Man from U.N.C.L.E. Overview
On the air from 1964-1968, Man from U.N.C.L.E. will celebrate its 40th birthday in 2004 -- even before Classic Trek and Wild Wild West. With that kind of history, the only spoilers found herein are for those unfortunates who have never seen the show, so on to the review!
General Overview
In New York City, on a street in the East Forties, there's an ordinary tailor shop.
Or is it ordinary?
We enter through the agents' entrance and we are now in U.N.C.L.E. headquarters. That's the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. U.N.C.L.E. is an organization consisting of agents of all nationalities. It's involved in maintaining political and legal order anywhere in the world. ~ first season intro
Thus do we cross the boundary from the mundane world of 9 to 5 jobs and everyday concerns and into the netherworld of espionage, hanging on to Illya and Napoleon's coattails as they show us what's "behind the coat hook". Like Alice we pass through the looking glass into a different reality, made up of glamorous and deadly globe-trotting spies, nefarious plots for world domination, ingenious gadgets, and lots and lots of danger.
Each episode follows a basic pattern: a problem is laid before our intrepid heroes and they must resolve the problem, preferably by bloodless ingenuity and subterfuge, but unfortunately they often have to resort to violence to achieve their goals. They usually end up in the enemy's hands by the third act, often bound, drugged and tortured before turning the tables on their captors, much to the delight of fans.
Getting to know your U.N.C.L.E.
U.N.C.L.E. is the organization our heroes work for, a world-wide multi-national peacekeeping agency. U.N.C.L.E. offices can be found in all corners of the globe, ingeniously concealed behind the innocent fronts of businesses and seemingly mundane buildings. UNCLE New York, the home office for Illya and Napoleon, is masterfully camouflaged as Del Floria's tailor shop. Behind its walls are some of the world's leading spies, scientists and specialists who dedicate their lives to UNCLE's philosophies.
Every do-gooding organization must have its evil nemesis, and Thrush (paradigm: Building a better tomorrow through anarchy) is U.N.C.L.E.'s proverbial thorn in the side. Seeking to control humanity -and providing job security for Napoleon and Illya- Thrush's goal is world domination. For Thrush, no plot is too nefarious (mind controlling devices), too outrageous (radar-controlled vampire bats) or too outlandish (deadly fudgesicles) in achieving their goal. Despite constant one-upmanship and in-fighting amongst their agents, Thrush's goal never wavers: destroy UNCLE, and then the world. [oh yes, maniacal laughter]
Spies like us
In order to maintain a spy-like air of mystery around the characters, very few facts about the agents are ever revealed on the show. We never learn their ages or marital status (except Mr. Waverly), nor do we see the insides of their homes or learn much about their personal interests. While this can be frustrating from a viewer's standpoint, at the same time it gives fan writers tremendous creative license not to have to work around inconvenient facts.
Napoleon Solo [portrayed by Robert Vaughn] is Number 1 Section 2: UNCLE New York's top field agent, the Man from U.N.C.L.E. Smooth, suave, fast thinking and witty, Napoleon is gifted in the social graces that allow an agent to slip into nearly any situation undetected. Napoleon's greatest skill as a spy, however, is probably his charm. When Napoleon's charm is in high gear, no man or woman (or partner) is immune. When situations are tight and duty is on the line, Napoleon excels at schmoozing people into getting things done. And when Napoleon's persuasive powers fail him, he is often prone to spontaneity, leaping into action and pushing the odds when they are not in his favor with nary a care for self-preservation -- much to Illya's chagrin.
If Napoleon possesses a vice, it is his flirtatiousness. Napoleon loves to woo women. In the four years of the series, Napoleon never falls in love. Rather, he seems to enjoy the game of attraction, though at times he can be downright predatory.
Illya Nikovetch Kuryakin [portrayed by David McCallum] Illya [EE-lee-ya] comes to UNCLE from Russia and is Number Two Section Two, UNCLE's number two spy after Napoleon. At once nimble and a master of disguise, he is usually the partner to infiltrate the enemy when needed. Demolitions, gadgets and weaponry make his day. Pushy women (most women, really) do not. Illya has a PhD in quantum mechanics and is accomplished in music and a variety of sciences.
Illya is an unpredictable, enigmatic man. Cynical, practical, dour, laconic, dangerous, and possessing a dry and sometimes dark sense of humor, he can also be gentlemanly, kind and charming in his own way. For all that his inscrutable expressions reveal, he could be deciding how to kill an enemy agent or what to have for dinner. It is this mysterious shell which makes him appealing (especially to Napoleon).
Alexander Waverly [portrayed by Leo G. Carroll] - Every great crime fighting team needs a great leader; someone to give his agents inscrutable looks when they ruin expensive Italian suits or scrap a(nother) car/truck/van/motorcycle/boat/helicopter/plane/etc. As Number One Section One and head of the U.N.C.L.E.'s New York office, Mr. Waverly fills this part with an excess of class, style and old-world ethics. He can appear a bit of a bumbling old Brit, sometimes even paternal toward his agents, but he's as sharp as a tack and ruthlessly cunning when needs be. It is Mr. Waverly who assigns Napoleon and Illya to their missions and whom they report to when the mission is complete and the world is saved yet again.
Guest Stars
Given that MFU episodes were self-contained, there were no recurring characters to the show, save minor players who provided familiar background faces roaming the halls of UNCLE headquarters. The list of UNCLE's weekly guest stars, however, is a venerable list of Hollywood history. Like guesting on Carson in the 70's, snagging a guest spot on UNCLE was a status coup for celebs in the mid-60's. Some recognizable guests providing the weekly innocent or Thrush baddie are: Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, Vincent Price, Joan Collins, Carol Channing, Nancy Sinatra, Jill Ireland, Joan Crawford, Jack Palance, Ricardo Montalban, Leslie Nielsen, Martin Landau, Caroll O'Connor, Boris Karloff, Angela Lansbury, Janet Leigh, Anne Francis, Robert Culp, June Lockhart, Angela Lansbury, Shari Lewis, Sonny & Cher, James Doohan and Kurt Russell (as a child actor).
Spy vs. Spy, Spy/Spy
So what do you get when you cross a charming, manipulative and idealistic American spy with a tactlessly blunt, ruthless and frequently reckless Soviet agent? Enough chemistry and snark to fuel a fandom for 40 years, that's what! Whether the slashy subtext speaks to you or not, there's no doubt that more than just a working partnership binds these two very different men together.
It's really fascinating and very fun to watch their relationship develop over the course of several years. In the early days there's a tentativeness to their relationship that speaks of professional interaction only. Their conversations are serious, brief and to the point, but there's still an indefinable chemistry sparking between them that hints at great potential.
That potential is quickly realized, after about ten episodes, once Illya starts getting more screen time (and thanks to some terrific writers who really focused on characterization). Napoleon, who is the senior agent, occasionally tries to assert his authority over Illya with some sort of playful comment, only to learn that his partner's razor-sharp intelligence will trump seniority every time. The first season episodes in particular are full of very clever repartee. In The Odd Man Affair, for instance, Illya hands to Napoleon the wallet of a man who was sucked out of an airplane. "On the plane I took the precaution of removing his wallet," Illya confides, obviously pleased with himself. "In other words, you picked his pocket," Napoleon says, unimpressed. "If you prefer such a bourgeois description of an act of pure presence of mind," Illya retorts, unfazed by his partner's lack of reaction. "I prefer," Napoleon answers, trying to preserve what's left of his dignity.
There's always just a hint of friendly competition in their interaction. It isn't exactly that Illya jockeys for position or needs to prove himself, but more like he's not going to let Napoleon get away with anything. Nor is it that Napoleon feels he has to demonstrate his superiority. He's strictly an alpha male in a position of authority over other alpha males, and that just bleeds through in his relationships. Underneath the competition genuine affection shines through, too. When they're out in the field, it comes out as seamless teamwork, partners so attuned to each other's style and habits that they can practically read each other's mind. They don't even need hand signals; looks suffice. But even on the job, under dangerous conditions, Illya is no respecter of rank. In season two they're crawling around in London's sewers and Napoleon is indecisive on which turn to take. Impatient, Illya gripes, "If you must get us lost, can't you do it a bit faster?"
Dialogue is prime characterization, no doubt about it, and there are times when deep feelings are covered up through snarky dialogue. In The Terbuf Affair, Napoleon has been called upon to help an old flame. Illya, wary that such a task will prove disastrous in one way or another, agrees to come along and help. When he arrives on the scene, he immediately notes a change in his partner. "There's a look on your face that wasn't there before. What has she been saying to you?" he demands, all protective suspicion.
A lot of what passes between Napoleon and Illya is non-verbal too. McCallum in particular is a physical actor, always very present in a scene even if he has no lines. Their expressions and body language can alter the most innocuous line into something very suggestive or playful. In one of the last episodes of the series, there's a terrific exchange. Mr. Waverly has just finished detailing his opinion that no UNCLE agent should marry and departs, leaving Napoleon and Illya behind, looking quite thoughtful. Illya considers the situation, casts a sidelong look at Napoleon and offers, "We have each other." Napoleon looks at him, makes a wry face and turns away to fiddle with his ring. Napoleon's reaction, especially the ring play, is as wide open to interpretation as Illya's comment.
No matter how you slice the scenes between Napoleon and Illya, the relationship adds up to one of deep commitment between equals, two guys who are completely secure in themselves, their choice of work, and happy in the friendship they have forged with each other.
Getting started with the episodes
A few basics about the show which run in nearly every episode…
- Every episode also includes an "innocent," an everyday person somehow caught up in the affair. Innocents provide the connection between the real world of viewers and the surreal and dangerous world of spies and allow viewers to vicariously experience missions alongside Napoleon and Illya. In fan fiction, innocents provide convenient pairings for Illya and Napoleon (het and, on rare occasions, slash), and convenient 'red shirts' for all stories.
- Missions are known within U.N.C.L.E. as "affairs" (subtext, much?). Each episode being titled after the affair it centers around (i.e. The Deadly Games Affair, The Project Strigas Affair, etc.).
- Bound, gagged and otherwise restrained spies. Yes, nearly every single episode finds Napoleon and/or Illya suspended from chains, ropes, manacles, fork lifts and other devices designed to make spies spill their secrets. In fan fiction… where to begin? The hurt. The comfort. The kink.
- Illya is the UNCLE spy who nearly wasn't. Early episodes portrayed Illya as an UNCLE file clerk and computer tech, with just a few minutes of screen time per episode. But Illya's part in the show and status within UNCLE increased dramatically due to viewer response; fans (predominantly female) wrote to NBC demanding more of the handsome blond with the sexy accent. The UNCLE producers listened to their audience (imagine that), and Illya very quickly gained status as Napoleon's unofficial partner. This bit of history is worth noting for new viewers who catch early first season episodes and wonder, Hey, where's the pretty Russian?
Links
Fan Fiction
File 40 - slash and gen fan fiction archive, resources for buying zines, links and more
The Raven's Lair - slash and gen fan fiction archive, links, art, photos and more.
Images
U.N.C.L.E. image library - hundreds of MFU screencaps, searchable by character name, episode or keyword.
U.N.C.L.E. Style - A Japanese site with some of the best screencaps available.
Tauna's Slash Den screencaps by Black Tauna. Also fan fiction, sound files and lots more
Miscellaneous UNCLE
muncle - A slashy MFU livejournal community. Stories, images, and general chat about the characters and actors.
The Fans from U.N.C.L.E. - a very comprehensive MFU site. A great place for any fan to start to with episode guides, actor and character histories and lots more.
Partner Mine - all about the slash relationship between Illya and Napoleon. Slashy episode reviews, fiction, recs, art and pics, character analysis and links. A pefect start for insight into the IK/NS relationship.
lyrebird*mound - another great place for new fans to start. Clare's site has recs, art, wallpapers, and the most comprehensive list of MFU links around.
Actor sites
SoloVision - dedicated to Napoleon / Robert Vaughn, with some additional pics of Illya and various other UNCLE characters. Images, wallpapers and more.
David McCallum Fans Online - a comprehensive site dedicated to Illya / David McCallum. Screencaps, photos, bio, filmography/discography and more.
___________
MFU overview co-written by sithdragn and irene_heron, with much thanks for their assistance to lyrebird, wishfulaces, keelywolfe, and ndannais.
General Overview
In New York City, on a street in the East Forties, there's an ordinary tailor shop.
Or is it ordinary?
We enter through the agents' entrance and we are now in U.N.C.L.E. headquarters. That's the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. U.N.C.L.E. is an organization consisting of agents of all nationalities. It's involved in maintaining political and legal order anywhere in the world. ~ first season intro
Thus do we cross the boundary from the mundane world of 9 to 5 jobs and everyday concerns and into the netherworld of espionage, hanging on to Illya and Napoleon's coattails as they show us what's "behind the coat hook". Like Alice we pass through the looking glass into a different reality, made up of glamorous and deadly globe-trotting spies, nefarious plots for world domination, ingenious gadgets, and lots and lots of danger.
Each episode follows a basic pattern: a problem is laid before our intrepid heroes and they must resolve the problem, preferably by bloodless ingenuity and subterfuge, but unfortunately they often have to resort to violence to achieve their goals. They usually end up in the enemy's hands by the third act, often bound, drugged and tortured before turning the tables on their captors, much to the delight of fans.
Getting to know your U.N.C.L.E.
U.N.C.L.E. is the organization our heroes work for, a world-wide multi-national peacekeeping agency. U.N.C.L.E. offices can be found in all corners of the globe, ingeniously concealed behind the innocent fronts of businesses and seemingly mundane buildings. UNCLE New York, the home office for Illya and Napoleon, is masterfully camouflaged as Del Floria's tailor shop. Behind its walls are some of the world's leading spies, scientists and specialists who dedicate their lives to UNCLE's philosophies.
Every do-gooding organization must have its evil nemesis, and Thrush (paradigm: Building a better tomorrow through anarchy) is U.N.C.L.E.'s proverbial thorn in the side. Seeking to control humanity -and providing job security for Napoleon and Illya- Thrush's goal is world domination. For Thrush, no plot is too nefarious (mind controlling devices), too outrageous (radar-controlled vampire bats) or too outlandish (deadly fudgesicles) in achieving their goal. Despite constant one-upmanship and in-fighting amongst their agents, Thrush's goal never wavers: destroy UNCLE, and then the world. [oh yes, maniacal laughter]
Spies like us
In order to maintain a spy-like air of mystery around the characters, very few facts about the agents are ever revealed on the show. We never learn their ages or marital status (except Mr. Waverly), nor do we see the insides of their homes or learn much about their personal interests. While this can be frustrating from a viewer's standpoint, at the same time it gives fan writers tremendous creative license not to have to work around inconvenient facts.
Napoleon Solo [portrayed by Robert Vaughn] is Number 1 Section 2: UNCLE New York's top field agent, the Man from U.N.C.L.E. Smooth, suave, fast thinking and witty, Napoleon is gifted in the social graces that allow an agent to slip into nearly any situation undetected. Napoleon's greatest skill as a spy, however, is probably his charm. When Napoleon's charm is in high gear, no man or woman (or partner) is immune. When situations are tight and duty is on the line, Napoleon excels at schmoozing people into getting things done. And when Napoleon's persuasive powers fail him, he is often prone to spontaneity, leaping into action and pushing the odds when they are not in his favor with nary a care for self-preservation -- much to Illya's chagrin.
If Napoleon possesses a vice, it is his flirtatiousness. Napoleon loves to woo women. In the four years of the series, Napoleon never falls in love. Rather, he seems to enjoy the game of attraction, though at times he can be downright predatory.
Illya Nikovetch Kuryakin [portrayed by David McCallum] Illya [EE-lee-ya] comes to UNCLE from Russia and is Number Two Section Two, UNCLE's number two spy after Napoleon. At once nimble and a master of disguise, he is usually the partner to infiltrate the enemy when needed. Demolitions, gadgets and weaponry make his day. Pushy women (most women, really) do not. Illya has a PhD in quantum mechanics and is accomplished in music and a variety of sciences.
Illya is an unpredictable, enigmatic man. Cynical, practical, dour, laconic, dangerous, and possessing a dry and sometimes dark sense of humor, he can also be gentlemanly, kind and charming in his own way. For all that his inscrutable expressions reveal, he could be deciding how to kill an enemy agent or what to have for dinner. It is this mysterious shell which makes him appealing (especially to Napoleon).
Alexander Waverly [portrayed by Leo G. Carroll] - Every great crime fighting team needs a great leader; someone to give his agents inscrutable looks when they ruin expensive Italian suits or scrap a(nother) car/truck/van/motorcycle/boat/helicopter/plane/etc. As Number One Section One and head of the U.N.C.L.E.'s New York office, Mr. Waverly fills this part with an excess of class, style and old-world ethics. He can appear a bit of a bumbling old Brit, sometimes even paternal toward his agents, but he's as sharp as a tack and ruthlessly cunning when needs be. It is Mr. Waverly who assigns Napoleon and Illya to their missions and whom they report to when the mission is complete and the world is saved yet again.
Guest Stars
Given that MFU episodes were self-contained, there were no recurring characters to the show, save minor players who provided familiar background faces roaming the halls of UNCLE headquarters. The list of UNCLE's weekly guest stars, however, is a venerable list of Hollywood history. Like guesting on Carson in the 70's, snagging a guest spot on UNCLE was a status coup for celebs in the mid-60's. Some recognizable guests providing the weekly innocent or Thrush baddie are: Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, Vincent Price, Joan Collins, Carol Channing, Nancy Sinatra, Jill Ireland, Joan Crawford, Jack Palance, Ricardo Montalban, Leslie Nielsen, Martin Landau, Caroll O'Connor, Boris Karloff, Angela Lansbury, Janet Leigh, Anne Francis, Robert Culp, June Lockhart, Angela Lansbury, Shari Lewis, Sonny & Cher, James Doohan and Kurt Russell (as a child actor).
Spy vs. Spy, Spy/Spy
So what do you get when you cross a charming, manipulative and idealistic American spy with a tactlessly blunt, ruthless and frequently reckless Soviet agent? Enough chemistry and snark to fuel a fandom for 40 years, that's what! Whether the slashy subtext speaks to you or not, there's no doubt that more than just a working partnership binds these two very different men together.
It's really fascinating and very fun to watch their relationship develop over the course of several years. In the early days there's a tentativeness to their relationship that speaks of professional interaction only. Their conversations are serious, brief and to the point, but there's still an indefinable chemistry sparking between them that hints at great potential.
That potential is quickly realized, after about ten episodes, once Illya starts getting more screen time (and thanks to some terrific writers who really focused on characterization). Napoleon, who is the senior agent, occasionally tries to assert his authority over Illya with some sort of playful comment, only to learn that his partner's razor-sharp intelligence will trump seniority every time. The first season episodes in particular are full of very clever repartee. In The Odd Man Affair, for instance, Illya hands to Napoleon the wallet of a man who was sucked out of an airplane. "On the plane I took the precaution of removing his wallet," Illya confides, obviously pleased with himself. "In other words, you picked his pocket," Napoleon says, unimpressed. "If you prefer such a bourgeois description of an act of pure presence of mind," Illya retorts, unfazed by his partner's lack of reaction. "I prefer," Napoleon answers, trying to preserve what's left of his dignity.
There's always just a hint of friendly competition in their interaction. It isn't exactly that Illya jockeys for position or needs to prove himself, but more like he's not going to let Napoleon get away with anything. Nor is it that Napoleon feels he has to demonstrate his superiority. He's strictly an alpha male in a position of authority over other alpha males, and that just bleeds through in his relationships. Underneath the competition genuine affection shines through, too. When they're out in the field, it comes out as seamless teamwork, partners so attuned to each other's style and habits that they can practically read each other's mind. They don't even need hand signals; looks suffice. But even on the job, under dangerous conditions, Illya is no respecter of rank. In season two they're crawling around in London's sewers and Napoleon is indecisive on which turn to take. Impatient, Illya gripes, "If you must get us lost, can't you do it a bit faster?"
Dialogue is prime characterization, no doubt about it, and there are times when deep feelings are covered up through snarky dialogue. In The Terbuf Affair, Napoleon has been called upon to help an old flame. Illya, wary that such a task will prove disastrous in one way or another, agrees to come along and help. When he arrives on the scene, he immediately notes a change in his partner. "There's a look on your face that wasn't there before. What has she been saying to you?" he demands, all protective suspicion.
A lot of what passes between Napoleon and Illya is non-verbal too. McCallum in particular is a physical actor, always very present in a scene even if he has no lines. Their expressions and body language can alter the most innocuous line into something very suggestive or playful. In one of the last episodes of the series, there's a terrific exchange. Mr. Waverly has just finished detailing his opinion that no UNCLE agent should marry and departs, leaving Napoleon and Illya behind, looking quite thoughtful. Illya considers the situation, casts a sidelong look at Napoleon and offers, "We have each other." Napoleon looks at him, makes a wry face and turns away to fiddle with his ring. Napoleon's reaction, especially the ring play, is as wide open to interpretation as Illya's comment.
No matter how you slice the scenes between Napoleon and Illya, the relationship adds up to one of deep commitment between equals, two guys who are completely secure in themselves, their choice of work, and happy in the friendship they have forged with each other.
Getting started with the episodes
A few basics about the show which run in nearly every episode…
- Every episode also includes an "innocent," an everyday person somehow caught up in the affair. Innocents provide the connection between the real world of viewers and the surreal and dangerous world of spies and allow viewers to vicariously experience missions alongside Napoleon and Illya. In fan fiction, innocents provide convenient pairings for Illya and Napoleon (het and, on rare occasions, slash), and convenient 'red shirts' for all stories.
- Missions are known within U.N.C.L.E. as "affairs" (subtext, much?). Each episode being titled after the affair it centers around (i.e. The Deadly Games Affair, The Project Strigas Affair, etc.).
- Bound, gagged and otherwise restrained spies. Yes, nearly every single episode finds Napoleon and/or Illya suspended from chains, ropes, manacles, fork lifts and other devices designed to make spies spill their secrets. In fan fiction… where to begin? The hurt. The comfort. The kink.
- Illya is the UNCLE spy who nearly wasn't. Early episodes portrayed Illya as an UNCLE file clerk and computer tech, with just a few minutes of screen time per episode. But Illya's part in the show and status within UNCLE increased dramatically due to viewer response; fans (predominantly female) wrote to NBC demanding more of the handsome blond with the sexy accent. The UNCLE producers listened to their audience (imagine that), and Illya very quickly gained status as Napoleon's unofficial partner. This bit of history is worth noting for new viewers who catch early first season episodes and wonder, Hey, where's the pretty Russian?
Links
Fan Fiction
File 40 - slash and gen fan fiction archive, resources for buying zines, links and more
The Raven's Lair - slash and gen fan fiction archive, links, art, photos and more.
Images
U.N.C.L.E. image library - hundreds of MFU screencaps, searchable by character name, episode or keyword.
U.N.C.L.E. Style - A Japanese site with some of the best screencaps available.
Tauna's Slash Den screencaps by Black Tauna. Also fan fiction, sound files and lots more
Miscellaneous UNCLE
muncle - A slashy MFU livejournal community. Stories, images, and general chat about the characters and actors.
The Fans from U.N.C.L.E. - a very comprehensive MFU site. A great place for any fan to start to with episode guides, actor and character histories and lots more.
Partner Mine - all about the slash relationship between Illya and Napoleon. Slashy episode reviews, fiction, recs, art and pics, character analysis and links. A pefect start for insight into the IK/NS relationship.
lyrebird*mound - another great place for new fans to start. Clare's site has recs, art, wallpapers, and the most comprehensive list of MFU links around.
Actor sites
SoloVision - dedicated to Napoleon / Robert Vaughn, with some additional pics of Illya and various other UNCLE characters. Images, wallpapers and more.
David McCallum Fans Online - a comprehensive site dedicated to Illya / David McCallum. Screencaps, photos, bio, filmography/discography and more.
___________
MFU overview co-written by sithdragn and irene_heron, with much thanks for their assistance to lyrebird, wishfulaces, keelywolfe, and ndannais.