Encounter

In this gangster episode of "Mission: Impossible", the IM Force capitalizes on a mobster having a wife who's an alcoholic. It seems that ever since Martin began working for the mob, Lois has been drinking constantly in order to cope with his 'new friends'. Because of this, Casey assumes Lois' identity in order to help take down the organization. As Lois, she informs her husband that she'll stop being an embarrassment to him, as she's going to get treatment for her addiction. The problem is that Martin's boss is worried Lois will talk too much in this treatment facility. So, they sneak one of their men into the program to keep an eye on her...and make sure she keeps her yap shut about Martin's business associates.

This is a rather sad episode to watch and Elizabeth Ashley is very good as the alcoholic wife...in fact, she's terrific. And, this is the main reason I recommend this episode. The plot is decent, even if it is about mobsters, but Ashley is just perfect and her performance is sure to elicit a few tears in many viewers.

Syndicate boss Frank Brady and his underling Martin Stoner are terrorizing Southwestern businessman, forcing them to partner with the Syndicate. The weakspot is Stoner's wife Lois, who has become an alcoholic under the pressures of her husband's work.

The IMF capture her and dry her out while Casey takes her place. She goes on a retreat and Brady sends a killer, Dekker, to keep an eye on her and kill her if she talks. Willy infiltrates Brady's organization and finds out some information which he leaks to Casey, who reveals it in an encounter group session and Dekker seriously wounds her.

Casey continues with the mission while Brady suspects that Stoner leaked the info to his wife. Willy sets up Brady's goons to be arrested and claims they were set up - Brady sends him to kill both Stoners. Willy fails - angrily Stoner heads for the bank to get some incriminating evidence on Brady. Unfortunately the real Lois escapes ...

There's some brilliant acting from Elizabeth Ashley, who was once married to George Peppard; she plays an alcoholic wife of a crooked lawyer working for the syndicate. Her husband's crooked deal drives her to the demon alcohol- the episode itself is very good, engaging and quite gripping. Held my attention throughout. William Smith puts his trademark glacial stare to good use as a hitman -eh, what a surprise - who is sent to Jim Phelps' retreat the lawyer's wife (That's Casey in a mask) to kill her if she reveals anything about her husband's dealings.