The Joker-have your say

cyberrich · Post by **cyberrich** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 6:42 pm

This week I watched The Joker. Surely one of the best colour episodes, and one to rival the best of season 4. Diana gave a tremendous performance in this episode. It almost has the feel of a stage play. It's also very Hitchcockian. The psychological episodes were always the best(Stay tuned, Too many Xmas trees, etc). I believe this used the same set as Superlative seven, which seems strange as Seven always looks a bit on the cheap side to me, whereas Joker manages to belie it's budget. Probably the darkest of all the colour episodes, but not without it's light moments, the best one being Steed's Bentley bumping into the signpost in thick fog. (I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet.) I wish there'd been more like this. How do you all rate this one?
RATING 10 OUT OF 10. 5TH BEST SEASON 5.

darren · Post by **darren** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:04 pm

5/5 or 10/10

Easily one of my favourite episodes from series 5. Of course it's Don't Look Behind You with a few adjustments here and there. Clemens' Hitchcock influences loom large. Sidney Hayers' direction is wonderful. I love B/W but this works well as a colour episode as it has a perfect atmosphere to carry it. Laurie Johnson's score is inspired. Diana Rigg gives one of her best performances from the season after some going through the motions at times.

I love this episode but that doesn't stop me loving Don't Look Behind You just as much. Both being strong examples of their respective series.

Avengerholic · Post by **Avengerholic** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:13 pm

I actually prefer 'Don't look Behind You' although Ola is far better played by Sally in 'The Joker'

kim · Post by **kim** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 8:09 pm

Another one of my favorite episodes, though the story line has been done many times..(woman alone in large house, mysterious sounds, etc.), the acting was extremly well done as were the shots. Not much to complain about with this episode at all.

Philippa · Post by **Philippa** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 9:06 pm

Personally I prefer 'Don't Look Behind You' to 'The Joker', but that doesn't mean I don't love this one. I think it's definitely one of the best colour episodes, with amazing acting by Diana, and the music is fantastic as well.
This is an episode that works well both in colour and B&W, and with both Diana and Honor.

Dandy Forsdyke · Post by **Dandy Forsdyke** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 9:10 pm

kim wrote:Another one of my favorite episodes, though the story line has been done many times..(woman alone in large house, mysterious sounds, etc.)

Indeed. It's a Brian Clemens staple. I love the understated ending when Steed turns up and she tossles his hair.

This is one one Diana's best acting jobs, even if it's The Avengers and not Hedda Gabler or something.

helenofirvine · Post by **helenofirvine** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 9:24 pm

Love this episode. Very well done. Stylish and scary.

mousemeat · Post by **mousemeat** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 3:45 am

Philippa wrote:Personally I prefer 'Don't Look Behind You' to 'The Joker', but that doesn't mean I don't love this one. I think it's definitely one of the best colour episodes, with amazing acting by Diana, and the music is fantastic as well.
This is an episode that works well both in colour and B&W, and with both Diana and Honor.

I would have to concur with the above, pertaining to 'DON'T ' but the Joker ain't too shabby...one of the best of the colour era. which I feel pales to the monochromes...

DiVicenzo · Post by **DiVicenzo** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 12:06 pm

One of my faves - 10/10 here!

MaccaJack · Post by **MaccaJack** » Sun Feb 15, 2009 12:31 pm

I LOVE this episode.

I was terrified, and still am scared as I watch it..

Its such an atmospheric, spooky episode, and was coincidentally like the first episode I ever saw, and loved it.

Sally Nesbitt was just knockout, what a terrific performance.