Joxerlives As a kid this was actually my first introduction to the series, then I watched the Tara King season when it was repeated by Channel 4 in the early 80s, then I caught up with the earlier seasons via DVD.Very interesting, acts almost as a bridging ep between the old Avengers and The Professionals. Very much more set in the real world than it's predecessors, uniformed policemen, drugs, poor people, the Cold War with the Soviet Union replacing some unnamed 'foreign power'. More violent, gunfights (which Patrick McNee always tried to avoid due to his World War 2 combat experiences), car chases and fight scenes with a lot more vigour than before. Still no blood and no women getting killed (good!), still gentlemen spies and villains. The structure of 2 young agents supervised by a stern yet affectionate superior is repeated in The Professionals and Mike Gambit is very much a prototype for Bodie in a great many ways in terms of style and background. Given the success of Purdey's character it almost seems strange that they didn't try to introduce a female CI5 agents into the mix? But maybe that would have seemed too close? Of course one episode actually features future Professionals Martin Shaw and Lewis Collins as the villains, Collins remarking to Shaw that they "Make a good team, we should work together again some time".McNee still magnificent as ever especially in 'Dead Men are Dangerous' which is extremely good, possibly the best ep ever. If there's a weakness to the series it's the sometimes rather ropey special effects (especially the 'giant' rat), a lack of budget and the endlessly repeated cliché off a dying man's final words setting the team off on their adventure. The Canada eps are a little flat but no offence to the canucks 70s Canada didn't lend it's much to great drama as Brian Clemens comments. The French eps are much better, Paris lending itself to the Avengers and the idea of literal Soviet 'sleeper agents' terrific. All told it's a classic even if very much of it's time and well worth the look.

boom-10 This is an apology for all the cursing and bad-mouthing that I had done before having actually seen this show. For those who have not watched the New Avengers, you may feel the same way. How can there be Avengers without Emma Peel? I went in with a skeptical mind, and came out feeling ashamed. There is nothing wrong with these episodes (I should say that I have not seen them all) that is as bad as what has been said about them.Certainly, it will be said that I am an American, and that I would never see any harm in fist-fights and coarse manners. I enjoy every episode of the refinement that the 1960's Steed brought to the show. I feel that the New Avengers is not about reviving the prior series, but about giving it some new direction. Not many will agree that the two series have much in common, but what is there is done well. Patrick Macnee is still there, but he is seen as more of a fatherly figure than that of a partner. The rest of the cast is superb, though there are several serious gaffs.If you are an Avengers fan expecting to find Emma Peel in her leather outfit toasting champaign with a brolley toting Steed, you won't be satisfied by this show. If you do have the time, and are willing to be unbiased in your opinion, please try this one out. It surprised me, and I feel as thought it may surprise you too.

gmr-4 Knock me over with a feather! At first I was not sure what I was watching on late night Detroit or Windsor television -- then it dawned. I made it my business every Friday night after the news to catch THE NEW AVENGERS, but probably saw little more than half.No, it was not the old time religion, because the old chemistry would be impossible to create. This programme stood on its own, suffering in comparison only if one wanted the more of same. THE NEW AVENGERS was "bigger" (which does not make it better), less wacky, and to employ the amorphous, less artistic. The budgets of the 1960s were no doubt modest, forcing more creativity.None the less, it was well cast with Steed as more of an elder statesman -- not "old" at 54 as another commentator was unkind enough to allege. Purdy was not Rigg or Blackman, but then she created her own viable character as a woman, much distinguished from the "youth market" Tara of 1968-9.I make no comment upon individual episodes, because it would not be fair given the time elapsed, for me 1980 at latest. Having no cable television, nor being a videophile, I have not seen THE NEW AVENGERS since.

Pal-10 THE NEW AVENGERS Is the sequel series to THE AVENGERS, and for new viewers sees John Steed still as a top secret agent, this time teamed up with the unruffled Purdey, and the dangerous but kind-hearted Mike Gambit. THE NEW AVENGERS Is slightly different to the sixties original, since It takes a polished and lavish look, and makes It tougher and grittier (like a cop show). It Is very difficult to say what kind of AVENGERS fans will like this, but It should satisfy most people.