Week of 5/4: You're Needed, Mr. Steed and Mrs. Peel - Television's "Avengers"

By Sylvia Gurinsky

When people of a certain fan base think of "The Avengers," it's not the Marvel Comics movie out today that comes to mind. It's the classic 1960s television series.

Patrick Macnee played John Steed througout the series, which lasted from 1961-69 and was produced by a contractor of British television network ITV (the same network responsible for "Downton Abbey" and "Foyle's War"). Steed evolved from assistant to trenchcoat-wearing spy to the old-fashioned suit and bowler hat that came to symbolize his character.

Steed was teamed with a number of co-stars - Ian Henry as Dr. David Keel in the first season and a number of actresses. But the show was at its most popular from 1965-68, when Diana Rigg played Emma Peel. Aside from the team's chemistry, "The Avengers" also benefitted from the evolution of color television and a pickup by ABC. It was one of the first British imports to find success on American television.

Here's a look at the style and substance of Steed and Peel:

Avengers

"NCIS'" Ziva David would be proud of how Emma Peel puts away that thug!

Macnee just turned 90. Rigg has continued to be a constant television presence, which has included her time as the host of PBS' "Mystery."

It was campy, but fun, and it's available on DVD. (Ignore the 1998 Uma Thurman/Ralph Fiennes movie - please!)

See you next week. Until then, Happy Viewing!