Ep 1. Mr Teddy Bear

In The Avengers season 2 episode 1, Mr Teddy Bear, John Steed and Cathy Gale find themselves investigating a curious series of murders. Each victim has received a teddy bear and a note before they are killed by an unseen assassin. Steed and Gale, aided by an enthusiastic amateur detective, investigate the connections between the victims as they try to solve the case.

The episode starts with a wealthy businessman, Charles, receiving a teddy bear in a box with a note addressed to him. The teddy bear is left unguarded by Charles, who quickly meets his death in an unusual and suspicious way. Steed and Gale, now working together, are initially called in to investigate this mysterious death. However, they quickly find themselves involved in a series of increasingly bizarre murders.

As the episode progresses, the team uncovers connections between all of the victims, including a master jewel thief, a former MI5 agent, and an industrialist with suspected ties to a foreign government. The killer, Mr Teddy Bear himself, is revealed to be an unknown entity, represented only by a collection of voice recordings and telephone operators who relay his orders.

The tension of the episode is heightened by the fact that the team is unaware of Mr Teddy Bear's true identity, which adds to the underlying mystery. As they race against time to catch the murderer and prevent more deaths, they find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations.

The character of Mr Teddy Bear is a fascinating one, as he remains unknown throughout the episode, yet is still able to create a palpable sense of fear and danger. The voice actors who portray the character manage to convey a level of menace that is unusual for the time period.

As always, Steed and Gale are a formidable duo, with an easygoing but efficient partnership. Their rapport is highlighted in this episode, as they work together to solve the case and protect each other from harm. The amateur detective they enlist along the way, a wealthy young woman named Jenny, is a delightful addition to the cast, adding a touch of levity to the otherwise serious plot.

The episode is beautifully shot, with the steely gray skies of London creating a suitably moody backdrop to the action. The sets and props are equally impressive, adding to the overall feel of the 1960s era in which the show is set.

Despite its age, The Avengers season 2 episode 1, Mr Teddy Bear, remains a gripping and engaging piece of television. Its timeless themes of mystery, suspense, and danger are as relevant today as they were decades ago, and the charismatic performances of the cast keep the audience on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.