The Avengers Season 1 Episode 9 Ashes of Roses

John Steed (played by Patrick Macnee) and Dr. David Keel (played by Ian Hendry) are back on the case in The Avengers season 1 episode 9: "Ashes of Roses." This time, they're investigating a string of murders all committed with the same unique poison, with the only connection between them being that all the victims have a single rose beside them when they're found.

As they investigate, Steed and Keel are led to a beauty salon, where they soon realize that the person responsible for the murders must be one of the beauticians. They quickly narrow down the list of suspects, but when one of the beauticians is found dead with a rose beside her, they realize they have a much bigger problem on their hands than they initially thought.

Things only get more complicated when Steed is taken captive by the killer, who is revealed to be a former Nazi who is intent on carrying out a long-standing vendetta against Steed. With the help of a quick-thinking Keel, Steed manages to escape and the two of them work to bring the killer to justice and put an end to the string of murders.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to the signature mix of action, suspense, and wry humor that made The Avengers such a beloved classic. Macnee and Hendry bring their A-game, delivering pitch-perfect performances as they work to unravel the mystery and bring the killer to justice. The episode also boasts strong supporting performances from the cast of characters, including a memorable turn by Patricia English as the head beautician at the salon.

Ultimately, "Ashes of Roses" is a standout episode of The Avengers--a perfect encapsulation of the show's blend of style, wit, and thrills. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, it's an episode worth watching.