The search for a traitor becomes complicated…

Sarah Grochala’s tale for our intrepid heroes begins with sequences that feel almost over the top even for the Avengers of this period (a time, mark you, when Mrs Peel could be seen emulating the MGM Lion!) but as the story progresses, it moves far closer to the world of John le Carré, with the hunt for a traitor within the department giving it the feel of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. It’s based, I think, on a TV Comic strip that ran in February and March 1966 but Grochala has added a great deal to it. It doesn’t feel as if anyone has the strongest source material to work from on this occasion – the end result would probably be better described as “inspired by” the comic strip – but Julian Wadham and Olivia Poulet never fail to take it seriously, and that élan covers a great deal!

Samuel Clemens handles the shifting tone well, combined with strong contributions from Simon Power’s sound design and Jamie Robertson’s score, and the threat level walks that fine line of credibility that all the best Avengers tales require to work.

Verdict: It may feel over the top initially but stick with it. 7/10

Paul Simpson

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