The second run of "Danger Man" (known in the U.S. where I saw it as "Secret Agent") was an evolution of itself at the same time it was a product of the 1960s. The original "Danger Man" (1960-1961) still had a foot in the 1950s, but the second run (1964-1967) was quintessentially of the '60s. To see this, one must appreciate that after the first series about special agent John Drake ended, the James Bond movie "Dr. No" (1962) appeared and there was also the other spy series, "The Avengers" (1961-1969). "Secret Agent" (that is, "Danger Man" redux) went against these at the same time that it was influenced by them. The opening credits of "Danger Man" became dynamic graphics in the 1964 British version and a montage set to a rock song in the American version. "High Wire", the theme played on a clavichord and used on both sides of the pond in the 1964 series was characteristic of the '60s use of unusual or old fashioned instruments. (Later the theremin and the sitar.) But whereas "The Avengers" was campy and relentlessly satirical, "Secret Agent" was more serious. The influence of the James Bond series could be seen in the greater use of gadgets compared to the earlier John Drake series, although the earlier series occasionally used gadgets. (We finally get to see Drake use his DIY "post office kit" alluded to in the original series.) The hour format gives Drake more chance to breath and develop other characters as well as his own. The locations and settings become more believable. After watching the first series, the 1964 series is a revelation in what was unique about the '60s over the '50s and, at the same time, it brought out what Patrick McGoohan and show-runner Ralph Smart could do to make the expanded format count.
Review of Secret Agent
