In my opinion, Cathy Gale is often underestimated. She was a really good partner of Steed, but the problem is, that these episodes aren't available in other languages and the qualitiy isn't the best. It's very difficult for me to understand the english episodes. But I think she did a great job.
Cathy has a special charakter. She is, of course, very self-confident, but very different from Emma Peel. She is more quiet and distanced. But she is accepted by Steed and other men. Her clothes aren't as sey as Emma Peel cloths, but this doesn't matter. She is beautiful, although she wears longer skirts and coats.
For me she is just perfect, and I sometimes feel very sorry for her, because she started "The Avengers" we know today. But most of the time, people just remember Emma Peel - of course Diana was fantastic - but it was not alone her job to make the Avengers to THE Avengers :)
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Since all of Steed's partners were skilled fighting women to one degree or another, who do you think was the most skilled? If Cathy, Emma, Tara, and Purdey were to compete in a round robin tournament to decide the best fighting woman among them, who do you think would win the tournament? Who would Steed bet on?
ReplyDeleteHere is my order of their physical prowess and fighting ability. Just my opinion and please feel free to select your own order.
1) Purdey- Devastating leg kicks. Who could handle them? Makes short work of most opponents. Her strikes are straight, accurate, and deadly.
2) Emma- Very skilled, intelligent, confident, and resourceful fighter. But could she handle Purdey's swift, stinging kicks? And how would she perform against Cathy?
3) Cathy- Tough lady as well as skilled fighter. Her most intriguing match up, to me at least, would be against Emma. Underrated at #3?
4) Tara- Can surprise if taken lightly. Its not likely though she could defeat Purdey, Emma, or Cathy. But I'm no expert.
In my Championship Match with Steed watching, I have Purdey defeating Emma. Am I wrong?
Well I think this would be the correct order. Purdey is really strong and Tara has not the knowledge the others have. She just uses a handbag or other things...
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if Emma or Cathy is better. Both have good skills... hmmm
I'd say CATHY was the strongest. She was trained. EMMA had skill but in defence not combat. TARA was still a novice and PURDEY has survival instinct.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing they all had in common was their sheer class and effortless beauty.
There once lived a woman named Purdey
ReplyDeleteShe was slender and lovely but sturdy
She laughed with John Steed
Sometimes taking the lead
Mrs. Peel often thought her too flirty
The two ladies would fight one hot August night
Chopping and kicking with all of their might
But savage kicks to the ribs that Purdey would deal
Brought tears to the eyes of the great Emma Peel
Lovely Emma wept then went out like a light
Unable to deal with Purdey's punishing thighs
Poor Mrs. Peel awoke with tears in her eyes
Still a thought crossed her mind that would lend her some hope
If Steed wasn't told she found she could cope
With her embarrassing loss and tearful sighs
But Purdey was sensitive to what Emma feared most
Peel's lovely blond rival proved a sympathetic host
She gave Emma a hug and served her hot tea
"Steed need not know", she smiled graciously
Of her smashing victory Purdey never did boast
It's interesting than Brian Clemens, the associate producer of The Avengers, described Emma Peel as "tougher than Cathy." This quote is extracted from The Daily Mail, December 15, 1964, page 3, upon introducing Mrs. Peel as Miss Gale's replacement. The article can be accused of hyperbole, however, since it also states, "Cathy Gale could throw a man with a flick of the wrist. But even she wouldn't stand a chance against the girl who is taking her place in ITV'S The Avengers."
ReplyDeleteStill, we would have to conclude, based on the view of the program's associate producer, that Emma is intended to be a tougher fighting woman than Cathy. Whether Diana Rigg comes across as such compared to Honor Blackman is another issue. In my opinion, Emma defeats Cathy without much trouble. She easily beats Tara and I would also give her the edge over Purdey. A vote here for Mrs. Peel.
I think Cathy is definitely a tough woman with outstanding fighting skills. But Mrs. Peel's personality is such that she would look forward to the challenge of fighting Miss Gale. In the end, I believe Emma would force a submission from a game Cathy before rendering her unconcious with a lethal sleeper hold. As Emma stands over her overwhelmed rival with hands on hips, she proudly declares, "And THAT will finally settle the issue!"
ReplyDelete