The Avengers (TV Series) The Little Wonders (1964) User Reviews

Criminals disguised as clergy

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 7 June 2017]

This episode sees Steed and Mrs Gale working to bring down Bibliotek, a crime organisation described as 'The Commonwealth's answer to the Mafia' whose senior members appear in the guise of clergymen. Their leader, the 'Bishop of Winnipeg' is preparing to find his replacement so has called senior members to meet to discuss the matter. One such member is the Reverend Harbottle from Rhodesia. Steed takes his place claiming that before his recent death Harbottle named him as his replacement. Meanwhile Mrs Gale takes a doll that was found in Harbottle's possession to be repaired and is surprised by the £20,000 bill. Steed soon realises that there are factions within Bibliotek vying for the leadership, each wanting his support.

This episode was rather fun; I liked the idea of criminals travelling in the guise of clergymen. Steed's undercover persona, 'known to his friends as Johnny the Horse', was enjoyable. The various villains are good characters; most notably the machinegun toting Sister Johnson… played impressively by Lois 'Miss Moneypenny' Maxwell. The subplot involving the doll was intriguing, especially when the repair bill arrives. The cast does a fine job bringing their characters to life. Overall this was a solid episode that I really enjoyed.

Some first-rate ideas

[slabihoud · 7/10 · 7 September 2022]

An episode with some first-rate ideas, a criminal organization that behaves like religious leaders, traveling in the guise of clergymen, but even among themselves are calling each other reverend, bishop and the like. The head of the organization is very sick and is looking for his successor. Elements of the procedure sound like choosing a new pope. Steed steps in under cover (Johnny the Horse) to find out what they are up to. The scenes with the other hoodlums are very entertaining. Lois Maxwell is remarkable as a machine-gun swinging nurse and Mrs. Gale shows bit of judo and gets her only kiss from Steed. A sidetrack with a puppets repair shop fits very well in this over-the-top story. Of course, as usual, we hear more than we see. Watching these early episodes is sometimes like reading a book: you need your imagination a lot.

Low-key zaniness makes this episode stand out

[johannesaquila · 8/10 · 3 March 2023]

This is a perfect example of an episode that makes as much sense taken at face value as it does as a mere pretext for creating amusing situations.

Bibliothek is the Commonwealth version of the Mafia, and it takes the stereotype of an 'honorable' criminal society to the next level. All its regional leaders pose as members of the Anglican clergy, staying in character (to the extent practicable) even when they are among themselves.

The leader, the 'Bishop of Winnipeg', travels to London with his secretary/bodyguard Sister Johnson to convene a meeting for the election of his successor. Despite the religious cover, one of the delegates, the 'Reverend Harbottle', is caught by police at the airport. This gives John Steed a chance to infiltrate the organization by posing as Harbottle's successor.

There is a slightly amusing though not terribly original subplot related to an antique German doll, which keeps Cathy Gale occupied. But the episode's real strength lies in the comportment of the pretend clergymen during their meeting, which takes place in a school room. Many elements of their behaviour can be characterized as simultaneously typical for two out of the three groups of schoolboys (and teacher), church dignitaries, and scheming criminals.

Clerics get hot under the collar

[kevinolzak · 6/10 · 7 February 2011]

"The Little Wonders" really is a bizarre affair, chiefly remembered as the only episode in which Steed kisses Cathy Gale, who seems to have enjoyed it (even licking her lips after doing the deed!) A Mafia-like organization disguises its members as clerics, but the current leader, who calls himself the Bishop of Winnipeg (David Bauer, later seen in "The Girl from Auntie"), is looking for his flock to choose his successor. Replacing a "reverend" caught at the airport, Steed takes his place at the meeting, with Cathy Gale forced to act as his girlfriend, allowing him to kiss her without guilt (not bad!) As Sister Johnson, packing a mean machine gun, Lois Maxwell makes for a memorable villainess, fresh off the second James Bond feature, "From Russia with Love." Kenneth J. Warren, last seen in "Intercrime," again proves an excellent villain, conspiring with Steed to take over the organization behind the Bishop's back. Tony Steedman returned in "False Witness," and Frank Maher returned for "The Bird Who Knew Too Much" and "You Have Just Been Murdered."