The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a spy drama from the 1960s, so cultural differences are prominent throughout the show. Female characters factor in but definitely tend toward the traditional, usually cast as devoted housewives, accommodating flight attendants, and self-deprecating coworkers. Despite the collaboration between American and Soviet agents, the political setting hints at the Cold War tensions of the time as well. You'll see plenty of shooting and some dead bodies but no blood, and perilous predicaments are mostly short-lived and end happily for the good guys. Wink-wink moments between men and women will go over tweens' heads, and there's no sexy stuff beyond that to worry about.
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A very wonderful show
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What's the story?
THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. stars Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo, a top agent with the secretive agency called United Network Command for Law and Enforcement, or U.N.C.L.E. for short. Solo's partner is Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum), a Soviet collaborator who joins Solo on missions against their main adversary, T.H.R.U.S.H., at the direction of the agency's head, Alexander Waverly (Leo G. Carroll). Tasked with uncovering and sabotaging plans of government takeovers and high-profile assassinations throughout the world, Solo and Kuryakin work out of an undercover New York office disguised as a tailor shop. In many cases, they employ the help of local citizens while they're on location.
Is it any good?
More than half a century after it first aired, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. still manages to entertain, even with its rudimentary effects and significant cheese factor in comparison to the modern caliber of dramas. Much of its appeal can be attributed to Vaughn, who's exceptional in the leading role, and his working relationship with his able Soviet counterpart. Their cooperation was groundbreaking in the '60s, given political tensions at the time, but now it's just another quality feature of this long-respected series.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. also shows its age in pristine content that's unburdened by any strong language, minimal sexuality (mostly suggestions), and violence that's mostly blood-free. Yes, people are still killed (always the bad guys), but it's pretty sanitary viewing. What does stand out are the interactions between men and women, which usually are laced with sexual suggestions and knowing smiles. Even so, if you're looking for a spy drama that's safe to share with your tweens, this classic might fit the bill.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about what differences stand out between the world in the 1960s (as it's presented in this show) and the world now. How has technology changed how we combat danger? Are we safer now because of it, or does it raise new threats?
How are women portrayed in this show? Do you think it's an accurate representation of how they were received in the workplace and in the home during this era? Have we reached true gender equality of late?
This series draws clear distinctions between the good guys and the bad guys. Is such a distinction less obvious in real life? Have you ever taken someone at his or her word only to be hurt by your trust? How, if at all, does something like that change how you relate to people?
TV details
- Premiere date: September 22, 1964
- Cast: Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, Leo G. Carroll
- Network: Online
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: NR
- Available on: DVD, Streaming
- Last updated: March 13, 2020
For kids who love spy stories
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