 1-04, first aired 11/12/1976

166	Cat Amongst the Pigeons Episode 1-05, first aired 11/19/1976

167	Target! Episode 1-06, first aired 11/26/1976

168	To Catch a Rat Episode 1-07, first aired 12/03/1976

169	The Tale of the Big Why Episode 1-08, first aired 12/10/1976

170	Faces Episode 1-09, first aired 12/17/1976

171	Gnaws Episode 1-10, first aired 12/21/1976

172	Dirtier by the Dozen Episode 1-11, first aired 01/07/1977

173	Sleeper Episode 1-12, first aired 01/14/1977

174	Three Handed Game Episode 1-13, first aired 01/21/1977

175	Dead Men are Dangerous Episode 2-01, first aired 09/09/1977

176	Angels of Death Episode 2-02, first aired 09/16/1977

177	Medium Rare Episode 2-03, first aired 09/23/1977

178	The Lion and the Unicorn Episode 2-04, first aired 09/30/1977

179	Obsession Episode 2-05, first aired 10/07/1977

180	Trap Episode 2-06, first aired 10/14/1977

181	Hostage Episode 2-07, first aired 10/21/1977

182	K is for Kill Part One The Tiger Awakes Episode 2-08, first aired 10/28/1977

183	K is for Kill Part Two Tiger by the Tail Episode 2-09, first aired 11/04/1977

184	Complex Episode 2-10, first aired 11/11/1977

185	The Gladiators Episode 2-11, first aired 11/18/1977

186	Emily Episode 2-12, first aired 11/25/1977

187	Forward Base Episode 2-13, first aired 11/24/1977

COMIC BOOKS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS

Number of Stories:	33
First Appearance:	1962
Last Appearance:	2016


1			The Drug Pedlar Published by TV Publications Ltd. Copyright: 1962 Printed in the book TV Crimbusters. A retelling in comic form of the episode from the first season. Dr. Keel finds a dead agent at his door and asks Steed for help. Together they come up against a drug smuggling gang. This contains both art panels and snapshots from the actual telecast.

2			The Avengers Published by Thorne & Porter Contributors: Mick Anglo (artist) Copyright: 1966 A solo issue by this publisher, it contained 4 stories: 1. The Mohawks 2. The K Stands For Killers 3. No Jury ... No Justice! 4. Deadly Efficient

3			The Avengers Published by Gold Key Contributors: Pat Williams (artist) Copyright: 1968 A solo issue from Gold Key, it contains two stories: 1. The Roman Invasion 2. The Mirage Maker

4			Steed and Mrs Peel Published by Eclipse Contributors: Ian Gibson (artist), Grant Morrison (writer) Copyright: 1990 A 3-issue release The Golden Game - In which Steed breaks the rules and Emma gets a full house. When Tara King mysteriously disappears, Mother is certain bad guys are involved. He sends Steed to look into it with the warning to "trust no one". Knowing he needs help nonetheless, Steed calls his old partner, Mrs. Peel, who is more than ready for some excitement. Told in 4 parts over the 3 issues: Part 1: Crown & Anchor Part 2: Hare & Hounds Part 3: Fox & Geese Part 4: Hangman Also has a 2-part story called Deadly Rainbow.

5			Ongoing Published by Boom! Contributors: Caleb Monroe (writer), Will Sliney (artist), Mark Waid (story) Copyright: 08/2012 A 12-part adventure. Part 0 - The Dead Future - Steed feels his age. Emma turns back time. Part 1 - London Falling - Steed plays with fire. Emma tests the waters. Part 2 - Life In Hell - Steed checks on breakfast. Emma checks and mates. Part 3 - Long Live The Queen - Steed triggers Emma. Emma pulls the trigger. Part 4 - Ballroom Dance Fu - Steed dresses up. Emma strips down. Part 5 - The Secret History of Space - Steed dries off. Emma drifts off. Part 6 - Time Flies - Steed loses track of Emma. Emma loses track of time. Part 7 - Tawdry Little Endings - Steed subdued by Emma. Emma subdued by Steed. Part 8 - The Art of Resurrection - Steed sees double. Emma is all wet. Part 9 - The Clothes Makes the Cybernaut - Steed's burns up. Emma cools off. Part 10 - Punchlines and Proposals - Steed gets the whip. Emma gets an offer. Part 11 - Conclusion - What They Do - Steed disrupts the proceedings. Emma plays goddess in the lab. This adventure was later released in three TPBs.

6			We're Needed Published by Boom! Contributors: Ian Edginton (writer), Marco Costino (artist) Copyright: 2014 A 3-part adventure: Part 1 - Steeds takes a holiday. Emma takes the strain. Part 2 - Steeds takes a trip. Emma visits the underworld. Part 3 - Steeds makes up his mind. Emma minds her make-up.

7			Batman '66 Meets Steed and Mrs Peel Published by DC Comics Contributors: Wendy Broome (colorist), Matthew Dow Smith (artist), Jordie Bellaire (colorist), Wes Abbott (letterer), Michael Allred (cover), Laura Allred (cover), Ian Edginton (writer) Copyright: 2016 A 12-part adventure: Someone is 'collecting' all the biggest diamonds in the world for a major power source. Steed and Mrs. Peel are on the hunt and when the culprit targets Gotham City, Batman and Robin join the fun. Part 1 - The Bowler and the Bat Part 2 - The Robin and the Cat Part 3 - Lord Ffogg Plays His Hand Part 4 - The Avengers Join The Band Part 5 - Tinkering With Terror Part 6 - A Deadly Error Part 7 - Batman Gets Flighty Part 8 - Back To Old Blighty Part 9 - Ffogg and Ice Part 10 - Sugar and Spice Part 11 - A Robotic Revelation Part 12 - A Startling Explanation

Comic Strips


Number of Arcs:	7
Number of Strips:	7
First Appearance:	1967
Last Appearance:	1968

The strips for The Avengers may not be the 'normal' type of comic strip - certainly they did not appear in a newspaper as would be the standard way of delivery but rather were in an Annual compilation with short stories and other things.

1			Odds Against Steed Strips: 1 - 1 Dates: 1967 - 1967 Writer: Peter Leslie Artist: John Stokes 1st comic strip story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1968. A mysterious stranger from Steed's past gives him a tip when Steed and Mrs. Peel go to the races.

2			Flying Eagles Strips: 2 - 2 Dates: 1967 - 1967 Writer: Peter Leslie Artist: John Stokes 2nd comic strip story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1968. A series of incidents are possibly linked by a ornithological symbol. It's up to John Steed and Emma Peel, our heroes The Avengers, to investigate.

3			Steed's Holiday Strips: 3 - 3 Dates: 1967 - 1967 Writer: Peter Leslie Artist: John Stokes 3rd comic strip story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1968. On a fishing holiday a mysterious enemy plot is stumbled upon by Steed.

4			A Brush With Disaster Strips: 4 - 4 Dates: 1967 - 1967 Writer: Peter Leslie Artist: John Stokes 4th comic strip story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1968. Steed is on another holiday and uncovers that there are still Cornish smugglers.

5			Clothes Make The Man Strips: 5 - 5 Dates: 1968 - 1968 1st comic strip story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1969. Plot unknown

6			Are You A Clansman, Mr. Steed? Strips: 6 - 6 Dates: 1968 - 1968 2nd comic strip story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1969. Plot unknown

7			Mary, Mary Strips: 7 - 7 Dates: 1968 - 1968 3rd comic strip story in the collection The Avengers Annual 1969. Plot unknown

GAMES

Number of Games:	6
First Appearance:	1966
Last Appearance:	1969


1			Stars and their Cars Quiz D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. Copyright: 1966 From the pages of Diana's Top Secret Diary. Guess the 3 Secret Agents by the cars they drive.

2			Mystery Makers And Breakers Article & Matching D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. Copyright: 1966 From the pages of Diana For Girls 1967 Annual. Game takes the form of an Article about well know mystery writers. The authors mentioned are Agatha Christie, Edgar Allan Poe, Algernon Blackwood and Mary Shelley. Then it becomes a Matching type game with character from TV series. The object is to match the characters pictured into teams. Listed only because of the 2 Spy Series. TV Series used are as follows; No Hiding Place, The Avengers, Maigret, Cluff, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and Sherlock Holmes. The TV Series Characters are as follows: A. Detective-Sgt. Russell (Johnny Briggs) B. John Steed (Patrick Macnee) C. Lucas (Ewen Solon) D. Sgt. Caleb Cluff (Leslie Sands) E. Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) F. Doctor Watson (Nigel Stock) G. Emma Peel (Diana Riggs) H. Chief Tom Lockhart (Raymond Francis) I. Jules Maigret (Rupert Davies) J. Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum) K. Clive (The Dog) L. Sherlock Holmes (Douglas Wilmer)

3			Avengers Shooting Game Target Shooting Merit Copyright: 1967 Hit the crate of dynamite in the center of the target board and up goes the villains car that is spring loaded. The game contains a Black Pistol, 2 Safety Darts (black with orange suction cups) and Target Board with Stand. Picture on game box and target board depicted John Steed (Patrick Macnee) as the driver of a car and Mrs. Emma Peel (Diana Riggs) holding a gun. Play alone or with a girlfriend. Winner is the one who hits the crate of dynamite the most.

4			The Secret Agent Game Boardgame D. C. Thomson & Co. Ltd. Copyright: 1967 Subtitled "- or catch yourself a villain". From the pages of Diana For Girl 1968 Annual. Six can play this game of spies, other items needed are dice and discs of cardboard with images of the Agents. Select your favorite Agent from John Steed & Emma Peel (The Avengers), James Bond, John Drake (Danger Man) or Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin (The Man From U.N.C.L.E.). Then each player is ready to set out after the villains. The villains are Odd Job (worth 3 Points), Rosa Klebb (worth 6 Points) and Emilio Largo (worth 10 Points). Games is played in 5 rounds and the agent with the highest score is the winner. The Secret Agent used are pictures as follows; David McCallum as Illya Kuryakin (The Man From U.N.C.L.E.) Agent 1 & 1st Row Diana Riggs as Emma Peel (The Avengers) Agent 2 & 1st Row Sean Connery as James Bond (Agent 007) Agent 3 & 1st Row Patrick McGoohan as John Drake (Danger Man) Agent 4 & 2nd Row Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo (The Man From U.N.L.E.) Agent 5 & 2nd Row Patrick Macnee as John Steed (The Avengers) Agent 6 & 2nd Row. The 3 Villains used are picture as follows; Harold Sakata as Odd Job (Goldfinger's Henchman) Villain 1 Lotta Lenya as Rosa Klebb (From Russia With Love) Villain 2 Adolfo Celi as Emilio Largo (From the film Thunderball) Villain 3

5			QuizMaster - How Much Do You Know About Secret Agents? Quiz Thorpe & Porter Copyright: 1969 From the pages of Super DC No. 5 printing in the UK. Name who the agents mentioned get there order from.

6			QuizMaster - What Do You Know About Cars On TV? Quiz Thorpe & Porter Copyright: 1969 From the pages of Super DC No. 6 printed in the UK. Listed only because of the 3 spy series. What cars were driven on TV by the main characters in the follow series? 1. The Prisoner; 2. The Saint; 3. The Avengers; 4. Sexton Blake; 5. Fraud Squad.

ODDS & ENDS

Number of Items:	1
First Appearance:	2014
Last Appearance:	2017


1			The Avengers - The Lost Episodes Audio Dramas Big Finish Productions Copyright: 2014-2017 Seven sets of Lost Episodes from the first season of the Avengers, recreated in audio format 1-1: Hot Snow Written by Ray Rigby, adapted by John Dorney When an incomprehensible tragedy strikes on what should have been the happiest day of David Keel's life, he is left traumatised. Confronted with an apparently motiveless crime, he feels compelled to investigate and is drawn into London's seedy underworld of drug smuggling. As he digs deeper and deeper, his only hope may be a mysterious gentleman who appears to know more than he says. Together, will they be able to avenge the crime? 1-2: Brought to Book Written by Brian Clemens, adapted by John Dorney Still on the trail of the men who wrecked his life, Dr Keel gets to know his new associate, John Steed, rather better as they infiltrate warring gangs running amok in the betting community. Lies and double crosses stack up on every side, and it's impossible to know who to trust. As the race nears its fatal finish, has Dr Keel gambled on the wrong side? 1-3: Square Root of Evil Written by Richard Harris, adapted by John Dorney Following the death of a colleague, Steed goes undercover amongst a group of forgers. As the stakes get higher, his risk of discovery increases and Dr Keel may be his only chance to escape alive. But with the formidable thug known as the Cardinal watching their every move, could Steed be dooming them both? 1-4: One for the Mortuary Written by Brian Clemens, adapted by John Dorney It should have been an easy day for David Keel. A short flight and a conference to attend. But John Steed’s arrival disrupts everything, as usual. Without even knowing, he finds himself at the centre of an international conspiracy. The chase is on to preserve and protect a valuable medical formula, and with an assassin on their trail, our heroes find themselves enmeshed in an intricate web of laundry, taxidermy and murder. 2-1: Ashes of Roses Written by Peter Ling and Sheilagh Ward, adapted by John Dorney Carol goes undercover at a hairdressing salon, which appears to be at the centre of an arson ring. 2-2: Please Don’t Feed the Animals Written by Dennis Spooner, adapted by John Dorney Steed takes on blackmailers who are extorting secrets from government officials. 2-3: The Radioactive Man Written by Fred Edge, adapted by John Dorney Someone is at large in London, unwittingly carrying a radioactive isotope. 2-4: Dance With Death Written by Peter Ling and Sheilagh Ward, adapted by John Dorney Dr Keel is framed for murder, and Steed investigates a dance school. 3-1: The Springers Written by John Whitney and Geoffrey Bellman, adapted by John Dorney Steed and Keel go undercover to try and crack a prison escape route. 3-2: The Yellow Needle Written by Patrick Campbell, adapted by John Dorney An attempt is made on the life of Sir Wilberforce Lungi, the Prime Minister of an African country on the verge of independence, and Steed and Keel attempt to expose his enemies. 3-3: Double Danger Written by Gerald Verner, adapted by John Dorney A dangerous attempt to discover a cache of stolen diamonds goes badly wrong, and Keel is captured by a criminal gang. 3-4: Toy Trap Written by Bill Strutton, adapted by John Dorney Keel is charged with keeping an eye on the daughter of a friend. But it soon becomes clear that all is not well at her place of employment, a department store in London… 4-1: Kill the King Written By James Mitchell, adapted by John Dorney When the King of an unstable Far Eastern country visits the UK to sign an oil treaty, Steed is assigned to his protection and discovers that assassins lurk around every corner. 4-2: A Change of Bait Written By Lewis Davidson, adapted by John Dorney Carol's landlord has got into a lot of trouble with a shipment of bananas and a crooked businessman. Fortunately Steed and Keel are hot on the heels of insurance fraudsters and might just be able to save him... 4-3: Hunt the Man Down Written By Richard Harris, adapted by Justin Richards When Frank Preston is released from prison the race is on to find his hidden loot. Can Steed and Keel survive warring gangsters to return the stolen property and rescue a kidnapped Carol? 4-4: Dead of Winter Written By Eric Paice, adapted by John Dorney When the frozen body of a Neo-Nazi is discovered at the docks, Steed and Keel get involved with a fascist organisation developing an apocalyptic plan. 5-1: Nightmare Written by Dan Starkey, from a storyline by Terence Feely When one of his patients, an experimental scientist, goes missing, Dr Keel ends up impersonating him. But not all doctors are on the side of the angels. 5-2: Girl on the Trapeze Written by Dennis Spooner, adapted by Rae Leaver The circus has come to town - but after Keel witnesses an apparent suicide, it becomes clear that the clowns are concealing something sinister behind the scenes. 5-3: Crescent Moon Written by Phil Mulryne, from a storyline by Geoffrey Bellman and John Whitney On a Caribbean Island, Steed finds himself caught up in a curious case of kidnapping, where if he wants to save a missing girl, he's got to find out what's really going on... and quickly. 5-4: Diamond Cut Diamond Written by John Dorney, from a storyline by Max Marquis A smuggling ring is leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. Steed goes undercover as an air steward to investigate, but can he confront the culprit before it's his head on the block? 6-1: The Frighteners Written by Berkeley Mather, adapted by Rae Leaver If you need someone scared off, you speak to the Deacon. Steed and Keel are on the trail of an intimidation expert whose services have recently been acquired by a wealthy businessman. But as they head deeper and deeper into this seedy world, who do they really have to stop. And who do they have to save? 6-2: Death on the Slipway Written by Ian Potter, from a storyline by James Mitchell When a fellow agent is killed, Steed is sent undercover at a government dockyard to find the killer. Can he sort the truth from the lies and track down the enemy infiltrator hunting for top secret plans before it’s all too late? 6-3: Tunnel of Fear Written by John Dorney, from a storyline by John Kruse Southend. A perfect spot for a family holiday - or for a traitor to hide. Somewhere in the town lurks a spy ring that is smuggling out classified information. When his old mole is attacked, and with innocent lives at risk, Steed takes Keel to the seaside for a far from sunny time. 7-1: Dragonsfield Written by Ian Potter, from a script by Terence Feely A man has been murdered in an experimental laboratory, and Steed is sent to investigate. Someone is working for the other side - and Steed will need to untangle a messy web of inter-personal relationships if he's to stand any chance of identifying who. 7-2: The Far Distant Dead Written by Tom Mallaburn from a script by John Lucarotti En route from Chile back to England, Dr Keel stops off to help the victims of a cyclone. Except not every fatality he encounters was caused by the disaster. It appears he's stumbled onto an international conspiracy of the most sinister kind... and the perpetrators will be found many miles away... 7-3: The Deadly Air Written by John Dorney from a script by Lester Powell When an experimental vaccine is destroyed Steed calls in Keel to join him on the scene as a medical expert. But it isn't long before the saboteur becomes a murderer. As the situation escalates, can the Avengers identify their foe before they become his victims?

MY COMMENTS

       I loved The Avengers. No real fan of spy-fi series could not love The Avengers. The inimitable Mr. Steed, the incomparable Mrs. Peel, not to mention the others like Catherine Gayle and Tara King. The strange cases they encountered while defending queen and country and, in some cases, the world itself. It may have been on a different end of the spectrum from serious and somber tomes like The Spy Who Came In From The Cold but it was fun!
       Remembering them so well, the books come across as a mixed bag, as is often the case with books from television shows, especially when written by different people at different times. The first three books are very well done. The last one, Too Many Targets, is excellent. The others are passable, at best.

       So, the books get a low grade. The television show would get a B for the first season as it seemd to be a mystery just getting into stride, a A for the Gayle and the Mrs. Peel seasons for being great enjoyment with terrific imagination and panache, and a B+ for the King season! I cannot rate the books higher than a "C" because they don't deserve it.

GRADE

My Grade: A-

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