Ep 1. So Long, Patrick Henry

In the inaugural episode of the groundbreaking 1960s television series "I Spy," titled So Long, Patrick Henry, viewers are introduced to the unique and innovative pairing of international espionage and covert operations with the camaraderie and banter characteristic of buddy comedies. The series broke new ground by featuring Bill Cosby as Alexander Scott, making him one of the first African American actors to land a lead role in a primetime dramatic series. Alongside Robert Culp as Kelly Robinson, the duo embarks on daring missions set against the backdrop of exotic locations around the world.

So Long, Patrick Henry kicks off the series with Kelly Robinson and Alexander Scott, a seemingly incongruous pair—a professional tennis player and his trainer—who are, in fact, undercover agents for the United States government. Utilizing Robinson's international tennis tournaments as a cover, the duo operates in a world rife with Cold War tensions, where intelligence and counterintelligence play a crucial game of cat and mouse.

The episode begins with a heated political dilemma. Elroy Browne, a disillusioned American Olympian played by Ivan Dixon who has defected to China, now seeks help to escape to the perceived freedom of Africa. His emotional and ideological journey becomes the central focus of this episode, as the agents grapple with the complexities of patriotism, radical politics, and the personal costs of living on the fault lines of global power struggles.

Robinson and Scott receive their assignment with trademark cool and a sense of duty that is tinged with a deeper understanding of the human element at play. The audience is given a glimpse into the sophisticated operational world of these secret agents—from advanced surveillance techniques of the '60s era to the art of inconspicuous communication in public, racing against time, and unpredictable foreign agents.

Throughout the episode, the pair demonstrate their competence and resourcefulness while in the field, but it's their relationship that takes center stage. Despite the gravity of their work, their interactions are laced with wit and humor, underscoring the bond and trust they share. This banter serves as a light-hearted counterpoint to the life-and-death stakes of their missions and shows how their opposing personalities—Robinson's suave, easygoing charm versus Scott's intellectual, methodical approach—complement each other perfectly.

So Long, Patrick Henry does not shy away from touching on the racial issues of the period. While it is a high-stakes spy story first and foremost, the show also delves into the social and cultural fabric of the mid-20th century, giving viewers a mirror to the era's civil rights movements without getting too heavy-handed or detracting from the central narrative. The careful handling of such subject matter is one of the reasons "I Spy" remains a notable series in the evolution of television.

The episode unfolds with a range of international locales acting as vibrant backdrops for the drama. Rich with the textures and sounds of its settings, the cinematography captures the essence of each new environment the agents find themselves in, from bustling city streets to serene landscapes. The use of on-location shooting lends the show an added layer of authenticity that was uncommon among its contemporaries, further immersing viewers in an era of globe-trotting adventures.

The assignment tests not only the agents' physical prowess and cunning but also their moral compasses. Faced with choices that echo the geopolitical complexities of the time, Robinson and Scott navigate the terrain of political defection, loyalty to country, and individual freedom. The ambiguity of right and wrong in a world divided by ideologies is a recurring theme, challenging viewers to consider the principles that guide us when making difficult decisions.

Throughout the episode, action sequences are entwined with character development. Whether they're engaging in a chase, attempting a covert operation, or trading jabs at each other's expense, Robinson and Scott move through their mission with a combination of style and tenacity that has become the hallmark of the series.

So Long, Patrick Henry sets a high bar for the series, offering a heady mix of action, humor, and international intrigue. With intelligent writing, compelling performances, and a dash of social commentary, the episode is emblematic of a show that would continue to tackle thought-provoking themes while delivering the thrills expected from a Cold War-era spy drama. It is a deft beginning to a classic series that not only defined a genre but also led the way in showcasing diversity and depth in American television.