The Avengers “The Murder Market” #4.7 (1966) (TV)

“Tried working once, it didn’t work out.  Too much like work.”  16 July 2021

Steed is investigating a series of 11 murders that, at first, appear to have nothing in common.  Steed, however, realizes that in each case, the most likely suspect has an airtight alibi.  He gets his first bread in the case when a photograph leads to a matchmaking service.  In no time at all, both Steed and Mrs Peel become clients of Togetherness Inc.

After the last two episodes, The Murder Market is something of a return to form.  The writing here is strong, featuring a lot of the quirky bits that make the series so special to me.  Whether it’s the over-the-top wedding themed business, complete with cake tastings and top hats, or a quick scene of Steed practicing a golf shot off the coffee table while Mrs Peel plays a tuba, the seeming randomness of some of the events in this episode is so much fun.  And I won’t spoil the bit near the end, but it’s classic Avengers.  I admit that some judicious editing might have made The Murder Market even better, but still, it’s really good stuff.

The acting in The Murder Market is first rate.  Patrick Cargill has to be one of the best baddies in the entire series.  The way he plays Mr Lovejoy with a polite and proper exterior with a hint of nefariousness under the surface is brilliant.  It’s just an amazing performance.  

Finally, I’ve read that even though this was the seventh episode aired, it was the first one that Diana Rigg filmed.  Her immediate chemistry with Patrick Macnee is undeniable and one of the keys to the series’ success during her time on the show.

8/10