The Widow

As IMDb indicates, no explanation was given in the show why Mr. Briggs (Steven Hill) was gone and why Mr. Phelps (Peter Graves) was now the head of the IM Force. Additionally, starting with season two, Martin Landau was no longer listed as a guest star but a series regular--though he was in practically every episode of season one.

This installment has the team battling an international drug cartel that is trying to corner the market on heroin. A dirt-bag named Kresnig* (William Windom) has teamed with Walters (Joe Maross)** to do this--and they are in Marseille to make a big drug sale. However, unexpectedly a couple things occur. First, it seems there is another drug organization trying to muscle in on Kresnig and Maross. Second, Maross is nearly killed in an 'elevator accident'--staged by the IM Force. How do all these and some bath salts work together in this show? Take a look for yourself.

Like any drug dealer or mobster episode, there is a basic problem--why not just shoot the guys instead of making such complicated missions? But, it IS a TV show and provided you can suspend disbelief, it is a darned good episode. Well written and filled with the sort of irony lovers of the series enjoy, it's a very good beginning to the Jim Phelps era.

*IMDB listed his name as Cresnig but during the course of the show, he was also referred to as Kresnig.

**Despite only being the first episode of season two, both Windom and Maross had already played villains in season two. Such repeated use of actors to play baddies would be common on the series.

Without any fanfare, Mr. Phelps (Peter Graves) took over Mr. Briggs' job as head of the IMF team. And that's that. Maybe it was best that way, keeping it all simple, as the force was intact and the high adventure continued.

Graves, brother of GUNSMOKE star James Arness, had previously starred in a short-lived intrigue series called COURT MARTIAL (1965-66). This may have lead to his casting as Phelps. In this show, Graves played a WW II lawyer who investigated crimes in Europe, prosecuting traitors and spies.

There is no question that Peter Graves was more of a smoother team leader, with a wink and a nod approach, as compared to Steven Hill's serious, business-like persona. He seemed a natural for the role and so it all began. His official first case involves two crafty drug kingpins, Cresnic (William Windom) and Walters (Joe Maross). The've cornered the heroin market and it's up to the IMF team to put them out of business. Windom is excellent, and with a German accent, laughing and arrogantly blowing cigarette smoke at anybody who tries to stand in his way.

So he thinks!

Perhaps the most ingenious tool here is Rollin's sleeve vacuum, which sucks up the drug crystals from a pan. He, in turn, replaces the heroin with bogus ingredients and watch what happens next... There's also a very realistic runaway elevator scene with Walters on board that you can't miss. The elevator trick would become a recurring psychological tool in coming episodes, another way to fake out the foes!

Well directed by Lee H. Katzin, a master of cult films of the 70s. Barney Slater wrote this episode, in addition to two others. His major tv project was writing for LOST IN SPACE, a total of 21 memorable episodes.

The dark comedy endings also remained intact. Generally, as the team drove off, in many cases, you'd hear the sound of gunshots. Mission Accomplished. Actually, the way M. I. was designed, there were only two probable endings. The criminals would either face long prison terms or a firing squad. Take your pick!

A terrific opening episode for Peter Graves. SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 CBS/Paramount remastered dvd box set, 2007.