It Takes a Thief "It Takes One to Know One" #1.2 (1968)

A whole lot of fun, 23 August 2017

Instead of stealing something, Mundy's mission in It Takes One to Know One is to stop a theft. Mundy is sent to a small country whose only real source of wealth is its crown jewels. SIA has knowledge that Soviet operatives intend to steal the jewels, sending the small nation into a panic – and quite possibly into the Soviet Bloc. Mundy must spot the thieves, gain their trust, and put a halt to their plan.

It Takes One to Know One is a fantastically entertaining episode. If all the episodes are this good, I'm in for a real treat. Once again, the casual, breezy style of the writing and of Robert Wagner's acting are a real plus for the episode. Both are a big reason these episodes are so much fun. I've always been a fan of heist movies with their impossibly intricate and detailed planning. It Takes One to Know One doesn't disappoint on this front. The plan here is as incredible as any I've run across before – especially for an hour long television show. It's a real hoot. Throw in a mesmerizing supporting performance from Susan Saint James, the always dependable Mark Richman, an alarmed floor that go off when you step on it, an Indiana Jones style counterweight, Mundy carrying on a conversation while hanging upside down from a chandelier, and a harpoon gun and you've got a real winner.

After seeing Susan Saint James in the first two episodes, I had my hopes dashed when I discovered she's only in a couple more. I would have loved to see her playing some sort of regular character throughout the series.

8/10