The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (TV Series) The 'J' for Judas Affair (1967) User Reviews

"Its a free country, especially when you own most of it!"

[ShadeGrenade · 8/10 · 11 June 2009]

THRUSH is plotting to kill industrialist Mark Tenza ( Broderick Crawford ) and his eldest son Adam ( Chad Everett ) and take over their empire. Tenza refuses help from Solo and Kuryakin, and flies off to a secret destination with his girlfriend.

He is killed, meaning Adam is next on the hit list. The U.N.C.L.E. duo learn of the existence of another son - known only as 'J' - and break into Tenza's vault. But the 'J' file bursts into flames before they can read it.

It is down to Solo and Kuryakin to locate 'J' before THRUSH can assume control of Tenza Industries...

Quite a dilemma for the U.N.C.L.E. boys here, involved in the affairs of a family that make 'the Ewings' from 'Dallas' seem like the Waltons. Broderick Crawford's 'Tenza' is every bit as fearsome as his later portrayal of J.Edgar Hoover. The shower that spits deadly gas was a recycling of an idea from Season 1's 'The Iowa-Scuba Affair'. Kevin Hagen, who plays 'Dawson', was also 'Inspector Kobick' in Irwin Allen's 'Land Of The Giants'. Nice vault break in sequence. As the floor is electrified, Solo sprays a chemical designed to show up the footprints of the last person to walk across it, and then follows them.

Norman Hudis, the writer of this episode, was the author of the early ( and best ) 'Carry On' movies.

Excellent, solid entry with a plot that even seems half realistic.

[jamesraeburn2003 · 8/10 · 25 September 2021]

The men from UNCLE are tipped off about a THRUSH plot to assassinate Mark Tenza (played by Broderick Crawford), the CEO of Tenza International, one of the largest combines in the world. His son and heir, Adam (played by Chad Everett), is also a target and Solo and Kuriyakin are assigned by Mr Waverley to prevent their murders and THRUSH from taking over the company. However, Tenza refuses their help, and apart from his son, no one in the company will cooperate with them, not least his loyal secretary Olivia (played by Delphi Lawrance) and Derrin (played by Kevin Hagan) his security chief. However, Tenza changes his mind after an attempt is made on his son's life, but it is too late since he himself is murdered by a bomb which detonates as he steps off of his private plane. Meanwhile, a tape recording made by the murdered informant is discovered and points to someone known simply as 'J' as the person behind the murder and takeover plot. But whom is 'J'? Everyone at the company refuses to say, which leaves Solo and Kuriyakin with no option but to find out for themselves...

An excellent, solid entry into the final series which even has a half realistic plot that marks a complete contrast to the previous season in which our heroes were sometimes portrayed as bumbling buffoons and the plots descended into total silliness. Alf Kjellin's direction is taut and sophisticated as is the editing, which keeps the plentiful action going at a cracking pace. The plot also breathtakingly incorporates a number of geographical locations into its one hour running time from New York to Tangier and the jungle in deepest Guatemala where the climax takes place. This one even has an excellent twist when the identity of the THRUSH villains is finally revealed.