Robert Culp and Bill Cosby make a good team in this landmark 1960s espionage series. They play secret agents Kelly Robinson and Alexander Scott, who will sometimes masquerade as a tennis pro and his trainer. Here, they are given the story of an Olympic champion, Elroy Browne (Ivan Dixon, "Nothing but a Man"), who has chosen to defect to China. Their mission is to officially try to convince him to return to the U. S., although that would likely mean a death sentence for the guy.
'I Spy' is an engaging example of spy-themed storytelling, as it includes some of the tropes of the genre: globe hopping (this episode takes place largely in Hong Kong), action, intrigue, and humor. It does go a fair distance on the chemistry between the two stars, with The Cos having some fun as he involves a James Bond-loving Chinese kid (Ricky Der, "Tarzan's Three Challenges") in their schemes.
It may be true that Browne isn't a particularly "likeable" character, but Dixon does an excellent job with the role. In the end, Browne does have a redemptive arc. Cicely Tyson ("Sounder") is wonderful as Brownes' regal companion. Richard Loo ("The Man with the Golden Gun") plays an unsubtle villain; the great character actors James Hong ("Big Trouble in Little China") and Nicholas Colasanto ('Cheers') have small roles.
This series should prove to be solid entertainment if subsequent episodes are anything like this one.
Seven out of 10.