Steed learns the future; Tara is out of this world.

The proper Avengers are back in action in this first story by John Dorney, based on the TV Comic strip that ran from December 1971 to February 1972 – some years after the show had come to an end with the suitably titled Bizarre. As always, the bare bones of the uncredited strip (drawn by Doctor Who artist John Canning) form the core of the plot with the wonderfully named Plantagenet Jones becoming one of the Avengers’ patented eccentrics, but where the original had more of an SF feel to it, Dorney brings it firmly into the spy world, with lots of double dealing and misinformation. (Equally, it does feel a little as if Dorney is paying homage to the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon at time – Dan Starkey’s Boris and Louisa Clein’s Natalia are a bit Boris and Natasha, and there’s pesky aliens in that too!)

Julian Wadham and Emily Woodward once again bring panache to the roles and director Sam Clemens and sound designer Steve Foxon provide some nice counterpoints between scenes. Christopher Benjamin’s Mother seems to be becoming fruitier by the performance, and it’s good to hear references to Mother’s mute helper Rhonda. Clive Hayward’s Jones, Starkey’s Brodny (returning from Too Many Targets!) and Clein’s Natalia are heightened just the right level to remain credible.

Verdict: Another enjoyable return to the world of The Avengers. 8/10

Paul Simpson

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