“The Avengers: The Tara King Collection” (1968)

Television 

Episodes: Thirty-Three Episodes 

Created by: Sydney Newman

Featuring: Patrick Macnee, Ian Hendry, Honor Blackman, Julie Stevens, Diana Rigg, Linda Thorson and Patrick Newell

John Steed: “Mrs. Peel, we’re needed.”

Critical Commentary

“The Avengers,” a British television series that first aired in 1961, underwent significant transformations throughout its run. One of the notable eras was the inclusion of Tara King, played by the talented actress Linda Thorson. This review explores the dynamic shift in the series with Tara King’s introduction and evaluates the impact it had on the show’s overall tone, character dynamics, and storytelling.

Tara King entered “The Avengers” in its sixth season, succeeding the iconic Emma Peel, portrayed by Diana Rigg. Linda Thorson’s portrayal of Tara brought a fresh energy to the series, offering a different dynamic compared to her predecessors. While Emma Peel was known for her sleek and sophisticated demeanour, Tara King brought a youthful exuberance and a quirky charm to the show.

One of the key elements that made “The Avengers” with Tara King stand out was the evolving dynamic between her and John Steed, played by Patrick Macnee. Steed’s character, known for his sharp wit and impeccable style, found an intriguing counterpart in Tara King. Their partnership was marked by a delightful mix of mentorship and camaraderie, injecting a playful and endearing quality into the series.

Tara’s character was distinctively different from Emma Peel, and this contrast added depth to the show’s narrative. While Emma was a master in martial arts and had a mysterious allure, Tara brought a more down-to-earth, girl-next-door quality. Her character resonated with the changing cultural landscape of the 1960s, reflecting the era’s evolving perceptions of gender roles.

The introduction of Tara King coincided with a subtle shift in the show’s storytelling. The espionage elements remained, but there was an increased emphasis on humour, absurdity, and surrealism. “The Avengers” with Tara King embraced a more light-hearted and whimsical approach, blending the espionage genre with elements of science fiction and fantasy. The episodes featuring Tara King often explored unconventional plots, incorporating elements like mind control, time travel, and eccentric villains. This departure from the more grounded narratives of earlier seasons added a layer of unpredictability to the show, making each episode a delightful adventure filled with twists and turns.

The visual aesthetics of “The Avengers” with Tara King continued the show’s tradition of stylish and avant-garde cinematography. The use of bold colours, innovative camera angles, and avant-garde set designs contributed to the show’s iconic visual appeal. The fashion choices for Tara King were notably trendy, reflecting the fashion-forward sensibilities of the time.

“The Avengers” with Tara King remains a cultural touchstone, capturing the zeitgeist of the 1960s and embodying the spirit of innovation that defined the era. The series continued to garner a dedicated fanbase, and Tara King’s character, in particular, found resonance among viewers who appreciated the infusion of humour and a more eclectic storytelling approach.

The show’s impact on popular culture extended beyond its initial run, influencing subsequent spy-fi and superhero genres. The combination of espionage, humour, and surrealism paved the way for other iconic series and films in the same vein, solidifying “The Avengers” as a trailblazer in the television landscape.

Linda Thorson’s performance as Tara King received acclaim for bringing a breath of fresh air to the series. Her ability to balance vulnerability with intelligence and wit added a new layer of relatability to the character. The chemistry between Thorson and Patrick Macnee contributed significantly to the show’s success during Tara King’s tenure.

The legacy of “The Avengers” with Tara King extends beyond the small screen. The show’s influence can be seen in subsequent television productions, movies, and even comic books. Elements of its unique blend of genres and character dynamics have inspired generations of storytellers, contributing to the enduring popularity of spy-fi and superhero narratives.

Despite the inevitable comparisons with previous iterations of “The Avengers,” Tara King’s era brought its own distinct flavour, proving that the show could successfully evolve while maintaining its core appeal. The willingness to embrace change and experiment with storytelling formats showcased the creative agility of the production team and solidified “The Avengers” as a resilient and dynamic series.

Beyond its contributions to genre evolution and cultural impact, “The Avengers” with Tara King also left a lasting mark on the dynamics of television storytelling. The show’s ability to seamlessly transition between espionage, humour, and fantasy elements showcased a willingness to push boundaries and experiment with narrative conventions. This willingness to innovate set a precedent for subsequent television series, influencing the way creators approached genre-blending and character development.

The success of “The Avengers” with Tara King demonstrated that a long-running series could successfully reinvent itself without sacrificing its core identity. This approach has since become a valuable lesson for producers and writers looking to maintain audience interest over multiple seasons. The show’s ability to introduce new characters, adapt its tone, and explore diverse storylines has become a blueprint for revitalizing established series, ensuring their longevity and relevance.

Linda Thorson’s portrayal of Tara King played a pivotal role in the show’s continued success. Her character’s endearing qualities, combined with Thorson’s charismatic performance, ensured that Tara King would become a beloved figure among fans. Tara’s impact is not only limited to her time on the show but has endured through the years as a symbol of the evolving roles of women in television.

Tara King, with her intelligence, resourcefulness, and distinct personality, became a positive representation of female characters in a genre that often stereotyped or marginalized women. Her character challenged traditional gender roles, contributing to the ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion in media. In this way, Tara King’s legacy extends beyond the confines of “The Avengers” and remains relevant in discussions about the portrayal of women in television.

“The Avengers” with Tara King played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of spy-fi and superhero genres. The show’s willingness to blend espionage with elements of science fiction and fantasy paved the way for later productions in these genres. The idea that a series could seamlessly incorporate fantastical elements while maintaining a sense of sophistication and intrigue became a hallmark that influenced subsequent spy-fi and superhero narratives.

This influence can be seen in later television series, films, and even in the rise of comic book adaptations that embraced a more eclectic and genre-blurring approach. “The Avengers” with Tara King helped redefine audience expectations for what was possible within the realms of spy fiction and superhero storytelling, ultimately contributing to the diversity and creativity of the modern television landscape.

While Tara King’s era in “The Avengers” marked a departure from the established dynamics of the show, it played a crucial role in keeping the series relevant and adaptable to changing tastes. The charming interplay between Tara and Steed, combined with the show’s willingness to experiment with storytelling, left an indelible mark on television history.

In conclusion, “The Avengers” with Tara King successfully navigated the challenges of introducing a new character after the departure of a beloved predecessor. Linda Thorson’s portrayal of Tara King brought a unique and enjoyable flavour to the series, contributing to the show’s enduring legacy as a ground-breaking and influential work in the realm of television.

Special Features

• 1080p high-definition presentation from the original 35mm elements 
• Collectable double-sided Hardbox packaging – 1500 copies only
• 120-page booklet featuring an essay by television writer / historian Andrew Pixley, and Press/Story Information from the original studio files
• Original ‘as broadcast’ mono audio track (LPCM) and “The Avengers in Colour” opening slate
• Audio Commentary on “The Forget-Me-Knot” by filmmakers Samuel Clemens and George Clemens (2023)
• Audio Commentary on the Terry Nation scripted episode “Invasion of the Earthmen” by writer/film critic Kim Newman and screenwriter/author Robert Shearman (2023)
• Audio Commentary on “Split!” by writer/producer Brian Clemens and director Roy Ward Waker 
• Audio Commentary on “LOOK! (stop me if you’ve heard this one) But There Were These Two Fellers…” by filmmakers Samuel Clemens and George Clemens (2023)
• Never-before-released Video Commentary on “All Done with Mirrors” featuring actress Linda Thorson, director Raymond Austin, composer Howard Blake, producer Brian Clemens recorded on-stage at “THE AVENGERS AT 50” event in 2011
• Audio Commentary on “All Done with Mirrors” by actress Linda Thorson and Paul O’Grady 
• Audio Commentary on “Game” by director Robert Fuest
• Audio Commentary on “Noon Doomsday” by actress Linda Thorson and Paul O’Grady 
• 2nd Audio Commentary on “Noon Doomsday” by stuntwoman Cyd Child
• 3rd Audio Commentary on “Noon Doomsday” by filmmakers Samuel Clemens and George Clemens (2023)
• Audio Commentary on “Killer” by guest actress Jennifer Croxton
• Audio Commentary on “The Morning After” by director John Hough
• Audio Commentary on “Love All” by writer Jeremy Burnham and guest actress Veronica Strong
• Audio Commentary on “Fog” by film historians Jonathan Rigby and Kevin Lyons (2023)
• Audio Commentary on “Thingumajig” by film historians Jonathan Rigby and Kevin Lyons (2023)
• Audio Commentary on “Bizarre” by television historians Dick Fiddy (of the British Film Institute) and Henry Holland (2023)
• Video Introductions to “The Interrogators”, “Love All”, “Take Me To Your Leader”, “Pandora”, “Thingumajig” and “Requiem” by Linda Thorson 
• Video Introduction to “Whoever Shot Poor George Oblique Stroke XR40?” by director Cyril Frankel
• Audio Recollection on “Get-A-Way!” by guest actor Peter Bowles 
• “THE AVENGERS AT 50” – Interviews captured at the 50th Anniversary celebration of the series, held at Chichester University (2011) 
• Helicopter arrival and Audio Commentary by Linda Thorson and Paul O’Grady 
• Linda Thorson introduces video message from Patrick Macnee
• “The Impact of The Avengers” – panel discussion with Linda Thorson, Paul O’Grady, director Raymond Austin, actor John Carson and author Alwyn Turner
• “The Music of The Avengers” – Themes from the series (and The New Avengers) performed by the Chichester University Orchestra 
• Interview with Linda Thorson by Paul O’Grady 
• “The Two Sides of Tara King” – with Linda Thorson and stuntwoman Cyd Child
• Interview with director John Hough
• Interview with director Robert Fuest
• Interview with composer Howard Blake
• Interview with director/stunt co-ordinator Raymond Austin (NEW! Complete unreleased version) 
• “In the Footsteps of Tara King” – interview with Linda Thorson by Oliver Kalkofe (2010)
• “Wish You Were Here” – Locations featurette 
• “Avenging The Avengers” – featurette on the series (1992) plus additional unused interviews
• “Thriller: Lady Killer” – complete episode from the ATV series starring Linda Thorson, written by Brian Clemens (in Standard Definition) 
• “Return of the Saint: The Roman Touch” – complete episode of the ITC action series guest starring Linda Thorson (in Standard Definition) 
• Archival Vault Material 
• “Introducing Linda Thorson” – Vintage Promotional Trailer
• “Girl About Town” – Vintage Promotional Short Film about Linda Thorson with optional Audio Commentary by Linda Thorson and Paul O’Grady
• Artists Screen Tests – vault film of various actresses auditioning to be the new “Avengers Girl” (mute with optional Audio Commentary) 
• “Invasion of the Earthmen” – Alternative U.S. End Credits

 – Series 6 Textless Closing Credits with theme music

 – U.S. ABC Network Commercial Break Bumpers 

 – “Mit Schirm, Charme Und Melone” – German Opening Titles / Closing Credits

 – “Granada Plus Points” for “The Forget-Me-Knot” featuring Patrick Macnee

 – Extensive Photo Galleries from the studio archives 

Bonus Disc 1: The Avengers – The Early Years 

• “Hot Snow Act 1” – the only surviving material from the very first episode of Series 1, with optional Audio Commentary by producer Leonard White (in Standard Definition)
• “Girl on the Trapeze” – the complete 6th episode from Series 1 (in Standard Definition)
• “The Frighteners” – the complete 15th episode from Series 1 (in Standard Definition)
• “Bullseye” – the complete 8th episode from Series 2, with optional Audio Commentary by actress Honor Blackman and Paul O’Grady
• “Warlock” – the complete 16th episode from Series 2, with optional, NEW! previously unreleased Audio Commentary by Honor Blackman and story editor Richard Bates recorded at “THE AVENGERS AT 50” event in 2011
• 14 Audio Reconstructions for missing Series 1 episodes 
• “THE AVENGERS AT 50” – Interview with producers Leonard White and Brian Tessler, actresses Honor Blackman and Julie Stevens (2011)

Bonus Disc 2: Mister Jerico (1970)

• 1970 crime caper produced by ITC as the pilot to a proposed new Patrick Macnee series, but ultimately aired as a one-off television film, and theatrically exhibited in some territories.
• 1080p high-definition presentation of a 2023, 2K scan from the original camera negative by Imprint, with grading by award-winning colourist Jonathan Wood 
• audio Commentary by television historians Dick Fiddy (of the British Film Institute) and Henry Holland (2023)
• Restoration Featurette