The New Avengers (1976–1977)

John Steed and his new accomplices Purdey and Gambit find themselves facing new and deadly dangers in the bizarre world of espionage. Mixing fantasy with a darker edge, the trio face ... See full summary »

Stars:

Patrick Macnee, Gareth Hunt, Joanna Lumley

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Patrick Macnee	...	John Steed (26 episodes, 1976-1977)
Gareth Hunt	...	Mike Gambit (26 episodes, 1976-1977)
Joanna Lumley	...	Purdey (26 episodes, 1976-1977)

Storyline

John Steed and his new accomplices Purdey and Gambit find themselves facing new and deadly dangers in the bizarre world of espionage. Mixing fantasy with a darker edge, the trio face mutated giant rats, flocks of killer birds and fanatical mysterious monks. Later episodes find Steed's loyalty under question and an increasing number of assignments overseas.

---

Plot Keywords:

trio | london england | martial arts | spoof | great distinction | 

---

Genres:

Action | Mystery | Thriller

---

Details

Country:

France UK Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 September 1978 (USA)

Also Known As:

Chapeau melon et bottes de cuir

Filming Locations:

Beckton Gasworks, Beckton, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Avengers Enterprises, The, IDTV Production, TF1

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (26 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Patrick Macnee had difficulty getting back into character as Steed. After being confronted with this by producer Albert Fennell, he found inspiration by watching Benny Hill spoofing The Avengers on his TV show.

---

Crazy Credits

The final half-dozen episodes begin with a brief title sequence bearing the title "The New Avengers in Canada", prior to the teaser. The episodes otherwise retain their regular opening credits.

---

Connections

Follows The Avengers (1961)

User Reviews

An attempt at an apology...

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.