Synopsis
Includes:
Mission: Impossible: Hunted (1970)
Mission: Impossible: The Amateur (1970)
Mission: Impossible: Decoy (1970)
Mission: Impossible: The Butterfly (1970)
Mission: Impossible: My Friend, My Enemy? (1970)
Mission: Impossible: The Homecoming (1970)
Mission: Impossible: The Flight (1970)
Mission: Impossible: The Innocent (1970)
Mission: Impossible: Flip Side (1970)
Mission: Impossible: The Killer (1970)
Mission: Impossible: The Hostage (1970)
Mission: Impossible: Squeeze Play (1970)
Mission: Impossible: The Rebel (1970)
Mission: Impossible: The Takeover (1971)
Mission: Impossible: Cat's Paw (1971)
Mission: Impossible: The Missile (1971)
Mission: Impossible: The Merchant (1971)
Mission: Impossible: The Party (1971)
Mission: Impossible: Kitara (1971)
Mission: Impossible: The Catafalque (1971)
Mission: Impossible: The Blast (1971)
Mission: Impossible: The Field (1971)
Mission: Impossible: A Ghost Story (1971)
Mission: Impossible: Hunted
During the IMF's attempt to rescue black freedom fighter Dr. Frederick Kolda from the sadistic minions of an Apartheid African nation, Barney is wounded and left stranded in the jungle. He takes refuge in the hut of Gabby (Ta-Tanisha), a beautiful deafmute. Falling in love with Barney, Gabby is fiercely determined to protect him from his white pursuers--unaware that she is endangering the IMF's efforts to rescue their fellow agent. Written by Helen Holblock Thompson, "Hunted" was first seen on November 21, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Amateur
The "amateur" in this Mission:Impossible adventure is greedy Iron Curtain nightclub owner Eric Schilling (Anthony Zerbe). Having come into possession of one of the pieces of a new secret weapon, Eric endangers the IMF's effort to smuggle the weapon--and resistance leader Father Bernard (Peter Brocco)--out of the country. To put Schilling out of the way, the IMF agents again resort to elaborate disguises, with Dana Lambert posing as a singer in the villain's seedy cabaret (as good an excuse as any to show off Lesley Ann Warren's musical talents). First broadcast November 14, 1970, "The Amateur" was written by Ed Adamson. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: Decoy
Assigned to assist in the defection of Anna Kerkoska (Julie Gregg), the daughter of a recently deceased IMF dictator, Phelps becomes aware that both he and Anna have been set up as "dead ducks" by the woman's government. With his usual professional aplomb, Phelps contacts his fellow IMF agents and concocts a sting operation that will hoist the villains on their own petard. But he hadn't counted on falling in love with the beautiful Anna. Written by John D.F. Black, "Decoy" first aired on November 7, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Butterfly
Harry Kellem (Russ Conway), an American businessman working in Tokyo, has been accused of murdering his Japanese wife. The actual culprit is Kellem's brother-in-law Toshio Masaki (Khigh Dheigh), who for political reasons is bent on destroying Japanese-American diplomatic relations. Assigned to clear Kellem and expose Masaki, the IMF embarks upon a series of clever ruses, wherein Paris impersonates a Kabuki dancer, Willy poses as a martial arts champion and Dana disguises herself as the late Mrs. Kellem. Originally seen on October 31, 1970, "The Butterfly" was scripted by Eric Bercovicci and Jerry Ludwig, from a story by Sheldon Stark. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: My Friend, My Enemy?
Captured by brainwashing expert Dr. Paul Tabor (Mark Richman), IMF agent Paris is transformed into a human killing machine. Released from captivity, Paris remembers nothing of his ordeal, and returns to his colleagues--unaware that he has been programmed to assassinate IMF leader Jim Phelps. Jill Haworth costars as Enid, a beautiful double agent with whom Paris falls in love, and who may or may not be willing and able to prevent Jim's death. Scripted by Gene Kearney from a story by Kearney and William Wood, "My Friend, My Enemy?" was first broadcast on October 24, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Homecoming
In a change-of-pace Mission:Impossible episode, Jim Phelps makes a sentimental journey to his rural home town. Even here, however, Phelps finds himself waist-deep in a danger, as a series of unexplained murders terrorizes the community. Summoning the aid of his fellow IMF agents, Phelps conducts his own investigation of the killings, and comes to a disturbing conclusion: The murderer may well be an old and trusted boyhood friend. Among the guest stars is future MASH regular Loretta Swit, in a truly offbeat characterization. Written by Laurence Heath, "Homecoming" originally aired on October 10, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Flight
John Colicos makes another guest-star appearance on Mission:Impossible, this time as Manuel Ferrar, the would-be dictator of small Caribbean island republic. To prevent Ferrar from assassinating the republic's rightful ruler, the IMF stages an elaborate and often bizarre ruse. The spotlight is on Barney, who almost single-handedly creates a simulated airline flight--and a deadly mid-air crisis. First telecast on October 17, 1970, "The Flight" was scripted by Harry Livingston, from a story by Leigh Vance. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Innocent
While attempting to break into a Middle Eastern chemical plant, the better to destory a computer which is manufacturing poison gas, Barney is captured and put out of commission. The successful completion of Barney's mission now rests in the hands of computer expert Dr. Jerry Carlin (Christopher Connelly). Unfortunately, Carlin has become disillusioned with the United States and wants no part of the IMF. Future MASH costar Larry Linville makes his third Mission:Impossible guest appearance, again playing a villain. First aired on October 3, 1970, "The Innocent" was scripted by Marc Norman and Laurence Heath, from a story by Norman. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: Flip Side
In order to smash an international drug cartel, the IMF must stop the three men involving in an intricate smuggling route. Sal Mineo plays Mel Bracken, the Los Angeles distributor of the illicit drugs; Dana Elcaris seen as C.W. Cameron, the midwestern drug manufacturer; and Robert Alda rounds out the guest-star roster as the cartel's middleman, Maximillian. To break up this triumvirate, the IMF organizes an incredibly complex counter-conspiracy. Written by Jackson Gillis, "Flip Side" was orginally broadcast on September 26, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Killer
Lesley Ann Warren makes her first appearance as IMF agent Dana Lambert in Mission: Impossible's fifth-season opener "The Killer." Guest star Robert Conrad plays the title character, a professional assassin named Eddie Lorka. With only a few hours at their disposal, the IMF team must determine the identity of Lorka's newest target--not to mention the name of the underworld czar who hired Lorka in the first place. Based on an idea by Bruce Lansbury, "The Killer" was written by Paul Krasny. Originally telecast September 19, 1970, the episode was later remade as the pilot for the 1988 Mission: Impossible revival. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Hostage
As part of his latest IMF assignment, Paris assumes the idenitity of an influential American industrialist. Unfortunately he his kidnapped and held hostage by a band of Latin-American revolutionaries who are convinced he is the man he pretends to be. The kidnappers demand that three political prisoners be released by their government, or else Paris will be immediately killed. It is up to the IMF to rescue Paris while keeping his true identity a secret. First broadcast on December 19, 1970, "The Hostage" was written by Harold Livingston. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: Squeeze Play
Albert Paulsen guest-stars as Albert Zembra, a terminally ill Syndicate drug dealer. The IMF's mission: to extract details of Zembra's operation from the dying mobster, thereby severely crippling the heroin trade. The strategy: Paris poses as an underworld kingpin who aspires to become Zembra's most trusted friend--and his most likely successor. Seen in the supporting role of Eve is Victoria Vetri, aka Ahna Capri, whom film buffs will remember as the Coven's first victim in Rosemary's Baby. Scripted by David Moessinger from a story by Moessinger and Walter Brough, "Squeeze Play" first aired on December 12, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Rebel
The IMF works hand in hand with a band of guerillas to rescue three rebellious scientists from a Communist prison. One of the captives is the beautiful Irina (Davana Brown), who has committed to memory all the secret information gathered by a recently executed scientist. The question: Will the IMF inadvertently cause Irina's own death when they hand her over to the guerillas? In the episode's most memorable scene, Phelps and his temporary ally Alex (Robert Purvey) hide in a huge statue. Originally telecast on November 28, 1970, "The Rebel" was scripted by Ken Pettus, from a story by Pettus and Norman Katkov. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Takeover
Ken Swofford guest-stars as corrupt political boss Charles Peck, who will stop at nothing to get his hand-picked flunkey Steve Tallman (Lloyd Bochner) elected governor. To accomplish this, Peck stirs up a violent campus riot, for which the gubernatorial incumbent will surely be blamed. The IMF infiltrates the campus to prevent Peck's plan from succeeding. Originally telecast on January 2, 1971 (some eight months after the Kent State debacle!), "The Takeover" was scripted by Arthur Weiss, from a story by Weiss and Jerry Thomas. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: Cat's Paw
This time it's personal for IMF agent Barney Collier: His brother Larry (Marc Hannibal), a crusading newspaper editor has been murdered at the behest of a crooked police chief. Larry had been on the verge of proving the chief's connection with a ghetto gang that is in the employ of the Syndicate. To help Barney avenge Larry's death, the IMF masterminds a trap for the corrupt cop and his Syndicate higher-up. Hari Rhodes and Abbey Lincoln are among the guest stars in "Cat's Paw", which was written by Howard Browne and was first broadcast on January 9, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Missile
Enemy agent James Reed (David Sheiner) intends to steal the plans for a new missile guidance system. The IMF is assigned to hoodwink Reed into pilfering a set of bonus plans. Endangering the mission is escaped mental patient Hecker (John Beck), who believes that IMF agent Dana is his former girlfriend. Watch for raspy-voiced cult actor Percy Helton in a typically fleeting role (one of his last). Originally telecast on January 16, 1971, "The Missile" was written by Arthur Weiss. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Merchant
Written by Harold Livingston, "The Merchant" guest-stars George Sanders in one of his final acting roles, as illegal arms dealer Armand Andressarian. To prevent Andressarian from completing an arrangement to sale guns to unfriendly guerilla groups in Africa and the middle East, the IMF swings into action. The success of the mission hinges largely on a fixed poker game, a past speciality of IMF agent Barney Collier. Leonard Nimoy and Lesley Ann Warren make their final series appearances. "The Merchant" originally aired on March 13, 1971, as the last episode of Mission:Impossible's fifth season. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Party
To prevent himself from breaking under interrogation, captured enemy spy Colonel Vanin (Frank Marth) has hypnotized himself into forgetting the whereabouts of a top-secret spy roster. The IMF's only key to unlocking Vanin's memory is his wife Olga (Antoinette Bower), who may or may not know the verbal cue that will reveal what is on Vanin's mind. To coerce Olga into cooperating, the IMF agents stage a phony hidden-bomb crisis. Originally seen on March 6, 1971, "The Party" was written by Harold Livingston. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: Kitara
Robert DoQui guest-stars as African liberation leader John Darcy, code name Kitara. The IMF must rescue Darcy from the clutches of white supremacist ruler Colonel Alex Kohler (Lawrence Kohler)--and also smash the Colonel's brutally rigid segregationist policies. To accomplish this, the agents utilize a pill that will intensify Kohler's neurotic paranoia. First networcast on February 20, 1971, "Kitara" was written by Mann Rubin. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Catafalque
A seemingly benign nuclear arms treaty threatens to explode into another Cuban Missile Crisis. The IMF is assigned to squelch the treaty before any damage can be done. Their plan requires Paris to pose as both a fugitive and the fugitive's father--a tour de force that won an Emmy Award for makeup artist Bob Dawn. Familiar Mission:Impossible villains John Vernon and Will Kuluva make return appearances, while Cincinnati Reds catcher Johnny Bench makes his acting debut as a military guard. Written by Paul Playdon, "The Catafalque" was originally broadcast on February 6, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Blast
While starring on the TV western The High Chapparal, Henry Darrow took time off to play a villain on the Mission: Impossible episode "The Blast." Darrow is cast as revolutionary leader Gregory Tolan, whose group has committed several robberies in hopes of financing a revolution against the United States. It is up to the IMF to trick Tolan into revealing the identity of the mastermind behind the revolutionists, a man known only as Mr. Brice.First telecast on January 30, 1971, "Blast" was written by James L. Henderson and Sam Roeca. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: The Field
In order to deactive a satellite armed with thermonculear bombs, the IMF must penetrate a heavily guarded island and destroy the missile's control center. Part of the plan requires Barney to arrive on the island alone via submarine. Alas, something goes wrong, placing Barney--and, by extention, the entire world--in direst jeopardy. Scripted by actor Wesley Lau from a story by Lau and Judy Burns, "The Filed" first aired on January 23, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Mission: Impossible: A Ghost Story
American defector Howard Bainbridge (Frank Farmer) returns to the US for one last reunion with his son Paul (Anthony Norwalk). Unfortunately, Bainbridge gets into an argument with his ultra-right wing father Justin Bainbridge (Andrew Duggan), who ends up killing Howard and burying the body on his huge estate. The IMF's mission is to recover the body--and with it a sample of the deadly contaminated nerve gas that the defector had been working on before he died. Scripted by Ed Adamson and Ken Pettus from a story by Adamson and John D.F. Black, "A Ghost Story" originally aired on February 27 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
