Ep 21. The Conspirators

John Drake is called upon to investigate an alleged conspiracy plot that is set to take place in a small European country. The country is in the midst of political upheaval, with a new dictatorship taking shape and Drake must get closer to the center of power to learn more. He infiltrates the inner circle of the new dictator, General Lepski, who is known to be brutal and ruthless. Drake's true identity is known to his contact, an underground revolutionary named Maria, who assists him in obtaining the evidence he needs to expose Lepski's plans. Drake discovers that there is a rival faction plotting against Lepski, with Maria being involved in the plot. Drake is torn between his loyalty to Maria and his duty to stop the conspiracy from succeeding.

As Drake gathers more information, he realizes that the stakes are much higher than he initially thought. In addition to toppling Lepski, the conspirators are also planning to assassinate a visiting ambassador. Drake must race against time to stop the conspiracy before it's too late.

Throughout the episode, Drake is constantly on guard, knowing that he could be discovered at any moment. His cover is nearly blown multiple times, including a tense scene where he is interrogated by Lepski's brutal henchman. Despite this, Drake remains calm and collected, using his wit and cunning to stay one step ahead.

The episode is full of suspenseful moments, with the tension steadily building as the plot unfolds. It's an intriguing look at espionage during the height of the Cold War, with Drake operating behind enemy lines in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The Conspirators is an excellent example of the show's unique blend of action and intrigue, with Patrick McGoohan's portrayal of Drake perfectly capturing the suave and sophisticated spy archetype.