That's right. Steed and Keel were meant to hang about a nightclub in further episodes and get to know the jazz singer. Then Hendry left unexpectedly, so the character was sort of a hangover from season one, and the show sort of evolved beyond her before she even got up on screen. They probably used her as a stop-gap more than anything, so that they could film something while they tried to cast Cathy. That's probably why she doesn't fit. It wasn't the same show anymore.Dandy Forsdyke wrote:As I understand it she was added to the cast to share the second season with Dr Keel.Artanis wrote:I like Venus' character but the most annoying thing is how she always get captured and Steed has to save her. She doesn't seem to be worth all that trouble for just the little help she provides.
Venus Smith : Partner or not ?
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Thanks for the explanation, Timeless. And I agree, Venus' episodes don't really fit in with the rest of the second season. The whole show changed when Honor Blackman was chosen to play Cathy Gale.Timeless A-Peel wrote:That's right. Steed and Keel were meant to hang about a nightclub in further episodes and get to know the jazz singer. Then Hendry left unexpectedly, so the character was sort of a hangover from season one, and the show sort of evolved beyond her before she even got up on screen. They probably used her as a stop-gap more than anything, so that they could film something while they tried to cast Cathy. That's probably why she doesn't fit. It wasn't the same show anymore.
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It would have been interesting to see, I agree. It fit in with the Keel era's mood. I got the impression it was supposed to be their regular club or something, since our heroes were prone to slouching around in dirty macs smoking. The Complete Avengers has this to say (and it's quite fascinating):Dandy Forsdyke wrote:Shame that never happened, sounds like Venus was meant to be a supporting character. Would have been interesting to see that idea developed.
"In December 1961, a decision was taken to extend the Hendry series to 39 episodes and plans were made to introduce a new female partner to the team. The new girl was to be a young nightclub singer named Venus Smith, who would be introduced in episode 27 and then alternate with Keel as Steed's partner on a fortnightly basis."
There it is. Venus was meant to be a partner. The Ian Hendry walked away. Further on:
"Plans to introduce nightclub singer Venus Smith were placed on hold while White and his team began their search for an actress to become John Steed's first ever female colleague."
Poor Venus, sidelined before she could even start. But she would have been a major player had Hendry not left.
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Too bad that never happened. It would have been great to see all three in an episode, especially any scenes with Cathy and Venus.Timeless A-Peel wrote:There was meant to be an episode with all three, yes. Don't recall if it was Box of Tricks though...Dandy Forsdyke wrote:Wasn't Box of Tricks originally intended to be a Steed/Cathy/Venus episode?
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Box of Tricks it was.. but I'm puzzled as to what Cathy's role could of been, would it of been a major re-write or just renaming a character and juggling a few lines?Timeless A-Peel wrote:There was meant to be an episode with all three, yes. Don't recall if it was Box of Tricks though...Dandy Forsdyke wrote:Wasn't Box of Tricks originally intended to be a Steed/Cathy/Venus episode?