Danger Man Season 4 Episode 1
Danger Man
Season 4

Ep 1. Koroshi

  • TV-NR
  • January 5, 1968
  • 45 min
  • 6.4  (16)

Danger Man, also known as Secret Agent in the United States, was a British television series that was broadcast between 1960 and 1968. The show starred Patrick McGoohan as John Drake, an operative for NATO and later for the British secret service. Season 4 of Danger Man is quite special as it comprises only two episodes that serve as a feature-length story under the title "Koroshi," and its sequel "Shinda Shima." "Koroshi," which is Japanese for 'kill', is the first of these two episodes and represents a significant episode in the show's legacy.

In the episode "Koroshi," John Drake finds himself entangled in a complex web of espionage and intrigue set against the backdrop of the exotic and mystifying culture of Japan. The episode opens with a sense of urgency as a British agent in Tokyo sends a cryptic message back to London before meeting an untimely demise. London is quick to send their best man, John Drake, to unravel the mystery behind the agent's death and to delve into a world where cultural beauty intermingles with deadly espionage.

Upon arriving in Tokyo, Drake notices that nothing is as it seems. The bustling city serves as both a modern metropolis and a shadow-filled arena for spies. Drake must navigate the intricate social customs and norms of Japan, utilizing his quick wit and charm to gain the trust of key players who may hold valuable information. It's a challenge that Drake is more than prepared for, given his history of missions in diverse cultural settings.

As Drake delves deeper into the assignment, he discovers that the agent was on the trail of a secretive organization known only as "Koroshi." This organization operates like a ghost, with tendrils reaching into all facets of society, from the corporate boardrooms to the underbelly of the criminal world. To make matters more complicated, Drake learns that Koroshi is not just a local threat, but part of a larger international conspiracy with potentially catastrophic implications.

The intricate plot requires Drake to utilize his mastery of espionage craft, incorporating surveillance tech that was groundbreaking for the 1960s. Gadgets and resourcefulness play a key part in his clandestine operations, as he seeks to understand the true nature of Koroshi and its operations. The episode is a cat-and-mouse game, with Drake analyzing bits and pieces of information to connect the dots, all the while remaining under the radar of those who would rather keep their secrets buried.

During his investigation, John Drake meets a cast of characters that add depth to the story. Among them, he encounters a Japanese family with ties to the mystery. Drake's interactions with them showcase both the cultural exchange that occurs when a Western agent is thrust into the heart of Japan and the emotional complexity that espionage brings as it weighs on the innocent and the guilty alike.

One key aspect of "Koroshi" is its atmospheric tension, constructed through tight directing, engaging performances, and a vivid portrayal of 1960s Japan. The episode doesn't just trade on action sequences, it builds suspense through Drake's cerebral approach to the case, his interactions with allies and adversaries, and the moral dilemmas that he confronts. The show's writers make sure that each scene carries weight, contributing to a narrative that feels both global and personal.

As the episode progresses, the stakes continue to escalate. Drake's sense of duty to prevent whatever Koroshi may be planning battles with the intrigue of understanding what drives the organization. The nature of Drake's world is revealed to be one that is shades of grey rather than black and white, and his determination to uphold his moral code is tested time and again.

"Koroshi" culminates in a crescendo of espionage intricacy, with Drake working against time to thwart an imminent threat while wrestling with the consequences his actions may bring. Throughout, the episode remains grounded in its character-driven storytelling, ensuring that viewers are riveted not just by the unfolding plot, but also by Drake's journey as both an agent and a man.

This thrilling and culturally immersive episode sets up the narrative for its direct continuation in "Shinda Shima," forming a two-part saga that stands out within the Danger Man series. With a blend of suspense, drama, and an authentic depiction of 1960s Japan, "Koroshi" is a significant chapter in John Drake's storied career as one of television's most intriguing secret agents.

Do note that the description provided carefully avoids spoilers and focuses instead on providing an atmosphere and setup for the episode, maintaining the intrigue and excitement for new audiences.

Description
Watch Danger Man - Koroshi (s4 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Danger Man, Season 4 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on ITV. You can also buy, rent Danger Man on demand at Amazon online.
  • First Aired
    January 5, 1968
  • Content Rating
    TV-NR
  • Runtime
    45 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.4  (16)