Writer:Numerous
Director:Max Hodge, Reza Badiyi
Cast:Greg Morris, Peter Lupus, Bob Johnson, Peter Graves, Barbara Bain, Martin Landau
Rating:Not Rated
Studio:Paramount Home Entertainment
Release Date:November 20, 2007
Before there was twenty James Bond movies or Tom Cruise hung by a tight-wire trying to recreate television genius on the big screen, there was plain ole Mission: Impossible. Back in the late 60’s, Mission: Impossible was considered top of the line entertainment. This was a show that offered high quality actors and interesting, dynamic storylines. Add in the element of action and you can see why it was a hit. One could go as far as saying that shows like 24 got their start after Mission: Impossible paved the way for them to air in the way they do.
I wasn’t around for Mission: Impossible The Third TV Season when it aired on television. In fact, I wasn’t around until the series was off the air. I have friends that had no clue that this was even a television series. They are only aware of the Tom Cruise movie versions. After seeing this set, I cannot help but think of how sad that really is. There is no imitation to the real thing and this is the real thing when it comes to Mission: Impossible. While the movies were decent, they cannot hold a candle to the television show.
Release Information:
Mission: Impossible got its television start in 1966, where it was filmed at Desilu Studios. The Third Season took place in 1968-1969 and included 25 episodes in total. There were many on and off camera changes for Mission: Impossible in the third season, but lovers of the series are quick to point out that this is the best season. In fact, the only thing show lovers seem to disagree on is whether the season is the best of all of the seven or just the best to date.
Either way you look at it Mission: Impossible The Third TV Season came out on November 20, 2007 to the delight of many fans. Offered by Paramount Home Video, Mission: Impossible should be available at all major retailers. You can also purchase the third season on Amazon for $36.99.
The Mission: Impossible The Third TV Season Plot
Mission: Impossible revolves around an elite force of agents, known as the Impossible Missions Force, also known as the IMF. Including the best of the best, the IMF is sent to accomplish seemingly impossible missions.
At the beginning of every episode the director/head agent of the IMF, in the case of season three, Jim Phelps (Peter Graves) would receive a tape recorder that explained the mission to him. He had the right to choose to accept it or not. Of course, they always accepted. It wouldn’t have been a long show had they opted out. Once the message played the recorder would self destruct, which in most case meant there would be a puff of smoke and it would be gone. As a cartoon lover, it made me chuckle to know that this is where Inspector Gadget got the self destructing message.
The team had their work cut out for them. Each message explained that if the message were to be accepted, the IMF would be on their own. If they were caught or captured there would be no help from the government. The team was sent out to secretly save the day against some of the world’s biggest masterminds.
The IMF team was made up of Cinnamon Carter (Barbara Bain), Rollin Hand (Martin Landau), Willie Armitage (Peter Lupus), and Barney Collier (Greg Morris.) It should be noted that this would be the last season for both Landau and Bain, though they both went out with an amazing run. Not to be undone, season four added the addition of Leonard Nimoy. Although, the third season is said to be much better, and from having watched it, I would think they would have a lot of work cut out for them to beat all that occurred in season three.
After the message is received, Jim briefs the team. One of the nice things about the show is that they make sure that you don’t see the entire briefing process. This always leaves some surprises about what is to come. Out of the 25 episodes for the third season, the majority were realistic and believable, which certainly upped the entertainment value, at least for me.
One of the best episodes of the season is “The Mind of Stefan Miklos” which veers away from the action and gadgets of the main show to offer an experience unlike any other. You will need to play close attention here if you want to know what’s going on. Other great episodes include “The Glass Cage”, “The Execution”, and “The Bunker.”
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Considering Mission: Impossible The Third TV Season was made in the 1960’s I did not have huge hopes for the video quality. Obviously, unless there was some digital remastering done, these DVDs were not going to offer the stellar quality of something like 300. Mission: Impossible The Third TV Season is presented in full frame with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. There are some dull colors and a little blur, but all in all, it’s clear enough to get the point. Based on the year it was made the transfer went through quite well, actually.
The audio quality for Mission: Impossible The Third TV Season is available in Dolby Digital 5.1. While at times I had to toggle the volume to get it loud enough to hear, once at the right volume, things sounded crisp and worked well enough to get the job done.
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Bonus Features:
While I did not expect much here, it was slightly surprising to find that there were no special features on Mission: Impossible The Third TV Season. Of course, special features weren’t big in an age where there were no VCR’s or DVD players so what could one expect? The best that could have been offered were more current commentary tracks, a look back, or some interviews. However, on the whole I find that these things would not have increased my liking of the show any more or less than it was to begin with.
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Bottom Line:
Mission: Impossible The Third TV Season offers a piece of television history that deserves to be celebrated. The show offers good plot lines; realistic story options, good writing and acting, and it paved the way for other shows like it to occur in later decades. Fans will definitely want to pick up this season, as it offers plenty of great episodes. Meanwhile, if you think Tom Cruise is the definition of Mission: Impossible then you need to check this out, too. You just might end up changing your mind.
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Technorati Tags: Mission: Impossible The Third TV Season, Television Show, Primetime, Action, Barbara Bain, Martin Landau, TV on DVD, DVD Review
