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Secret Agent, also known as Danger Man in its UK release, is a spy-thriller television series produced by ITC Entertainment and filmed in black and white. The show premiered in the United States on CBS on September 1965, whereas its first season was aired in the UK in 1960 by ITV. Secret Agent features Patrick McGoohan in the lead role as John Drake, a British spy who works for M9, a nameless British intelligence agency.

Every episode of Secret Agent features John Drake on a different mission. The show depicts Drake as a calm, intelligent and resourceful spy. The missions Drake undertakes in Secret Agent are always different, not only in terms of their location but also their threat level. Some episodes are focused on preventing the theft of secret documents or the assassination of an important person, while others deal with defusing a major political crisis or averting a looming disaster.

The show's premise is based on real-life espionage activities carried out during the Cold War. Secret Agent's portrayal of spy activities bears little resemblance to the gadget-filled fantasy world of James Bond - espionage in this show is portrayed as a hard, gritty, and sometimes dangerous reality. It is interesting to note that the character of John Drake predates James Bond, who debuted two years later in Dr. No in 1962.

Patrick McGoohan's portrayal of John Drake is one of the most memorable performances in television history. McGoohan's character is an understated, soft-spoken man of action, whose intelligence and resourcefulness always win the day. McGoohan is a charismatic actor, and his portrayal of Drake is engaging and fascinating. In many ways, McGoohan's character, John Drake, is a precursor to his most famous role, as the enigmatic and rebellious Number Six, in the cult television classic, The Prisoner.

Secret Agent's production design is remarkable, giving the show a distinctive look and feel that stands out, even today. The locations used for the show span across the globe, with the episodes set in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Each episode is shot with an eye for detail, with set design and costume design carefully coordinated to bring the feeling of authenticity to every spy thriller.

Secret Agent's score is also noteworthy, under the musical direction of Edwin Astley; it creates an iconic feel that is still memorable even after so many years. The theme song is catchy, and the opening credits feature a silhouette of Patrick McGoohan walking along a series of neon signs, an image that has become synonymous with the show.

In terms of espionage dramas, Secret Agent is a classic that still stands up to modern viewing. The stories are well-written, with believable and realistic characters, while the acting is first-rate. The show's setting and production design are stunning and, combined with the music, provide the perfect backdrop for this spy thriller.

In conclusion, Secret Agent is a well-crafted, entertaining, and classic espionage drama with an outstanding performance by Patrick McGoohan as the enigmatic John Drake. The show's engaging storylines, remarkable production design, and memorable score remain unmatched in the world of spy-thriller television shows.

Secret Agent is a series that ran for 2 seasons (63 episodes) between September 11, 1960 and on Shout! Factory