The Avengers

A duo set out to investigate a spate of murders. Their inquiry reveals that a ruthless businessman is behind the killings, targeting his rivals. The tale is presented as a classic vintage television adventure starring Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg.

The Fear Merchants is a television programme presented as a single episode, classified within the adventure genre. Its concise format allows the story to develop quickly, delivering a clear beginning, middle and resolution within the limited runtime typical of an episode. The title hints at a focus on fear as a tool in the narrative. The central plot follows two investigators who probe a series of murders. Their inquiry leads them to uncover that a merciless businessman is responsible, systematically eliminating his competitors to consolidate power. As they follow clues, the investigators link the victims, all business rivals of the same man, exposing the ruthless scheme behind the killings. Presented in a vintage adventure style, the episode evokes the aesthetic of earlier thriller programmes, relying on straightforward storytelling and a clear moral conflict. The production values reflect the era's approach to set design and costuming, with period‑appropriate attire and locations that reinforce the sense of a bygone investigative world. Throughout the narrative, the partnership between the two protagonists drives the investigation forward, each contributing complementary skills to unravel the scheme. Their determination underscores the episode's focus on justice being served against a powerful, unscrupulous adversary, while their collaborative effort highlights the blend of analytical reasoning and on‑the‑ground pursuit needed to expose the criminal’s motives.