During the 1960's, there was one sure way to ensure success on television: find yourself a rustic backlot, a few acres of scrubland, a few horses, and make yourself a western. Bonanza, Have Gun - Will Travel, The Big Valley, and Gunsmoke were some of the most popular shows on TV in the early 60s and in some cases well beyond.
However, in the early 60s another cultural trend was beginning - the spy craze. Doctor No, the first widely-seen filmed adaptation of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, was released in 1962 and was to ignite the public's interest in spies, international intrigue and gadgetry of all kinds. On September 17, 1965, the viewing public was introduced to a program that would span both of these very disparate genres: The Wild Wild West.
WWW introduced us to United States Secret Service agents James West (Robert Conrad) and Artemus Gordon (Ross Martin). West was the dashing lead, the prototype action hero; Gordon was the clever master of disguise who aided West. Together in their customized train, the two used brains, brawn and six-guns to save the USA from threats of all kinds. The series is set during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, 1869 to 1877.
"Night of the Burning Diamond" (Aired April 8, 1966)
Jim and Artie are assigned to protect a valuable Serbian diamond, which is at risk due to a rash of seemingly impossible robberies. The diamond is nevertheless stolen from under Jim's nose, and he is accused of being responsible. Through an investigation, the agents are led to a Dr. Morgan Midas, who has invented an elixir that allows him to move at incredible speeds, rendering him undetectable, and essentially unstoppable. The elixir is made by liquefying diamonds.
The duo are eventually captured by the mad doctor, who administers the elixir to them and has them handcuffed together. They are brought to the diamond exhibit and are framed by Midas after he ransacks the display. They are warned that too much motion in the accelerated state puts them at risk from air friction. Ultimately, Jim manages to pour alcohol on Midas during a super-speed struggle, and Midas vanishes for good in a burst of flame after air friction ignites it.
Anyone who knows me well would probably have predicted that I would choose this episode to review: I am a lifelong fan of the use of super-speed in comics, on TV and in movies - it would be the super power I would choose every time. The phenomenon is represented as well as can be expected on TV - everyone else freezes while the main characters are able to move about. It is at such times that we can see how some extras are better at 'freezing' than others, but this is a minor quibble. If the episode were to be ranked on a scale of plausibility, it wouldn't do very well at all, so we can overlook minor problems. Major problems are another matter. Midas (there is no gold in the episode, by the way - just saying) steals the diamonds to create his elixir, and... What? There is no plan beyond that, at least none that is shared with us. The threat is immediate and small scale without the cackling laughter and intent to take over the world or what have you. Nevertheless, like most episodes of WWW, it is completely implausible, but if your disbelief can be shoved aside for 45 minutes or so, very entertaining.
On a related note, I refuse to discuss the Will Smith movie. Blech.
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