Emma Peel black and white

The fourth season was the last in black and white, and the first to feature Dame Diana Rigg as Mrs. Emma Peel, helping viewers forget about the departure of Honor Blackman far sooner than they otherwise might have. Shot on film instead of videotape for the first time, the series went outdoors on a regular basis, and broadened its appeal around the world, particularly in the US, where ABC picked it up for the promise of a second season with Emma Peel, this time in color. Quite different from the three early seasons, the show reached its peak at this time, with 120 nations viewing the series all across the globe. Diana Rigg wore the most provocative costumes during the black and white season, when the camera often ogled her in voyeuristic fashion. "The Master Minds" finds her standing before the camera, going from toe to head with great deliberation. "A Sense of History" presents her in costume as Robin Hood, completely baring her backside. "Honey for the Prince" finds her in harem costume, showing more skin than American television could allow. The most notorious episode was "A Touch of Brimstone," in which Rigg herself designed her costume, playing the Queen of Sin at a Hellfire Club orgy. Both episodes were banned in the US, but were staples at network parties thereafter. Shooting wrapped in March 1966, just as Americans were introduced to THE AVENGERS on March 28, with the debut of "The Cybernauts," guest starring the late great Michael Gough as the prototype 'diabolical mastermind' that viewers remember best. If anything, the color season would become more lighthearted, otherwise both are outstanding examples of everything that was best about the show, namely the unforgettable chemistry between Diana Rigg and Patrick Macnee. He acknowledged that his comedic style was always present but dormant, until the arrival of Emma Peel, who indulged John Steed and complemented him in a way that none of his other partners ever did.

"I take pleasure in great beauty" - James Bond