Watch Danger Man

Danger Man is a British television series that was first broadcast on ITV from 1960 to 1962, and starring Patrick McGoohan in the lead role. The show's original name was Secret Agent, but it was later changed to Danger Man for the second season. The series revolves around the character of John Drake, a secret agent employed by the British Government to undertake a variety of dangerous missions. Drake is suave, sophisticated and possesses remarkable skills in combat, espionage, and problem-solving. He's a man of few words, and often operates alone or with a small, handpicked team.

Set during the height of the Cold War, the series depicts a world where espionage and intrigue reign supreme. Drake travels the world and interacts with a diverse array of people from different cultures and backgrounds, and his skills as a spy and his art of deduction come in handy as he navigates through various deceptions, lies, and plots.

Each episode features Drake being tasked with a specific mission that generally involves espionage, sabotage, or uncovering criminal activities. He must navigate through a labyrinth of danger, deception, and intrigue to achieve his objectives, all while staying one step ahead of the enemy.

Danger Man stands out as one of the early examples of a spy thriller on television. The series broke new ground in terms of its production values, writing, and pacing. The show used minimal dialogue, preferring instead to rely on tension, suspense, and action to draw in audiences.

Patrick McGoohan's portrayal of John Drake is iconic. He's unflappable, skilled, and always in control, making him the quintessential British spy. McGoohan's performance is typically understated, but it's his physicality and on-screen presence that make Drake an incredibly engaging and memorable character.

The series also features a memorable theme tune written by Edwin Astley, which has become synonymous with the show's high-stakes action and drama. Astley's music is an essential part of the show's appeal, accentuating the intensity of the action and drama.

The first season of Danger Man consists entirely of half-hour episodes and is characterized by its low budget and limited scope. However, the second season saw the show expanded to an hour-long format and had a correspondingly increased budget. This allowed the show's producers to create a series of larger-than-life adventures, taking Drake to even more exotic locations and pitting him against deadlier foes.

While Danger Man was a popular show during its initial run, it's perhaps best-known for its influence on other spy thrillers that would follow, most notably James Bond. The show's sophisticated and suave protagonist, exotic locations, and exciting action scenes were a massive influence on the early Bond films and set the template for the spy genre for decades to come.

In conclusion, Danger Man is a must-see for anyone interested in spy thrillers or classic television. The show's influence is still felt today, and Patrick McGoohan's portrayal of John Drake remains a classic performance. Even over 50 years after its initial release, the series remains entertaining and thrilling, and well worth checking out for fans of the genre.

Danger Man is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (82 episodes). The series first aired on September 11, 1960.