Comments fromThe I Spy Forum continued
Some of you have referred on several occasions to instances in which the series addressed Cold War themes or subjects. Surely it does that here (along with the space race), but it strikes me that it does so in a CLASSIC fashion for television writing -- i.e. in a displaced context and location. For although there were several I SPY episodes set in the US, George Montgomery portrays a Soviet spy here who would have been completely undetectable in the US. Indeed, he embodies a sacred American heroic figure -- the cowboy, and his camper-truck is no less revered in the US as a latter-day symbol of "freedom" (i.e. geographic mobility mistaken for political freedom). So I am suggesting that the potentially disturbing aspects of having these cherished American symbols appropriated by a murderous Rusky spy are lessened somewhat
by transporting the whole drama to Mexico, where things were still thought to be yet a bit `wild,` and where viewers wouldn't have to confront any suggestion that their own camper-driving neighbors and good-ol`-boy friends might actually be commie spies. If I were shooting the episode today, I`d have him in a Ford Explorer with a "Bush" bumper-sticker, or the one that says "My Child Made the Dean's List," or whatever it is. That would really strike at the heart of America -- and only the rottenest of dirty commie spies would resort to that ruse.

I don`t think the writers ever satisfactorily connected Rory Calhoun's character, as he was when Kelly and Scotty encountered him, to the "giant" silhouetted figure who demonstrated super-human strength in lifting the Las Brisas hotel jeep up and off of Kelly. Did he ever say anything more about this? Was any further reference made to it? He didn't seem that big and powerful when they eventually sat down and talked with him, so how do we explain that early exhibition of super-human physical power ? Or was it just Kelly's delirious hallucination? But if this, then who did lift the jeep?
Speaking personally, I like and admire his desire to escape the inflamed politics of the Cold War, and to seek something more 'basic' among the Indian people. I wish his character had therefore been an American astronaut -- but that would have suggested that the US was a place one might want to escape -- which, of course, is unthinkable.
Cut to: the final, pre-credit sequence at the swimming pool. As I mentioned here before a year or more ago, the Las Brisas Hotel is famous for its cottages on a steep hillside high above Acapulco bay, half of which have their own private swimming pools. As such, it makes an irresistible filming location (used also in IT`S ALL DONE WITH MIRRORS, and later in SHANA, as well as several other episodes). But the real reason I mention the last scene that fades out to the credits is that behind it can be heard Earle Hagen's superb theme called (on the soundtrack albums) "International Set."
Hey, maybe I`ll erase that `minus` and give this one a grade of `B`. Why not?
-- bbr
Author: SAM
Date: 11/18/01 10:20:46 PM
Like YOU - I also cannot fathom the title. While the comparisons are ambiguous I feel this was the Apocalypse Now of I SPY - I don`t know why I enjoyed this one but found Crusade poor when both have minimal action- I liked everything about this one, even the muted ending.
I loved the evening with Rory Calhoun (Scott as the `teabag` comic relief) but Kelly sitting in those shadows cradling his teacup in his hands! Kelly (Culp? Chuang Tzu?) pining for another century! Tatia, I thought of you, and Warlord - The MUSIC was wonderful - I particularly enjoyed the tone paintings behind that evening scene.
I enjoyed the outfit sported by CULP - it is right back in vogue - I am referring to the boots with the cropped trousers - very chic, I thought- but it looks like he changed his clothes three times in one afternoon while searching for the blond giant, then apologized to Scotty for the wasted afternoon! In one scene he was wearing boots, then sneakers and a different shirt. Or did I miss something?
I also felt it particularly brave for the writer to exemplify the Mexican peasant`s feeling about the UGLY AMERICAN when our lads were trying to `buy` their help.
And yes the locales were wonderful- Las Brisas is particularly charming and wasn`t the lead synchronized swimmer the `lead` in Turnabout for Traitors?
8/10
SAM
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