The Visitors

They stepped out of their comfort zone on this episode, mixing in a strong element of Science Fiction (or the illusion of Science Fiction) and Fantasy. If all you want is the same old renegade general in the same old fictional country then you won't like this one. But, if you are a little more generous and don't mind a different dance step or two then you just might enjoy it. The ending is quite good. This episode was probably a little ahead of its time as it seems to have more in common with modern TV shows (2021 as I type this) than 1971 TV shows. A good bit of fun.

"The Visitors" is a really, really weird episode of "Mission: Impossible"...probably the weirdest in the entire series. This weirdness might easily turn off most viewers, as the plot gets amazingly silly...but I enjoyed it. Much of this is because the mobster episodes generally were subpar and dull...and this one is anything but dull!!

Edward Granger (Steve Forrest) is a corrupt newspaper owner. He endorses mob-backed candidates because he, too, is owned by the mob. The team's job is to drive a wedge between Granger and his mob handlers.

To do this, the team must convince Granger that aliens with advanced technology exists on Earth. And, since Granger believes in alien life, this isn't all that hard. What they also try to convince him is that these aliens can prolong life indefinitely...and he'll do anything to gain this immortality! This even means betraying his evil friends!!

You'll either love it or hate it. It's strange but also very funny in its own sick way. Well worth seeing and one of my favorites...and featuring what might be the best ending in the series.

Publisher Granger (Steve Forrest) is controlled by the Syndicate, killing reporters and protecting Syndicate-owned politicians in his state. The IMF must make sure the voters know what Granger is up to before the next elections.

Appealing to Granger's interest in UFOs and his obsession with immortality, chauffeur Barney hits him with a paralysis drug delivered by bee sting and Jim and Casey mysteriously appear in a light show, ""cure"" him with futuristic equipment,and disappear. Thanks to IMF-rigged reports of UFOs, Granger believes they are aliens!

After another rigged death of Casey that Jim ""cures,"" Granger begs for immortality. Jim agrees if he publicly renounces his way.

The bad guy - brilliantly played by Steve Forrest - has a major weakness which the team finds easy to focus on- he believes in spaceships and aliens. So what does the team do? Conjure up aliens, spaceship and a promise for immortality. Decent episode, and unusual one with it leaning towards sci-fi and the ending is quite good.