This was the only episode directed by Don Richardson, best known for LOST IN SPACE. It's an adventure, and Don gets some fine performances here, namely guest stars Lee Grant and Fernando Lamas. What a treat.
The top secret location data of four American missile sites are stolen, and the M. I. team has its work cut out for them. The interesting part about this episode is Cinnamon was briefly replaced by a new operative, called Susan Buchanan (well played by Lee Grant). Barbara Bain was in a contract dispute with Paramount TV at the time and was written out of the script. Oscar winning actress Lee Grant was the perfect replacement, and is fun to watch, kissing up to devious playboy Fernando Lamas, playing Roger Toland. It's unclear if the part was written for him, but he's the perfect fit. No better choice.
Toland is in league with an equally notorious colonel (played by Alfred Ryder, no less), their goal being to hold on to the secret missile data, which would be priceless. The most clever part of the story is convincing Toland and the colonel the info they have is worthless (although it really isn't), making them think the United States was trying to fool them all along. Now they have it, now they don't. This neat switch would be used again in many other episodes. Credit writer Jerrold Ludwig, later to be head writer and producer for MURDER, SHE WROTE.
The series was lucky to get Lee Grant, who had recently co-starred in IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, opposite Rod Steiger and VALLEY OF THE DOLLS.
Fernando Lamas makes a heck of a smooth villain, matched by Alfred Ryder, born to play high ranking officials. They make a memorable team, and you can't wait to see them get faked out BIG TIME.
This is fun, however Barbara Bain is missed, and a prelude to further contract disputes which would eventually lead to both she and husband Martin Landau leaving the series. This was big news at the time that began circling the series. However, Barbara Bain would return to finish out the season.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 8 remastered color dvd box set. 7 dvd set.
The top secret location data of four American missile sites are stolen, and the M. I. team has its work cut out for them. The interesting part about this episode is Cinnamon was briefly replaced by a new operative, called Susan Buchanan (well played by Lee Grant). Barbara Bain was in a contract dispute with Paramount TV at the time and was written out of the script. Oscar winning actress Lee Grant was the perfect replacement, and is fun to watch, kissing up to devious playboy Fernando Lamas, playing Roger Toland. It's unclear if the part was written for him, but he's the perfect fit. No better choice.
Toland is in league with an equally notorious colonel (played by Alfred Ryder, no less), their goal being to hold on to the secret missile data, which would be priceless. The most clever part of the story is convincing Toland and the colonel the info they have is worthless (although it really isn't), making them think the United States was trying to fool them all along. Now they have it, now they don't. This neat switch would be used again in many other episodes. Credit writer Jerrold Ludwig, later to be head writer and producer for MURDER, SHE WROTE.
The series was lucky to get Lee Grant, who had recently co-starred in IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, opposite Rod Steiger and VALLEY OF THE DOLLS.
Fernando Lamas makes a heck of a smooth villain, matched by Alfred Ryder, born to play high ranking officials. They make a memorable team, and you can't wait to see them get faked out BIG TIME.
This is fun, however Barbara Bain is missed, and a prelude to further contract disputes which would eventually lead to both she and husband Martin Landau leaving the series. This was big news at the time that began circling the series. However, Barbara Bain would return to finish out the season.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 8 remastered color dvd box set. 7 dvd set.
