I spy something beginning with ‘S’
… as in “Es”pionage shows. It seemed everyone wanted in on the action in the ’60s. There were the Flint and Matt Helm movies, among others. Even the Beatles slipped in a bit of Bond, using Monty Norman’s “James Bond Theme” at the start of “Help!” But spymania was perhaps present nowhere more than on TV. Here are some of the spy shows that lit up the small screen in that swingingest of decades:
“The Avengers” (1961-69): Gentleman spy John Steed (Patrick Macnee) and proto-Black Widow Emma Peel (Diana Rigg), catsuit and all, dispatched the crown’s enemies with tongue firmly in cheek. It actually preceded the Bond craze, and started with Steed as a secondary character. Mrs. Peel was only one of Mr. Steed’s assistants, but is first in our hearts.
“The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” (1964-68) “The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.” (1966-67)
“Get Smart” (1965-70): Often very funny — and why wouldn’t it be? Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. Classic opening sequence and theme. Just ignore the 2008 film.
“I Spy” (1965-68): Broke racial barriers by pairing leads Robert Culp and young black comedian Bill Cosby.
“The Saint” (1962-69): Gave Roger Moore the spy cred needed to take over his friend Sean Connery’s job as James Bond when he didn’t want it anymore.
“The Wild, Wild West” (1965-69): Spies in the Old West with awesome gadgets. Because of course.
“Mission: Impossible” (1966-73): Made with a weird, loping gait, this show was a kick for all the disguises and the fact that they called themselves the “Impossible Mission Force.” The Tom Cruise movies (including the new one) have had consistently excellent stunt work.
“Secret Agent”/“Danger Man” (1960-62, 64-68): A complicated history is attached to the show that made Patrick McGoohan a star — today what most people remember about it is the truly awesome Johnny Rivers-sung theme song (“Secret Agent Man”), used from 1964 on.
“The Prisoner” (1967-68) Is it a darker, weirder, psychedelic freak-out continuation of “Secret Agent”? McGoohan has said protagonist “Number 6” is not John Drake of “Secret Agent,” but there are many clues that seem to say otherwise. (door closes of its own accord) … and several others.