Tara King

Tara King
Occupation	Secret agent
Known for	Partner of John Steed in the 1960s television series The Avengers

Tara King is a fictional persona featured in the British 1960s adventure television series The Avengers. The character was brought to life by Canadian actress Linda Thorson. Serving as the sixth partner to agent John Steed and the fourth female companion, she appears throughout the sixth series (1968–1969), spanning 33 episodes. Tara takes over from Emma Peel and is distinguished as the first professional spy among Steed’s partners. Her connection to Dr. Martin King, an earlier associate, remains unexplored.

Introduction

Compared to Steed’s previous partners, Tara King’s background is largely undisclosed. She began her career with the Intelligence Service as trainee number 69. The season six opener, "The Forget-Me-Knot", depicts their first meeting, where Tara mistakenly attacks Steed during training before realizing her mistake. She holds Steed in high regard and aids him in solving the episode’s case.

At the episode’s end, Emma Peel departs to reunite with her husband, Peter Peel, leaving Steed in need of a new partner. His superior, Mother, assigns Tara to fill Emma’s role. The transition occurs as Tara arrives at Steed’s flat just as Emma exits; Emma imparts a memorable tip on stirring tea (anticlockwise). This handover sequence has become iconic within the series.

Tara’s introduction alters Steed’s partnership dynamic, introducing a more flirtatious and physical rapport compared to his previous relationship with Emma Peel. Before meeting Tara, Steed watches Emma leave with Peter Peel—whose style closely resembles his own—suggesting subtle layers of intrigue.

Characterisation

According to Dave Rogers in The Complete Avengers, Tara King was uniquely portrayed as single, a choice influenced by Linda Thorson to avoid any suggestion of impropriety with Steed. Her character is shown to be clearly enamored with Steed, marking a departure from earlier partners.

Initially blonde, Tara’s hair color changes to brunette following an explosion in 'The Great Great Britain Crime'. She has an aversion to social gatherings but enjoys skiing, motorsports, fashion, and classical music. Her usual weapon is a Smith & Wesson Model 40 Centennial .38 calibre revolver.

Tara continues the series’ tradition of Lotus vehicles, driving a red Lotus 54 in eight episodes and a Lotus 50 in one episode. She also operates an AC 428 for ten episodes—a car originally intended for Steed.

Reception

In the British Film Institute's 1996 tribute, Toby Miller observes that Thorson’s casting marked a shift toward emphasizing sexual allure over physical strength. Publicity materials likened her to Shirley MacLaine and highlighted her stature and figure. Thorson preferred portraying Tara through sensuality rather than combat skills, which some reviewers felt made her more accessible than previous characters.

In other media

Emily Woodward provides the voice of Tara King in The Avengers audio dramas produced by Big Finish Productions.