"The Joker" was the second of three superior color remakes of Cathy Gale episodes, this one a rewrite of "Don't Look Behind You," all better suited for Emma Peel, who was quite often featured alone against obsessed madmen. While the original has Steed driving Cathy to the desolate country house, here he is injured falling down the stairs, no accident as his steps were rigged for a fatal fall (suffering only a bad bruise). The pretense of getting Mrs. Peel to drive herself out to the mansion (nicely decorated with symbols of playing cards) is an invitation from a distinguished bridge enthusiast about her recent article on the game's finer points. Once there, she is told that he won't be back until later by Ola (Sally Nesbitt, "Bizarre"), who claims to be his ward (the same annoying character that greeted Cathy). Called away to see a sick friend, she leaves Mrs. Peel alone in the house, until a stranger (Ronald Lacey, "Legacy of Death") arrives to use the phone, only to discover the line has been cut. Meanwhile, the injured Steed receives a visit from Major George Fancy (John Stone, "The Secrets Broker" and "The Rotters"), who informs him that one of Emma's most ardent foes (Peter Jeffrey) has escaped from a German prison, and has a few deadly card tricks up his sleeve (especially an unfunny joker intended for Steed). All the changes make for a better show, even if the insufferable Ola again makes a lousy host for our heroine. The conclusion is more satisfying, as the unspoken bond between Steed and Emma is light years deeper than the one he had with Cathy Gale, whose final showdown nearly brings her to tears (unlike the more experienced Emma, who remains reluctant to pull the trigger on her crazed suitor, Max Prendergast). Previously seen in "Room Without a View," Peter Jeffrey excels as the mad Max, and would be back for more the next year in "Game." For the only time in color, Diana Rigg appears partially undressed, in a brief sequence before the mirror (she often supplied eye candy during the previous, black and white season).