The Avengers “The Hour That Never Was” #4.9 (1966) (TV)

“Filthy habit, collecting stamps.  All that saliva.”  30 July 2021

Steed and Mrs Peel are invited to an RAF base to celebrate / commemorate its closing.  But when they arrive, there’s no one to be found.  The base appears to be completely empty.  The only clues our heroes can find are a dead milkman and an unconscious rabbit.  How do 30 servicemen disappear?

I’ve always enjoyed The Hour That Never Was.  Watching Steed and Mrs Peel search the empty airbase is so much fun - and creepy.  Every time I watch this episode, I’m reminded of the abandoned pavilion in the film Carnival of Souls.  You know this episode won’t be quite as scary as that, but the spooky vibe is definitely prominent. 

I also enjoy the acting in this episode. Given the limited action and dialogue, Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg get a chance to show their true abilities. The fact that there’s really not much going on for a huge portion of the runtime, yet I never once got bored, demonstrates how engaging the pair were.  Also, I got a kick out of Roy Kinnear’s small part.  He stole the show from Macnee in their scenes together.  

The only thing that bothers me about The Hour That Never Was is the explanation behind all the mystery.  Sure, some of it I understand, but not the part about the clocks.  Why do all of the clocks, even those not on the base, stop?  It makes no sense.

8/10