"Live Bait" is a good example of a spy caper with the Mission Impossible team out to rescue a captured agent before he exposes a colleague planted in an Eastern European country's intelligence agency. They do this with the unwitting help of a young, somewhat naive enemy agent played by a young Martin Sheen. This is before Sheen became famous for portraying more intense characters such as in the movie "Badlands" (1973). Here Anthony Zerbe has the juicy character, chewing up the scenery as Sheen's scheming superior who is out expose the mole. The lovely Diana Ewing has a role as Sheen's girlfriend who also plays into the plan (the actress is perhaps most memorable in an episode of Star Trek as one of the few women who Spock falls for). The complex plan implemented by the team includes the use of a split screen movie production system (presumably real) that Barney operates. Also Cinnamon risks her life in a bicycle accident!
This episode also features some exciting camera work with lots of closeups, interesting framing and angles, and roving hand-held shots. I really enjoyed this episode. It's recommended if you like these kind of spy stories.
This episode also features some exciting camera work with lots of closeups, interesting framing and angles, and roving hand-held shots. I really enjoyed this episode. It's recommended if you like these kind of spy stories.
