Excellent writing on the part of Robert Thompson, who also did episodes for the MAN FROM UNCLE. There's a bit of crossover here, too. Yes, I agree with the last reviewer, this adventure allows Barbara Bain to shine. And she does with a touch of class.
Charles Aidman is at his fiendish best, playing General Quesette, who guarantees a bloody revolt in the small European country of Povia -- unless he is named successor, which would turn it into a military dictatorship. Integral in the plan to cancel out Quesette is Cinnamon, in the role of a princess of princesses, matched by Martin Landau's portrayal of a doctor. Peter Graves also livens up the procedings by playing a conman, a role you can tell he had fun with.
In fact, the entire cast here is at their very best, and in some very entertaining roles. It's all about the makeup and costumes, as usual.
Never to forget Barney and Willie in the background, playing the tech game of hide and seek.
Credit much to veteran director Alexander Singer, who directed numerous classic tv shows, including POLICE STORY and LOU GRANT. He would head five episodes for the series. Also look for Torin Thatcher as the archbishop, who mastered many dramatic roles, known for his expressionism.
True, as notes indicate, there is a connecton to the Ingrid Bergman classic ANASTASIA (1956), which won her an Oscar, playing the last surviving member of a royal dynasty. For a tv production, this is about as good as it gets in comparison, and it should have been nominated for an Emmy.
SEASON 3 EPISODE 1 remastered Paramount dvd box set. 7 dvds. Released 2007.
