Ep 6. The Removal Men

In the second season of the iconic British spy-fi series The Avengers, episode 6, titled "The Removal Men," sees a new case for agents John Steed (played by Patrick Macnee) and Cathy Gale (played by Honor Blackman).

The episode begins with a group of seemingly unconnected people disappearing without a trace. It's a strange phenomenon that has caught the attention of Steed and Gale, who are tasked with investigating the unusual situation. As they delve deeper into the mystery at hand, the two detectives uncover a group known as The Removal Men, who specialize in making people disappear.

The Removal Men, run by a sinister figure named G. Kreer (played by Frederick Jaeger), operates like a well-oiled machine. They are extremely organized and efficient, eliminating their targets with alarming speed and precision, leaving no traces behind. But why are they making these people disappear? And who is behind their orders?

Steed and Gale must infiltrate The Removal Men's operation to uncover the truth. To do so, they enlist the help of a reluctant former member of the group, who goes by the name Jolly Jack (played by Ronald Lacey). Jolly Jack is a skilled forger who has gone into hiding after leaving The Removal Men. He agrees to help Steed and Gale in an effort to make amends for his past deeds.

Together, the trio attempts to track down The Removal Men's base of operations. They infiltrate a hub where torture and interrogation of the "disappeared" take place, using their own set of cunning tactics to fool the men in charge. In an incredibly suspenseful sequence that culminates in an explosive car chase, Steed and Gale attempt to evade capture by their enemies.

As more information is uncovered, it becomes apparent that the group's ultimate goal is to erase the memories of those they've made disappear, leaving them with blank slates. For what reason, however, has yet to be revealed.

As the investigation intensifies, the stakes get higher. The situation becomes even more dangerous as Steed and Gale discover that they have been marked for removal themselves. They are forced to improvise in order to stay alive and out of the hands of The Removal Men.

The chase eventually leads them to a remote farmhouse, where the truth is finally revealed. Without giving too much away, Steed and Gale are left facing off against a villain whose identity will shock viewers and leave them on the edge of their seats.

"The Removal Men" is a classic episode of The Avengers, and one that perfectly captures the blend of intrigue, mystery, and action that made the show so beloved. With its standout performances and iconic characters, it's no wonder that this episode, and the series as a whole, has continued to captivate audiences for decades.