In the beginning of the episode, Steed enters Emma's room she can be seen wearing a rather inappropriate suit, especially for fencing. This show one of the major reasons for her character's design, as Emma peel's purpose, was for "man appeal" which was mentioned in the explanation of what the show was.
later on in the show, we see Emma and Steed on the train to Whittington, Steed then takes a teapot and a set of scones. This really emphasizes that fact that the both of them come from an upper-class life, this showed how people at the wanted to live. Another upper-class resemblance is the thick "posh" accent they both have which would show they have lived an upper-class life for a while. The way Steed dresses also reflects on his lifestyle, he is constantly in a suit and after a fight, he makes sure that he is still looking good.
Certain things in the show which suggest to that effect of the war is still present, as Steed visits an airfield it is heavily damaged but it is still there. Also as Steed looks around you can hear in the background the sounds of planes, he then salutes, this shows that he can still remember the war. Underneath the school there was a bunker, again this shows the presence of the war is still there.
In said episode, Emma is given real standing ground as women in those times, at the inn that they stay in she is offered her own room. A lot of the investigating she does is on her own meaning she has her own free will.
Overall this episode really shows what life was like in the 1960's without giving too much away. It does this by using the surroundings and how the characters respond to the scene.
marks 4 out of 10
ReplyDelete1. It is not accurate that Emma Peel is just a pretty face. Comment on the equality of Steed and Mrs Peel in terms of their actions, bravery, skills, responsibility for the success of the mission
2. Correct on social class accent (RP) and the rather dated full-scale tea party that Steed arranges on the train journey. However, isn't this actually poking fun at the convention?
3. You address Emma Peel's independence, courage and skills at the end. However, it is obviously appropriate (then and now) that a single woman would be given a room of her own.
4. Ok on the war context.