The Avengers International Fan Forum

dissolute · Posted: Thu May 19, 2016 1:39 pm Post subject:

When I covered the episode in Rodney's book I came to the same conclusion. A good basic concept that seems okay on paper, it just isn't that good on screen (and it exhibits some trademark Terry Nation laziness). The tunnel really needed better special effects. It's the "that'll do" approach to filming which does it in for me.
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MikeR · Epic Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 1100 Location: UK

Spaceship Dispatcher · Posted: Fri May 20, 2016 2:32 am Post subject:

Well, Invasion of the Earthmen is an episode that I absolutely love! The visuals are indeed a bit ropey, and I can't quite put my finger on why I enjoy watching it quite as much as I do, but the casting connection with Terry Nation's Survivors (Lucy Fleming) plays a part and so does the Doctor Who type 'cavern of peril' setting near the end...

Rodders · Posted: Sat May 21, 2016 2:20 pm Post subject:

Barely Avengerish at all. Not convinced that Terry Nation 'got' The Avengers.
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Sam · Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 4:53 pm Post subject:

I pop this one in and re-watch it from time to time. Definitely not the worst episode ever done. I would like to see the "Director's Cut" if it could be found somewhere.

Darren · Site Admin Joined: 01 Sep 2008 Posts: 1797 Location: UK

It's interesting that Clemens decided to keep this one as he felt that Nation got the Avengers. Despite not quite feeling right, there's a good thriller aspect to this one and the addition of tension that had been lacking in the show.

I think that when they did the reshot scenes to explain the Tara wig, they should have done the scene in the agent's hotel room as it makes Tara an amateur (Steed - "there's no reason you should know, it's regulations").

It think a more appropriate director would have handled this better. Don Sharp just isn't an Avengers director. John Hough does some lovely second unit location footage like around the hotel scenes.

Avengerholic · Epic Joined: 01 Sep 2008 Posts: 1170

I know it's bad, but I absolutely love it. From the junior school craft lesson 'make a snake' to the 1960's silk Christmas tree decorations it's just pure fun all the way. Tara in the blonde wig, tan leather outfit and puff sleeve shirt looks like shes straight out of an old Errol Flynn swash buckling movie, but she looks amazing ! A totally unique episode, that is (for whatever reason good or bad) more entertaining than many other episodes.

Mona · Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2016 1:21 pm Post subject:

I enjoy this episode.

While it is odd to have an electrified desk, Steed's jumping at touching it, and his sudden embarrassment at his reaction and his pulling his jacket down as he regains his English composure is cool to watch and well acted by Macnee.

Of course, I also like seeing Steed pass through the obstacle course so well.

It's not much to write home about, sure, but I'm not using The Avengers to write an in-depth PhD on the technilogical methodology of creating a television show. I just like Steed.
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Ian Wegg · Have Fingers... Will Type! Joined: 15 Sep 2011 Posts: 303

Last week I belatedly remembered to tune into ITV4 for their run of series 6. Unfortunately a snooker tournament had overrun. I stayed watching in the hope that the game would end and The Avengers would start but to no avail. 60 minutes of my life that I'll never get back.

Last night I sat down for another go and watched "Invasion of the Earthmen". By the half way point I was yearning for snooker, I can't really give a more damning indictment than that.

2/10 (mostly for the opening scenes).