I Spy

I Spy, developed by David Friedkin and Morton Fine and produced by Sheldon Leonard, is an American television secret-agent adventure series that aired from 1965 to 1968 on NBC. It broke numerous barriers and made significant strides in recognition of diversity in entertainment as it starred Bill Cosby, one of the first African Americans to feature in a major role on an American television series. Co-starring Robert Culp, the series offered a unique blend of camaraderie, action, humor, and exotic location shooting.

Set during the peak of the Cold War, I Spy follows the covert operations of American agents Alexander "Scotty" Scott, played by Bill Cosby, and Kelly Robinson, portrayed by Robert Culp. They are not your typical agents; they maintain a cover as a globally touring tennis player, Kelly, and his trainer, Scotty. This clever guise provides them with the perfect smokescreen, allowing them to infiltrate high-profile social circles and country clubs effortlessly in the pursuit of espionage.

Despite the gravity of their missions, I Spy was exceptional in blending wit, humor, and humanity alongside fast-paced action. The leading duo’s friendly banter and camaraderie is a key highlight of the series, as their relationship grows and develops through shared adversities and victories. As much as it was about action and adventure, it doesn't shy away from dealing with racial issues in subtle ways, making it much more than your ordinary spy story.

The character of Kelly Robinson, perfectly played by Robert Culp, embodies a dashingly handsome, debonair professional athlete who jetted around the world playing tennis. Culp brought an alluring charm to the role, making the audacious exploits of Robinson incredibly captivating to monitor.

On the other hand, the character of Alexander Scott, delightfully embodied by Bill Cosby, serves as Robinson's sharp-witted, intellectual tennis trainer, and secret-agent confidant. Cosby's portrayal of Scott stood out for its intelligence and warm humor, illustrating the character’s quick thinking, diligence, and ability to deal with pressure and tight situations in a lighthearted and endearing manner.

Together, Culp and Cosby established a powerful on-screen chemistry that underscored the show's quick wit and charisma. Their engaging back-and-forths lent an uncommonly touching element of genuineness to the program, often giving the impression of a real friendship, not just a scripted one.

Part of what made I Spy visually arresting was its global filming locations. It was filmed on location in diverse parts of the World, including Spain, Greece, Italy, Mexico, and Japan, to name a few. This was a novel concept at the time, and it brought a unique and exciting global perspective to the small screens. It enriched the plotlines and created an atmosphere bursting with culture and international intrigue.

Complementing the sterling performances by the leading duo is a commendable supporting cast who added new layers of intrigue and authenticity to the narrative. The adversaries were devilishly cunning and dangerous, the allies were wonderfully eccentric, and the guest stars' roster was high-profile and memorable.

I Spy also proved to be a technical pioneer. The series was one of the very first to use compact and portable 35mm film cameras extensively for location filming, providing the show with a feature-film look on a television budget. Its innovative camera work and production techniques significantly influenced subsequent TV series and films.

In terms of accolades, the series won several Primetime Emmy Awards, and Bill Cosby garnered three consecutive Emmys (from 1966 to 1968) for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series.

Overall, I Spy serves as a groundbreaking achievement of 1960s television, which dared to challenge the status quo and offered a mix of intrigue, action, and humor that stood the test of time. Its relevance is not just historic. Its formidable blend of high stakes, international intrigue, and light-hearted camaraderie make it a timeless piece of entertainment.