The Night of the Burning Diamond

The Star Trek episode referred to by Robert Conrad and questioned in a previous review is "Wink of an Eye" Season 3 episode 11. The science fiction elements are very similar to this episode of The Wild Wild West.

I always found the first season of WWW to be bit dull. I used to think it might be because it was in black & white, but on reviewing the DVDs I think the show was still waiting to find its tone. This episode shows the series definitely hitting its stride, with science fiction, action, mystery, international intrigue, and disguises wrapped around the story of a man who can steal diamonds without being seen - and beat up James West at the same time.

Best of all, they finally figured out how to handle Artemus Gordon's character. For a good portion of early episodes Ross Martin would hang around the edges of the story. Here he gets almost equal time with Conrad, and he does what he's supposed to do. He assumes disguises. He sets high-tech traps. He arranges diversions. They even know what he doesn't do. Arty has little taste for his partner's specialties like fighting outnumbered or pulling daring stunts. But they both do what they have to do to get the job done.

A stand-out is the performance of Robert Drivas as the boyishly handsome but coolly confident Morgan Midas.

Thrills and spills all the way!

Yet another magnificent episode from the first season of WWW.

The Star Trek reference is subtle. The Flash reference is blatant.

WWW was so far ahead of it's time!