Thursday Television Review: The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Napoleon and Illya

Man From U.N.C.L.E. (1964-1968)

Starring: Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, and Leo G. Carroll

Summary

Secret worldwide organization, U.N.C.L.E. or the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement, fights against the forces of evil. Their main foe being THRUSH, who tries to take over the world and generally cause disruption at all times. The leader of  U.N.C.L.E. is Alexander Waverly (Leo G. Carroll), who sends out all the agents. He works mainly from New York City, where U.N.C.L.E. headquarters is based. Their two top agents are the ever dapper and sophisticated Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and the ever curious and athletic Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum).

Mr. Waverly issuing orders to his agents

The two of them travel all over the world, working together to stop all attempts at villainy. They come across impossible situations and manage to escape. Always exchanging playful banter with each other, they never forsake humor, even in the midst of danger. Napoleon is always alert for a beautiful girl to pass and Illya always rolls his eyes at this.

Napoleon tied up with a friend

There is no obstacle that Illya can’t get over, around, or under. Napoleon, knowing his partner is ever-capable, is always willing to create plans that involve them needing to face those obstacles. Mr. Waverly has unending confidence in the two agents’ capabilities and has no problem sending them off. Of course, he is also willing to lose them, if it means saving the world from danger.

Illya in trouble

But, we know they always win in the end! 😉

Of course we do. 😉

Review

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is a fun, comical, and adventurous series. The escapades that Napoleon and Illya go through leave you wanting more. They are a perfect team, but an unusual one. Being made in the midst of the Cold War, this series makes interesting cultural points by teaming up an American and a Russian on the same side. Although Illya is portrayed as absolutely loyal to America and her beliefs, he is definitely Russian, with an old-world air. There are episodes that have pointed messages against the Russians and their beliefs at the time, with unhidden messages against leaders like Khrushchev.

Decorated for bravery

One of the best aspects of this series, is the conversations that occur between Napoleon and Illya. They will be in the most absolute danger, and will somehow find something funny to say in a common, everyday-ordinary type of way. Napoleon is generally the leader of the team and will often suggest methods of solution that involve Illya needing to go into dire straits, pushing himself physically. At this, Illya usually rolls his eyes, but never wavers. Napoleon is all of a ladies man and not ashamed of it. Illya can’t stand this part of Napoleon, but lets it alone. And, of course, Mr. Waverly is always in the back with a sense of humor, but firm hand.

Will they get out??

This series was quite popular at the time and made David McCallum famous. There was teenage mania about these two men who were “to die for” in the eyes of many. Often unable to appear in public due to the onslaught of “violent” fans, McCallum used caution. Still popular with many who grew up with it, if you can get ahold of this series, it’s a very entertaining one and gives you views into culture at that time. It was also a series that helped many performers become known, launching them into their own fame (an example would be William Shatner and Leonard Nemoy, future Star Trek leads).

Guest stars…future Star Trek leads

**A caution, this series was made in the 1960s, so know that there are several episodes with scantily clad ladies. Bikinis and such are not too uncommon. There is also a decent amount of “torture” as THRUSH is always trying to get something out of the agents. There is no foul language.

In the control room…

Ellen Nolan

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