Audiences enjoyed watching the relationship between John Steed and Emma Peel. In the clip, they have a flowing dialogue of repartee back and forth, which is mirrored in the fencing match. It is very entertaining and would have been escapism for the viewer as everything about the show was fantasy. From their job to their relationship (the suggestion that they could become more than colleagues) to Emma Peel’s black catsuit, the clip is clearly not based in reality.
Emma is presented as confident and able. She is skilled at fencing and challenges Steed to a duel. She mentions that she has just finished writing an article for Science Weekly, which suggests that she is well-educated. During the duel, despite Emma getting the upper hand and backing Steed into a chair, she is very quickly made to appear less of an equal by Steed tapping her backside with the fencing sword. This is symbolic of the 1960s, where women were not represented as equals to their male counterparts. When Steed is discussing a beach trip, Emma says that she won’t carry his bucket and spade. This was Emma asserting her authority and suggesting that she wants to be seen as more of an equal.
Steed is dressed like a gentleman and even addresses Emma as Mrs Peel. This is very formal and a total contrast to the flirtatious way he behaves with her. He comes across as an expert and authoritative and immediately offers ‘friendly advice’ on her fencing technique. This is, again, a 1960’s view of men knowing best and needing to be in charge, as Emma clearly looks as though she is a skilled fencer. In spite of being so well-spoken, wearing a suit and carrying a cane, Steed also comes across as cheeky in the way he speaks to Emma, and he clearly adores her and respects her (to a degree).
