"Trek" is a very appropriate title for this episode as it contains many Star Trek references. The story is not very original, but it is a nice change of pace from all the Cold War and Syndicate episodes. The team's assignment is to find a cache of gold treasures looted by a man named Cole from a Latin American country. Much of the episode is shot on location in Southern California locales familiar in Westerns. Vasquez Rocks is visible in the background of the prison camp - the set of which I swear is recycled from the opening of the Star Trek episode "Arena" (which also prominently featured Vasquez Rocks). Also seemingly recycled from Star Trek are Gerald Fried's memorable musical motifs. And of course, Mark Lenard, who played both a Romulan and a Vulcan on Star Trek, appears as the commander of the prison here (his second appearance on M:I). Jack Donner, a guest team member (apparently a specialist in stunts) also played a Romulan! In a nutshell, Jim Phelps and Cole break out of prison and the team tricks Cole into revealing where he did the treasure. Mark Lenard's character, who also wants the treasure, comes along as a hostage. Rollin and Cinnamon play supporting roles as prospector types. Barney's main task is to fly a helicopter. Willy does not appear in this episode.
There are really no surprises in the plot, but it's still enjoyable and the cast members seem to be having fun too.
There are really no surprises in the plot, but it's still enjoyable and the cast members seem to be having fun too.