Without any fanfare, Mr. Phelps (Peter Graves) took over Mr. Briggs' job as head of the IMF team. And that's that. Maybe it was best that way, keeping it all simple, as the force was intact and the high adventure continued.
Graves, brother of GUNSMOKE star James Arness, had previously starred in a short-lived intrigue series called COURT MARTIAL (1965-66). This may have lead to his casting as Phelps. In this show, Graves played a WW II lawyer who investigated crimes in Europe, prosecuting traitors and spies.
There is no question that Peter Graves was more of a smoother team leader, with a wink and a nod approach, as compared to Steven Hill's serious, business-like persona. He seemed a natural for the role and so it all began. His official first case involves two crafty drug kingpins, Cresnic (William Windom) and Walters (Joe Maross). The've cornered the heroin market and it's up to the IMF team to put them out of business. Windom is excellent, and with a German accent, laughing and arrogantly blowing cigarette smoke at anybody who tries to stand in his way.
So he thinks!
Perhaps the most ingenious tool here is Rollin's sleeve vacuum, which sucks up the drug crystals from a pan. He, in turn, replaces the heroin with bogus ingredients and watch what happens next... There's also a very realistic runaway elevator scene with Walters on board that you can't miss. The elevator trick would become a recurring psychological tool in coming episodes, another way to fake out the foes!
Well directed by Lee H. Katzin, a master of cult films of the 70s. Barney Slater wrote this episode, in addition to two others. His major tv project was writing for LOST IN SPACE, a total of 21 memorable episodes.
The dark comedy endings also remained intact. Generally, as the team drove off, in many cases, you'd hear the sound of gunshots. Mission Accomplished. Actually, the way M. I. was designed, there were only two probable endings. The criminals would either face long prison terms or a firing squad. Take your pick!
A terrific opening episode for Peter Graves. SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 CBS/Paramount remastered dvd box set, 2007.
Graves, brother of GUNSMOKE star James Arness, had previously starred in a short-lived intrigue series called COURT MARTIAL (1965-66). This may have lead to his casting as Phelps. In this show, Graves played a WW II lawyer who investigated crimes in Europe, prosecuting traitors and spies.
There is no question that Peter Graves was more of a smoother team leader, with a wink and a nod approach, as compared to Steven Hill's serious, business-like persona. He seemed a natural for the role and so it all began. His official first case involves two crafty drug kingpins, Cresnic (William Windom) and Walters (Joe Maross). The've cornered the heroin market and it's up to the IMF team to put them out of business. Windom is excellent, and with a German accent, laughing and arrogantly blowing cigarette smoke at anybody who tries to stand in his way.
So he thinks!
Perhaps the most ingenious tool here is Rollin's sleeve vacuum, which sucks up the drug crystals from a pan. He, in turn, replaces the heroin with bogus ingredients and watch what happens next... There's also a very realistic runaway elevator scene with Walters on board that you can't miss. The elevator trick would become a recurring psychological tool in coming episodes, another way to fake out the foes!
Well directed by Lee H. Katzin, a master of cult films of the 70s. Barney Slater wrote this episode, in addition to two others. His major tv project was writing for LOST IN SPACE, a total of 21 memorable episodes.
The dark comedy endings also remained intact. Generally, as the team drove off, in many cases, you'd hear the sound of gunshots. Mission Accomplished. Actually, the way M. I. was designed, there were only two probable endings. The criminals would either face long prison terms or a firing squad. Take your pick!
A terrific opening episode for Peter Graves. SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 CBS/Paramount remastered dvd box set, 2007.