The Saint

Originally airing on ITV between 1962 to 1969, 'The Saint' is a British spy thriller series that captures the spirit of the 60s with its style and charm. It stars Roger Moore as the suave and sophisticated Simon Templar, a wealthy adventurer known as The Saint due to his initials being 'S.T.' and for his generally righteous and good-hearted modus operandi. Alongside Moore, Ivor Dean plays the recurring role of the perpetually exasperated Inspector Teal from Scotland Yard.

'The Saint' was the epitome of 1960s British swagger and reflects elements of the popular James Bond series during the same era – indeed, Roger Moore would later go on to portray James Bond. In its storytelling and characterisation, however, the series is a well-crafted mix of action, adventure, and crime-solving that remains unlinked to the Bond franchise.

Every episode of 'The Saint' opens with an animation of a stick figure with a halo, symbolising ‘The Saint’. When the image fades, we meet our hero, Simon Templar, usually in the midst of an exotic location, about to carry out an act of vigilante justice despite his rogue, playboy lifestyle. Templar is a complex character - charismatic, wise-cracking yet principled, compassionate, and valiant.

Roger Moore, with his piercing blue eyes, impeccable grooming, and tailored suits, embodies Simon Templar’s persona perfectly, adding his own flavor of humor and sophistication to the character. He is liberal with his charm, quick with his wit, and always seems to be several steps ahead of both the villains and the law enforcement who view him with a mixture of exasperation and reluctant admiration.

Ivor Dean's portrayal of imperishable Inspector Teal is just as memorable. His tireless pursuit of Simon Templar creates a dynamic and ongoing cat-and-mouse chase, replete with humor and tension. Despite his pursuit, he has grudging respect for Templar's uncanny ability to solve crimes and his knack for escaping tight situations.

'The Saint' overflows with style, luxury cars, beautiful women, and comic book villainy. Templar globetrots in almost every episode, though it is clear that much of the filming took place within the UK. Nevertheless, the series' ingenuity in recreating different locations is fascinating to witness.

One of the most striking qualities of 'The Saint' is how it effortlessly combined the familiar levels of espionages and conspiracies, with the unexpected elements of sci-fi and supernatural. The storytelling is marked by suspense, humour, and action, and underpinned by Templar’s moral compass and distinctive wit. The series excels in its innovative storytelling, interspersing thrilling chase sequences with ingenious problem-solving situations and lighthearted humor.

However, it’s not always all action and adventure; there is also aplenty of heart to the stories. Templar, in many episodes, goes to great lengths to help the underdog and address injustice, giving the series a moral undertone that resonates consistently throughout its run.

The production values of the series were high for its time, featuring an array of vintage cars, lavish sets, and an inimitable kitschy 1960s style. It also boasted a talented roster of guest stars, who played criminals, victims, and bystanders who crossed paths with The Saint.

The show's score also played an integral part in its iconic standing. The catchy theme tune brilliantly captured the mood of adventure and excitement that typified each episode.

Just as much an espionage thriller as it is a detective show, 'The Saint' is essentially about a roguish but good-hearted adventurer who takes on villains around the world. Its blend of tongue-in-cheek humor, interesting storylines, and memorable characters, make it a worthwhile watch even today for anyone interested in classic TV. While 'The Saint' may be very much of its time, its best aspects, particularly its charismatic lead's performance, still hold up wonderfully.