The Avengers International Fan Forum

peabody · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 8:42 am Post subject: 6.15 - Noon Doomsday

Discuss, review and rate Noon Doomsday.

Written by Terry Nation
Directed by Peter Sykes

Rodders · Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 12:00 pm Post subject:

I love it: atmospheric, playing with another genre, great station location, good hide and seek chase/fighting sequences with Tara in the outbuildings.
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darren · Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 4:25 am Post subject:

This was the first episode I bought of The Avengers on video (paired with Fog - Lumiere Volume 11).

Although credited to Terry Nation, apparently Brian Clemens gave it a heavy rewrite when Nation didn't deliver what they'd agreed on (and consequently Nation aimed to always stick to the brief in future).

Peter Sykes is a wonderful director, shame he only did two episodes of the show (Love All as the other one). There's so much movement and depth to his shots that it never becomes boring. There's a real sweeping landscape to the pre-title teaser, emulating the feel of westerns.

It's such a good episode for Linda/Tara. With Steed incapacitated (but getting the final killing blow) she really carries the action and drama (even coshing Steed with a champagne bottle - "I'm sorry but it was a good vintage). I love the scene where they ponder the collective noun for agents.

Steed: A contentment..?
Tara: Agents aren't particularly contented.
Steed: Erm.. this one is. [he drinks more champagne]

I love the way that Gerald Kafka is presented like a returning baddie. He's given a real sense of threat which makes you appreciate what Tara is up against.

Howard Blake's score is superb (and going by the CD release, a lot of it wasn't even used) and mixes fairly imperceptibly with the stock Laurie Johnson pieces.

Mother's scenes, going through Steed's drinks cabinet, is a good laugh. And he nearly even goads a verbal reaction from Rhonda.

It really is like a mini-film this episode. 10/10

Lhbizness · Guest

Not bad at all - good pacing, enjoyable performances, and I really like Steed's Nehru jacket. The ending is a wee bit pat, though: wish that they'd gone with Tara actually managing to save Steed through and through, rather than him leaping out of his chair to rescue her in just the nick of time. But we can't have that, now can we? Otherwise, a pretty good episode.

Rhonda · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 12:00 pm Post subject:

8 from me. Like the locations.
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Brigadier Q · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 3:41 pm Post subject:

This one I remember clearly from my childhood.

Loved it then, full of danger and ingenious situations.

Loved it slightly less this time around, but nice location, Tara gets lots to do, great cast including a cameo by The Late Great Anthony Ainley and I really liked Mother's appropriation of Steed's drinks collection.

8 out of 10

MikeR · Epic Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 1106 Location: UK

Mainly filmed on Brian Clemens farm at Ampthill in Bedfordshire.

Brigadier Q · Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 2:23 pm Post subject:

Nice bit of info!

I suppose it was:

A) A cheaper location.

B) A way to make even more money from an episode.

Still, it was a great location. I wonder if it is still standing.

(I used to use the same dentist as Brian Clemens in Wimpole Street, when I could afford such luxury! Strictly NHS these days)

MikeR · Epic Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 1106 Location: UK

Ian Wegg · Have Fingers... Will Type! Joined: 15 Sep 2011 Posts: 373

I had to scroll right to the end of the list to find this thread, over 5 years since the last contribution.

I didn't enjoy this as much as everyone else seems to have done. On the plus side, atmospheric locations and good direction. I was prepared for a "slow burner", it's nice for a change, but I found it just too slow and ultimately disappointing.

By no means the worst episode but, for me, not one of the best.

7/10

Frankymole · Posted: Sun Nov 15, 2020 2:50 am Post subject:

I think it has a lot of film references, which is fine for Clemens and film buffs, but they mostly went over my head.
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mousemeat · Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2020 4:43 pm Post subject:

Lee · Thingumajig Joined: 15 Oct 2017 Posts: 69 Location: Surrey

I've given this a 7.

When I first saw this on video a few years ago, I didn't really take to it. Again, another story where our heroes are the reason for the story and not involved with the plot, avenging what has happened.

I think the burn is too long to the main action - I appreciate the slight Wild West undertone, but there is too much preparation and not enough action. Tara's visiting of Steed's fellow invalids the enlist there help is more a pastiche of the different reactions concentrated in a single view point for each other them. Slightly uncomfortable with the diplomat who wishes to push himself into Tara's affections - again, did he really think this was going to happen?

The score reflects the genre of the Wild West well, but I feel Mother was surpass to requirements in this story,simply pushing the narrative along without having to have Steed or Tara explain to each other what was happening.

I enjoyed it more than previous watches, but not one of my go-to stories from this season.
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