The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Season 1 Episode 1 The Vulcan Affair

In the pilot episode of The Man From U.N.C.L.E., titled "The Vulcan Affair," viewers are introduced to the dashing American agent Napoleon Solo (played by Robert Vaughn) and his suave Russian counterpart Illya Kuryakin (played by David McCallum). The two spies, who work for a secret international organization called U.N.C.L.E. (United Network Command for Law and Enforcement), must team up to investigate a plot by an evil organization called THRUSH to disrupt a summit between the United States and a group of African nations.

The episode begins with Solo attending a charity event in New York City, where he is approached by a mysterious woman named Lisa Rogers (played by Dorothy Provine). Rogers claims to be a freelance journalist who has stumbled upon evidence of a THRUSH plot to kidnap a delegation of African leaders who are meeting with the American Secretary of State in Washington, D.C. However, Solo is skeptical of Rogers' story and suspects that she may be working for THRUSH.

Meanwhile, in Moscow, Kuryakin is ordered by his superiors to work with Solo on the case. Initially, Kuryakin is skeptical of his American counterpart and openly displays his distrust for Solo. However, the two are forced to put aside their differences and work together when they discover that Rogers' brother, who is a scientist working on an experimental weapon known as the Vulcan Affair, has been kidnapped by THRUSH.

As Solo and Kuryakin travel to Europe to track down the Vulcan Affair, they encounter a series of obstacles and enemies, including a group of Asian assassins, a double agent named Mr. Alexander (played by Nehemiah Persoff), and a seductive THRUSH agent named Angela (played by Jill Ireland). Along the way, Solo and Kuryakin must use all of their skills and ingenuity to outwit THRUSH and prevent them from carrying out their nefarious plan.

"The Vulcan Affair" is a classic spy thriller that is full of action, suspense, and intrigue. The chemistry between Vaughn and McCallum is palpable, and their banter and camaraderie provide a lot of the episode's humor and charm. The supporting cast is also strong, with Provine, Persoff, and Ireland all turning in memorable performances. The episode's locations, which include New York City, London, and Paris, add to the international flavor of the series.

Overall, "The Vulcan Affair" is a strong introduction to The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and sets the stage for the rest of the series. Fans of classic spy thrillers and '60s-era television will find a lot to enjoy in this episode.