"A Touch of Brimstone" may perhaps be the most (in)famous episode of them all, pruned before airing in Britain, and banned outright in America, one of five black and white Emma Peel shows that failed to air during the 60's. An episode devoted to sin and debauchery, whose chief villain, John Cleverly Cartney (Peter Wyngarde, later seen in "Epic"), has formed a new Hellfire Club, the 18th century elite organization whose slogan was "do what thou wilt," fronting an attempt to stage a coup by embarrassing the government with childish pranks that eventually turn deadly. Emma Peel's initial reaction to Cartney is a favorable one (driving Steed's jealousy), but after being introduced to the Club, all signs of amusement vanish, and her introduction as the 'Queen of Sin' has even Steed raising an eyebrow. Steed's initiation into the Club provides one of his most memorable moments, as he is required to remove a dried pea from its place before the razor-sharp blade of Roger Winthrop (Michael Latimer, later seen in "The Positive Negative Man") slices it in half with unerring accuracy. If you want to be forgiven for your sins, the first thing you've got to do is sin! (how true). Future MONTY PYTHON beauty Carol Cleveland provides some competition for Mrs. Peel (who supplants her in Cartney's company), while Steve Plytas makes his first appearance since "Immortal Clay" (the best thing about that entry). While Cartney puts his whip to good use on Mrs. Peel (nearly a dozen cracks!), Steed is swordfighting with Willy Frent (Jeremy Young, later seen in "Never, Never Say Die" and "The Forget-Me-Knot"), whose missing fingers were from his (unsuccessful) attempt to remove the dried pea before the axe fell. Colin Jeavons would return for "The Winged Avenger," Robert Cawdron would return for "Murdersville," and Bill Wallis would return for "The Positive Negative Man."
