Discuss Mission: Impossible
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The Slave parts 1 and 2
posted by lima-2STAFFMOD on August 30, 2023 at 9:49 PM
After going to see “Sound of Freedom” recently, it jogged some memories of this two-part episode of Mission: Impossible. I just re-watched it. I was pleasantly surprised on many levels. It’s like the producers tried to see how many Star Trek TOS guest stars they could cram into one episode. Antoinette Bower, Percy Rodrigues, Warren Stevens, Joseph Ruskin, and the ubiquitous Sid Haig. Wow!
One of the many criticisms of M:I two-part episodes, like this one, are that they could have been trimmed down into a single episode. If you watch closely, many of the standard opening sequences are extended. The taped-instruction scene is prolonged to introduce the villains and explain the extensive and convoluted plot. Then in Jim Phelps’ apartment, he wanders around a bit, fixing himself a drink first, before opening his IMF folder. That hasn’t been seen before or since!
Then he carefully goes through ten photographs (count ‘em!) before selecting his six-person team. Including a guest agent Steve Franken in a serious role. Just four years after his last stint on Dobie Gillis as Chatsworth Osborne, Jr.
Then there is the extended team briefing with all the “good guys” present to give the viewer a hint of what is to come on the mission. It made me wonder how tightly edited these standard opening scenes were, in a simple, one-hour episode. I think this two-parter was justified.
Reply by cinna_mini_me
on November 18, 2023 at 4:43 PM
Thanks Maria! Different time zone, different METV schedule. Sadly, not on mine :-(
Reply by klondike6
on March 9, 2024 at 7:38 PM
Just had a chance to re-watch the opening scenes to part 1, lima-2, on Paramount +
I was able to pause the scenes you mentioned, especially Jim Phelps' apartment. You get a good long look out his picture window and the balcony with patio furniture. And the city skyline beyond. I'm trying to figure out where it's supposed to be. Has it ever been suggested or established? Looks a lot like San Francisco. Any thoughts?
Reply by bratface
on March 9, 2024 at 8:21 PM
This view?
https://www.yourprops.com/movieprops/default/yp_620fb806987838.76599949/Mission-Impossible-1966-Bench-In-Phelps-Apartment-5.jpg
Reply by SecretaryIMF
on March 10, 2024 at 9:29 AM
@klondike6:Sometimes I think it's New York, Sometimes I think it's Los Angeles. I get the feeling that our Jim may be Bi-Coastal.
Reply by klondike6
on March 10, 2024 at 9:04 PM
Yup, bratface! That's the one ! Way cool. Thanks! You can even see the etagere and counter where Phelps fixed the drink he's holding in his hand. Care to add your thoughts to Marie's ? ;-)
Reply by bratface
on March 10, 2024 at 9:29 PM
I didn't watch the show, so I can't say. But if you google San Francisco, Culver City (where the series was filmed), Los Angeles skylines in 1966/1967, there aren't any matches that I could find. But if someone were to take more time they might figure it out.