2

A fair number of anomalies in this one, possibly owing to the fact that this episode was originally shot with Elizabeth Shepherd in the roll of Emma Peel. When Diana Rigg was later cast as Shepherd's replacement, only key scenes were re-filmed. Still this episode is enjoyable and ranks high on my list of favorites.

Apparently the school inspector endured a "badger hunting" sequence just like Smallwood's, but it was omitted from the final cut (no doubt shot as part of the original Elizabeth Shepherd version). A sharp eye will notice that Patrick Newell is much thinner and grayer in one brief shot during his flight across the dunes.

And the continuity demons strike again as we see Emma, wearing black and white gloves, examining the parish records. When she calls the Vicar over to see the missing pages, she is not wearing gloves in the close-up--it even looks like a completely different book. (Another leftover from the Shepherd version, perhaps?)

One curiosity is a missing line of dialog: after Steed fails to exit the tavern and winds up back in his room with a bottle of booze, he advises Emma that she should be getting to bed. She answers him--her mouth moves--but there is no voice. (It looks as though she says, "I know.")

  - Courtesy of David K. Smith / The Avengers Forever