The Avengers: A Touch of Brimstone (1966) – Review

Few episodes of The Avengers, or any other television shows for that matter, have ever danced so boldly along the line of risqué and refined as “A Touch of Brimstone”—a stylish, subversive, and deliciously decadent hour of television that remains one of the show’s most infamous outings.

Originally airing in 1966 as part of the fourth season, this episode finds John Steed (Patrick Macnee) and Emma Peel (Diana Rigg) investigating a series of bizarre and politically motivated pranks targeting high society figures. A series of clues leads them to the Hellfire Club, a secretive and decadent society that revels in 18th-century aesthetics and libertine traditions, and—of course—dressed-to-the-nines debauchery. At the centre of it all is the charismatic and dangerous Sir John Cleverly Cartney (Peter Wyngarde), a wealthy nobleman who has revived the historical Hellfire Club, embracing its philosophy of excess, mischief, and hedonism. Under his leadership, the group’s activities have escalated into acts of sabotage, all in pursuit of his ultimate goal: destabilizing the British government.

 

“Says here we have to save Britain, again.”

As Steed and Peel delve deeper, they discover that the club is more than just a gathering for wealthy thrill-seekers. Wintour and his associates are planning a dramatic coup, using their influence to sow chaos among the elite and disrupt the nation’s leadership, with their operations involving elaborate staged humiliations and assaults on key figures, with their final target being an assassination during an upcoming society event. Emma, in her undercover role, is eventually captured by Wintour, who forces her to participate in the club’s debauched festivities. Dressed in a sultry, dominatrix-like “Queen of Sin” outfit—complete with a spiked collar, corset, and thigh-high boots—she is presented as the star attraction of the evening’s entertainment. Can our heroes thwart this dastardly plot? But more importantly, should they?

 

I wonder what the membership dues are.

Stray Observations:

• The episode’s villains, a modern-day Hellfire Club, are loosely based on the real 18th-century secret society of the same name. Their motto? “Do what thou wilt.” Is such a society due for a comeback?
• Peter Wyngarde’s villainous John Cartney and his flamboyant style, smug smirk, and penchant for theatrical evil, practically foreshadow his future turn as Klytus in Flash Gordon (1980).
• Steed has a nice duel with a member of the Hellfire Club, one who has steel fingers that conceal spiked tips. This guy is one step away from being a classic Bond villain henchman.
• Despite Emma Peel being dressed as a dominatrix, Cartney tells his fellow club members to “Do with her as you will” and she is taken away by them seemingly for their own agenda. 

 

That’s not how you treat a dominatrix!

This episode is a perfect encapsulation of The Avengers at its most seductive and stylized—brimming with wit, danger, and a touch of the illicit. Patrick Macnee is at his suave best, effortlessly shifting between charm and deadpan humour, but it is Diana Rigg as the electric Emma Peel who steals the show here as she exudes intelligence, charm, and a fearless attitude while navigating the decadent world of the Hellfire Club. Her chemistry with Macnee’s Steed is, as always, delightful, with their flirtatious banter adding levity to the episode’s darker undertones. Peter Wyngarde’s Sir John Cartney is one of the show’s finest villains—sly, sophisticated, and thoroughly menacing. His portrayal of aristocratic cruelty and entitlement is chilling, and his interplay with Rigg creates some of the episode’s most intense moments. 

 

A villain most suave.

This is one of the most visually striking in the entire series, blending elegant period aesthetics with a dark, decadent undercurrent and drawing heavy inspiration from the real-life Hellfire Club. its lavish production design, bold costuming, and dramatic cinematography make it a standout. The sets are grand and evocative, from shadowy candlelit chambers to the Hellfire Club’s ornate, cavernous lair, filled with velvet drapes, chandeliers, and ominous statues. The use of high-contrast lighting emphasizes the episode’s darker, almost Gothic tone, fitting for a story about secret societies and sadistic pageantry. The lavish period costumes, dimly lit stone chambers, and candle-lit revelry create an atmosphere of eerie decadence, blending historical influences with a swinging ‘60s edge, making it a visual treat.

 

A nice slice of debauchery.

However, what truly makes “A Touch of Brimstone” legendary is its boldness as the episode is steeped in themes of decadence, dominance, and submission, pushing the boundaries of 1960s television. Emma Peel’s “Queen of Sin” outfit—a leather corset, spiked collar, and thigh-high boots— became one of the most iconic (and risqué) images of 1960s television. Yet, rather than feeling exploitative, the episode’s more scandalous elements are balanced with a knowing wink—embracing the playful, tongue-in-cheek tone that The Avengers mastered so well.

Note: Diana Rigg not only looks amazing as the “Queen of Sin” but she designed the costume herself. As if we needed any more reasons to be impressed by her.

At its core, the episode explores themes of decadence, power, and moral corruption. The Hellfire Club serves as a metaphor for unchecked privilege and elitism, with its members revelling in lawlessness under the guise of tradition. Sir John Cartney embodies the dangers of aristocratic excess, using his influence not for the betterment of society but for self-indulgence and control. As for Emma Peel, her role in the episode is particularly significant. Her temporary subjugation as the “Queen of Sin”—a moment of visual and thematic intensity—highlights the fine line between empowerment and objectification.

Note: The Hellfire Club concept even influenced the X-Men comics, inspiring the creation of their own villainous group, complete with a “Black Queen” who strongly resembles Diana Rigg’s “Queen of Sin.”

In conclusion, “A Touch of Brimstone” stands as one of The Avengers’ finest and most notorious outings. From Diana Rigg’s iconic (and controversial) costume to Peter Wyngarde’s deliciously wicked performance, the episode remains a cult classic for fans of the series and lovers of ‘60s spy television. Whether viewed as a high-camp masterpiece or a daring slice of adventure television, it’s impossible to deny its impact.