The DVD Dissection: Mission Impossible - The Third TV Season

Posted by Chad Webb on 03.08.2008

Your mission, regardless of whether or not you want to accept it, is to read this unbelievable review.

Peter Graves: James Phelps
Barbara Bain: Cinnamon Carter
Greg Morris: Barney Collier
Peter Lupus: Willy Armitage
Martin Landau: Rollin Hand
Bob Johnson: Voice on Tapes
Series Created By: Bruce Geller
Directed By: Barry Crane, Paul Krasny, and others
Written By: Bruce Geller, Allan Balter, and others
Season Air Dates: 1968-1969
DVD Release Date: November 20, 2007
Set Running Time: 1254 minutes
Episode Running Time: 50-51 minutes (w/out commercials)







Not Rated

The Series

Mission Impossible was a television show that aired on the CBS network for seven seasons from 1966 to 1973. It follows the adventures of the Impossible Mission Force, a team of secret agents employed by the United States government. It was created by Bruce Geller. It won many awards, and is considered groundbreaking for its time.

The crew consists of five people most of the time. The leader in the first season was Dan Briggs, played by Steven Hill. He left the series after this season. The exact reasons are not known, but Hill in real life was an Orthodox Jew who had to leave the set everyday at 4:00 pm. It was in his contract to do so, but it was annoying for the crew since they commonly had to work around it. Peter Graves would be his replacement, and the new leader was named Jim Phelps. It is acceptable to say that the acting leader was a full-time member of the IMF. At least, the dossier scene led us to believe that. The regular group was comprised of Cinnamon Carter, portrayed by Barbara Bain. She is a fashion model an actress, but basically serves as the femme fatale. Barney Collier (Greg Morris) is the master electrician and mechanical engineer. Willy Armitage (Peter Lupus) is the muscle of the clan, as he is supposed to be a record holding weight lifter. Last is Rollin Hand (Martin Landau), an actor, escape artists, make-up artist, and magician. Martin Landau would leave after the third season, and Leonard Nimoy would fill his shoes as “The Great Paris”, a man with similar skills. Willy and Barney are the only two who would remain on the show from start to finish.

The storylines dealt with vicious dictators, corrupt organizations, and gangsters. There was definitely underlying themes concerning the Cold War, but it was never mentioned bluntly. The languages and country names were largely fictitious. The IMF would travel to all areas and corners of the globe. Many episodes involved Third World countries in Central or South America. According to an episode in the first season, one rule the IMF must abide by is not committing blatant assassinations. This policy is not followed perfectly, but whatever, contuinuity was never a priority for this show anyhow.

The most recognizable aspect of Mission Impossible is the theme music, composed by Lalo Schifrin. A match is lighted, and then a collage of images from the forthcoming episode is seen as the credits roll. The format for each episode stays pretty much the same with some exceptions here and there. It commences with what is referred to as the “tape scene” where the leader walks into a secret or hidden place, finds a tape recorder and a file, and listens to a message from a man presumably at headquarters. These lines have become famous for obvious reasons. “This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.” While being briefed, the leader would skim through the file or envelop and look at the parties targeted for the specific mission. Next is the dossier scene, but this is the most infrequent of the standard format outline. The leader would get out his leather case, and decide which IMF members he wanted to use by looking at photos. Every now and then unusual agents were integrated. The third step is the apartment sequence where the team would gather, discuss the plan, and practice with any new gadgets or disguises created. Questions would be raised, but many details would left out to better enhance the suspense of the story. The bulk of the episode is the plan itself which is carried out. Normally, this runs smooth with very few complications, though the suspense is still thick and stimulating. In the end, the team would converge again, but the episode would conclude with them riding away in a vehicle, and no epilogue.

I had heard of Mission Impossible the series of course, but had not actually seen an episode until now. I quite enjoyed the atmosphere. I was always a huge fan of MacGyver and The A-Team so this type of layout was right up my alley. I cannot comment on how this season improves or declines from the first two or the last three, but I can compare the show to the films starring Tom Cruise. While I commend the movies for successfully updating and incorporating many elements from the original show, it made on crucial mistake. The group does indeed have a leader, but the plot thrives on the mission being a team effort, not owned by one person. This is where the movies differ. Cruise’s character of Ethan Hunt was center stage almost all the time, despite any contribution from his team. This is a Hollywood picture after all, so I understand a big mainstream actor would assume the lead role, but the beginning of Mission Impossible 1 exposes a team working as a unit, and hints at what could have been a superior film. On a side note, Mission Impossible 3 easily tops the previous two.

What causes this series to be so addictive and entertaining is how accessible it is. I did not have to research background information on the characters, or know who the leader was in the first season. It did not matter. The viewer simply sits back and watches the mission unfold. While shows with large story arcs dominate these days, I can’t help but feel a longing for the way shows like Mission Impossible handled the formula. Many of my favorite episodes were the ones that did not follow the precise routine, although many of them are great as well. A revival series was launched in 1988 with Graves returning as leader. It lasted until 1990. The key to watching Mission Impossible and enjoying it to its fullest is not watching too many episodes in a row. This does not mean you get tired of it necessarily, but these episodes were designed to be viewed once a week, once a month, etc. Overall, it makes for terrific and clever television.

The Episodes

DISC 1
The Heir Apparent (50:36) - The Archbishop of Povia must designate an heir to succeed the departed king as regent. The problem is the king left no heir, and General Quiasette plans to seize the throne in a coup if he isn't named. Jim and his team are sent in to help. This was a solid way to start of the season. This had an Anastasia feel to it, and I enjoyed the puzzle box and funny ending with Rollin undressing. 9.0/10.0

The Contender (Part 1) (45:30) - Mobster Charles Buckman is attempting to get a stranglehold on all professional and amateur sports. If he succeeds, the USA will be discredited in the world athletic community. Buckman is involved with Dan Whelan in acquiring profits. The IMF has to train Barney to be a fighter so he can get to the top of Buckman's organization. This was a neat idea, and differed from the style of the rest of the season. Barney is tremendous. 8.5/10.0

The Contender (Part 2) (45:32) - The continuation of the previous episode has Jim barely escaping a gym as Rollin distracts some mobsters. At the same time, Barney is about to face Buckman's champion Staczek, and is ordered to take a dive. This was a solid two-parter, and was made better because Barney took center stage. Not the best episode of the set, but still good. 8.5/10.0

The Mercenaries (50:34) - Jim and the gang are given a mission to take down Colonel Hans Krim, the head of a mercenary army who has oodles of gold bars stashed away. Rollin enlists, while Jim and Cinnamon pose as gunrunners. The transferring of the gold from one level to another was brilliant. So far the best episode. 10.0/10.0

DISC 2
The Execution (50:34) - The IMF is asked to stop Lewis Parma, a Syndicate man who is on the verge of controlling the entire food distribution industry. They need to get his hired assassin, Vic Duchell, to turn in states evidence, but he is not easy to fool. Simply magnificent. The ending was incredibly powerful. Highly recommended. 10.0/10.0

The Cardinal (50:35) - General Zepke is planning on rising to power, and the only threat is Cardinal Souchek who stands for a free people. Zepke has Souchek imprisoned, and then plants a double that will endorse him. The conclusion was a bit over the edge, and the plot was a bit familiar to the first one, but this was still average with the phony plague. 7.5/10.0

The Elixir (50:35) - Riva Santel is the widow of the President of San Cordova. Deputy Premiere Avilla plans to announce free elections, but Santel is preparing to declare herself dictator in a coup. At this point, I was starting to get annoyed with the coups and dictators, entertaining as they are, but this was similar to other storylines except with a nutty woman. 7.0/10.0

The Diplomat (50:33) - This plot is extremely confusing to explain, but I'll do my best. It involves information on US missile control centers being stolen and turned over to Valentin Yetkoff. He is an enemy agent, and the IMF must persuade him to believe the information is false. This was a riveting classic with sleeping pills, secret agents, and limousines. Another superb episode. 10.0/10.0

DISC 3
The Play (50:38) - Milos Kuro, minister of culture, has been using propaganda to discredit his premiere Leon Vados. The team sets up a special stage play for Kuro to be brought to his country, but their version is different than what is anticipated. This was a weird "behind the Iron Curtain" plot, and although the end seemed anti-climactic, I still enjoyed it overall. 8.0/10.0

The Bargain (50:35) - An exiled general named Neyron is living in his private estate in Florida. He has cut a deal with Frank Layton, a syndicate man. In return for a big payoff of several million dollars to finance his coup, Layton will be given all gambling rights in his country when he returns to power in Surananka. The hallucinogenic drug was cool, but this was yet another dictator story. Enough is enough. 7.0/10.0

The Freeze (50:34) - Albert Jenkins robbed an armored car, and then hid the money. He managed to get himself arrested as Raymond Barrett on a burglary charge. This way he can outwait the statute of limitations in his cell and safely obtain the millions of dollars afterwards. This was very creative, but requires your imagination to stretch a bit. Still, it was highly enthralling. 8.5/10.0

The Exchange (50:33) - During a mission behind the Iron Curtain, Cinnamon is captured and arrested. In order to rescue her from the constant torture, the IMF must make a switch with someone else. Finally something goes wrong for these guys. This was a refreshing change of pace, and one of the more gutsy episodes of the set. 9.0/10.0

DISC 4
The Mind of Stefan Miklos (50:35) - The IMF must convince an enemy intelligence agent, Stefan Miklos, that the information the government has given Miklos' double agent, Townsend, is the real thing, when Townsend's superiors believe he turned against them. A whole barrel of mind games here, but still very taut and sly for this series. 9.0/10.0

The Test Case (50:35) - A scientist of enemy power, Dr. Oswald Beck, has developed a strain of bacteria which causes spinal meningitis. It mutates into a form that kills, and then quickly becomes inert. The IMF must destroy all the bacteria and stop Beck. Timing is a crucial factor in this episode. Thankfully the plot was a tad different, and ended up working effectively. 8.5/10.0

The System (50:35) - A gangster, Constantine Victor, also known as Mr. V, is famous for killing off witnesses that will testify against him. Johnny Costa, his associate and casino owner, is the only one left who can convict him. The IMF must con him into talking. More syndicates and stuff. This was more of the same atmosphere and style, which is fine I suppose. 7.5/10.0

The Glass Cage (50:35) - The leader of a resistance organization is being held in an escape proof prison. The IMF must then trick the officers to handing him over willingly. I love prison stories, and this one was neat since it involved an entire team breaking in to an escape proof facility instead of getting out. 9.0/10.0

DISC 5
Doomsday (50:35) - Carl Vandaam, a broke European tycoon, has stolen some plutonium for use in a hydrogen bomb, and he is selling it to the highest bidder. The IMF force must stop him, and then proceed as planned, but Barney winds up in a tight spot. I love it when the plan does not go faultlessly, and this was one of those occasions. This was an intriguing premise with spectacular twists. 10.0/10.0

Live Bait (50:34) - Selby is a double agent for the United States, but he is now suspected by his superior Kellerman. The IMF must keep Selby in the clear and eliminate Kellerman. This is another respectable episode, and I enjoyed the video alterations. It had some issues, but this was still very good indeed 8.5/10.0

The Bunker (Part I) (50:33) - Dr. Eric Rojak and his wife Anna are being held in an underground laboratory by a totalitarian government. An unfriendly government has also heard of this, and has sent Ventlos, a chameleon assassin to kill Rojak. The IMF must stop Ventlos, destroy the test missile Rojak is working on, and rescue he and his wife. 10.0/10.0

DISC 6
The Bunker (Part II) (50:31) - At the end of the first episode, Willy and Anna are escaping the furnace system. At the same time, Barney must figure out how to properly work the hover contraption through the ventilation system. When Ventlos switches disguises, the IMF is forced to change the plan. This two-parter was just thrilling from beginning to end. The gadgets were cool, the bunker location was creative, and it felt like a mini-movie. 10.0/10.0

Nitro (50:35) - General Zek of Karak is opposed to a peace treaty between his country and Agir. He is conspiring with a munitions maker named Ismir Najid to start a war. They also want to destroy King Said before he announces the treaty. In order to save the day, the IMF must steal the nitro. This episode was just ok, but I showed it to my girlfriend, and she enjoyed it. It was average compared to others, but still watchable.

Nicole (50:33) - Jim is sent on a routine mission with Rollin to apprehend a list of double agents from a high ranking intelligence minister, Anton Valdas. He has a secretary named Nicole, who is supposedly on the IMF's side, although Jim refuses to use her. Jim and Nicole develop romantic feelings, and the simple plan goes haywire when Jim is shot and captured. This is perhaps my favorite episode of the set. Why? Because it was so against the grain in terms of the usual outline. It was nothing like the other episodes. 10.0/10.0

DISC 7
The Vault (50:35) - Philip Pereda, finance minister of Costa Mateo, has stolen $40 million from his president and friend, President De Varo. He also plans to frame the president for embezzlement and announce himself as dictator. The names of these countries and villains are starting to get bizarre and redundant. The title for the episode was promising, but in the end it was barely passable. 7.0/10.0

Illusion (50:33) - The Chief of Secret Police position is open, so Skarbeck and Lom have become bitter rivals, while a third candidate, Paul Trock, should really be the winner. The IMF must make sure Lom and Skarbeck are eliminated since they have plans to make their country into a concentration camp. The man with the beard, and the sight of Cinnamon kissing him, was creepy. Also Rollin's disguise will give me nightmares. Overall, this was mildly exciting.

The Interrogator (50:34) - Agent Norvan Kruger knows of his country's plan to attack the US, but the details are unknown, and he is being held prisoner by Spindler, an unfriendly who would not divulge the plans even if Kruger was broken. Since Kruger cannot be broken, the IMF hatch an elaborate plan to give him amnesia and confuse him into revealing the details. This was a brilliant season closer. I can’t really call it a finale since there is no story arc over the whole season, but it was good nonetheless. 9.0/10.0

The Video

If my customary spiel of "video quality on a TV DVD is not a main concern" should be applied, then it probably goes double for this series, since it is from the late 1960's. This is not perfect. The viewer will notice some random pops and grain, but this is to be expected. The transfer looks spectacular for the time period. You should not have any gripes. Since the directors are different from episode to episode, the exquisiteness of the picture changes. Some helmers convey vibrant images, and others not so much. The costuming displays some nice color schemes, but the set design is commonly dreary as the episodes take place in prisons, offices, and so forth. For a show that is over 40 years old, this is some attractive video. It is presented in full screen with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1.

The Audio

Similar to the video, the sound is nothing to go bananas about, but it is up to par. The theme music that leads each episode is loud and invigorating. The dialogue is incredibly straight forward and uncomplicated, which no doubt heightens the likeness to the series. My volume knob rested at a comfortable position for the duration, and each character was understandable and clear. The balance was spot on, and I heard no distortion. This set contains a Dolby Digital 5.1 track, as well as mono tracks in English and Spanish. You will also discover subtitles in English, Spanish, and Portugese on each of the seven discs.

The Packaging

Mission Impossible - The Third TV Season is distributed in a cardboard box with four slim keep cases inside. Some house two discs, which can be flimsy and occasionally risky to the security of the disc. This is what most TV sets come released in these days, so you've all become familiar with it. The artwork is of course floating heads, but at least it was slapped together in a neat way, which does not look as ugly. The menus are basic with an image of a certain character, and the episode titles. They couldn't be easier to navigate.

The Extras

No extras or bonuses to speak of, which is disappointing. Anything would have helped. I guess requesting select commentaries on certain episodes would be asking too much after so many years.

The Show: 9.0/10.0
The Episodes: 8.5/10.0
The Video: 7.5/10.0
The Audio: 8.0/10.0
The Packaging: 7.5/10.0
The Extras: 0.0/10.0

The 411: This was my introduction to the Mission Impossible series, and even though I didn't begin by watching the pilot, it was a lot of thrilling fun. The episodes are self-contained, ageless, contain nothing gratuitous, and can be watched by anyone at any time. That being said, this is a show that should not be reviewed by watching it as fast as possible. This is a show where you wake up one day and decide it is time to pop in an episode. That is how to best appreciate it. Besides the occasional redundancy of the plots, this set is packed with some fabulous storylines. The technical specifications are just fine for a 60's series. The absence of any extras hurts the overall rating, but it is not a shock. More than one bonus feature is eye opening for television box sets these days. Currently, Mission Impossible runs between $30-$40 depending on where you shop. It's not a bad deal, and will last a long time.

Final Score:  8.0   [ Very Good ]