I Spy
was a departure from the traditional type of show about espionage. Both of its
leads were realistically conceived characters and could see the humor in
situations, enabling them to have fun with their work. It had its share of
cloak-and-dagger action, but never took itself too seriously. Comedian Bill
Cosby, who provided much of the subtle humor in the show, proved he was an
accomplished serious actor and had the added distinction of being the first
black performer to have a starring role in a regular dramatic series on American
Television.
Kelly
Robinson and Alexander Scott were a team of American agents. The cover used by
Kelly was that of a top-seeded tennis player traveling around the world for
tournaments. A former law student at Princeton, he had played on two Davis Cup
teams. Alexander Scott's cover was as trainer and traveling companion to
Robinson. A graduate of Temple and a Rhodes Scholar, his knowledge of languages
was often useful in dealing with people all over the world. Both of them were
dedicated to government service and America, but their dedication did not stop
them from often questioning the motives and purposes behind some of the
maneuvers in which they were involved. Their usual approach to life, and job,
were a very refreshing contrast to the nature of their work.
Filmed on
location in such cities as Hong Kong, Acapulco, Las Vegas, Marrakech, Rome, and
Tokyo, among others.
