The Avengers Dossier (Virgin)

Rating:
Summary: Critiquing the Critiques
Review: I like that this is the only book (that I know of) with a highly entertaining, critical analysis of each episode, as every other guide I've read only features boring, objective synopses. However, I have to question the judgement of anyone who gives "What the Butler Saw" anything short of a raving review, and who gives that lame Avengers movie (starring Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman) a positive review. I also have to ponder the heterosexuality (I hate sounding so un-PC, but let's face, Emma's name IS derived from the term "Man Appeal," and she is the MAIN reason I, as well as anyone else who's attracted to women, regardless of gender, love the show) of someone who can only describe Emma's sultry dance of the seven veils, from "Honey for the Prince," as "plodding." All that aside, the authors do share an overall appreciation for the show, and any fan of the Avengers is all right in my book (which, by the way, I'm sure THEY'D gleefully criticize).

Rating:
Summary: Critiquing the Critiques
Review: I like that this is the only book (that I know of) with a highly entertaining, critical analysis of each episode, as every other guide I've read only features boring, objective synopses. However, I have to question the judgement of anyone who gives "What the Butler Saw" anything short of a raving review, and who gives that lame Avengers movie (starring Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman) a positive review. I also have to ponder the heterosexuality (I hate sounding so un-PC, but let's face, Emma's name IS derived from the term "Man Appeal," and she is the MAIN reason I, as well as anyone else who's attracted to women, regardless of gender, love the show) of someone who can only describe Emma's sultry dance of the seven veils, from "Honey for the Prince," as "plodding." All that aside, the authors do share an overall appreciation for the show, and any fan of the Avengers is all right in my book (which, by the way, I'm sure THEY'D gleefully criticize).

Rating:
Summary: Book Ends
Review: Like two bookends they were. John Steed and Kathy Gale? John Steed and Mrs. Emma Peel? John Steed and Tara King? You decide. "The Avengers" was a popular 1960's British fantasy-adventure series that focused on the exploits of a male-female duo in the service of the British government. The series underwent several changes of its female lead but its one constant male lead was John Steed always portrayed by the debonair Patrick Macnee (Originally the John Steed had two male partners but that format eventually changed). Kathy Gale portrayed by Honor Blackman became Steed's first female partner. However, when Honor Blackman departed the series and Diana Rigg entered as Mrs. Emma Peel, the show became an international sensation. Rigg brought sophistication, wit, charm and beauty, which hid her lethal and highly visual judo and karate abilities. Macnee and Rigg complemented each other beautifully with their carefree witty and charming exchange of dialogue. The show distinguished itself with bizarre and futuristic villains and fantastic plots. Popular at the height of the James Bond craze, the show was able to distinguish itself with its simply over-the-top visual style. Laurie Johnson's catchy and sophisticated main title theme matched the visuals of the show and still conjures up an image of the series when listened to today. I can still see the distinctive main title. When Diana Rigg left the series, Linda Thorson entered as John Steed's new partner Tara King. The series soon went off the air in the United States. It was a shame because the episodes with Tara King were quite good. The King episodes seemed to be a little more down to earth and contained some very good writing and intricate plotting. In any event series definitely left its mark amongst the finest. The episode guide format of this book is very good. Well written. I am not that fond of "The New Avengers" or Sean Connery's weak Avengers movie (even though it did have a good score). This is a must-have book for your library if you are an "The Avengers" fan.

Rating:
Summary: Mrs. Peel, we're needed
Review: This is actually pretty good Avengers reference book, for a reasonable price. You can get other episode guides, but if you're looking for one that is not a coffee table book, and you don't care if there are color pictures (B&W only in here), this is highly recommended. It has some nice essays/articles from the experts, and gives a summary of each season as a whole as well. The author gives an episode summary, then rates each one with a star system on wit, humour, 60's Concerns, "And a Young..." and kinkiness, which is really helpful if you're looking for the episodes with the most B&D in them to rent. Not that I would know, I mean, that's uhhh what I've heard anyway.

Rating:
Summary: Avengers Dossier encapsulates appeal of Emma and Steed
Review: This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read about The Avengers. The authors group their comments around individual episodes, but rather than just being an episode guide, the listings contain an index of 'wit,' 'kinkiness,' 'fights,' and 'champagne' (and in the case of The New Avengers, 'fashion victims' and 'porno funk music'). The authors also include behind-the-scenes tidbits about each episode; they obviously love the series but aren't above poking playful fun at it. Warning: this book is addictive. I find it hard to put down.