Mr. & Mrs. Smith

A very short-lived spy series that didn't deserve its early cancellation, Mr & Mrs Smith filled a late-night slot in New Zealand—where hardly anyone saw it.

Still, those of us who stayed up were rewarded with light-hearted scripts, the occasional plot twist, and an insight into the world of modern espionage—one done by a private concern, rather than a government department.

Each story would generally begin with Mr Big (Roy Dotrice) receiving an assignment by way of a private contract, assigning it to his two field agents who would invariably have to pose as a couple. However, as the credits put it, 'We're not married'—though most of the episode would feature a great deal of 'Will they? Won't they?' tension.

Of course, they wouldn't, and never did, thanks to the series' cancellation a few episodes in to its first season.

There were some techniques that were refreshing for the mid-1990s: the Thomas Crown split-screen effect was put to good use and took us back to an earlier time; the production designers gave everything a slick—but not too slick—style that suggested a nice blend between fact and fiction; and a jazzy theme tune, 'Do You Want to Dance', delivered with soul and more melody than most of the electronica served up in the period.

All this paled in comparison to the performances given by Maria Bello and Scott Bakula. Bakula perhaps had the same uncertainty in his Mr Smith character as his Sam in Quantum Leap, but Bello played her role with great charm, showing that femininity and strength (she did many of her own stunts) were quite compatible. It's not something that Hollywood does well with its stereotypes. And if you hadn't heard of Maria Bello prior, you would after this. The fact she managed to get larger roles after Mr & Mrs Smith highlights the impact the few episodes had.

Mr & Mrs Smith's cancellation is mind-boggling at best. There are no surface reasons for its failure, given that the production values were high, the scripts were strong, the cast was well skilled. It was better than its contemporaries. The stories were not overly complex—just complex enough to please most people for an hour at a time. Nor was it out of step with tastes in 1996. That usually leaves one explanation: closed-door meetings and politicking among the network, forgetting the one group that needed to be pleased. The viewers.

The movie version with Pitt and Jolie was obviously inspired by this; but when that movie's credits give no mention of this foray, it's an added injustice on a series which, while it broke no new ground, was a highly entertaining, well made distraction.

Series is based on two spy's being recruited by a intelligence agency to work together and pose as man and wife. What made the show exceptional was this: They were career spies, who had worked for various unnamed agencies in the past, possibly at cross purposes.

While they are eager to get the job done and learn to work together and trust each other, they are careful to avoid exposing their true identities, past accomplishments or special skills - because these are the secrets a spy lives by and the last person you want to give that information to is another spy you may be working against the next time around.

So you end up with a show full of undercurrents as they get to know each other and respect each other as equals. Who is this person? Did I ever run into them in the past without knowing it? Did I ever get in their way? Did they ever get in mine? Where have I seen that technique before? Was he/she there? Does he/she have info about something that happened that I never resolved to my satisfaction? It's been so long I don't remember specific episode plots or details about their pasts, but the undercurrent of curiosity about the other person battling each characters need for secrecy was what I remember most.

Too bad this TV show only lasted 13 episodes, because it was one of the most entertaining and more watchable TV series in the 90`s. It starred the very fine actor Scott Bakula, he did a great job, by his side Maria Bello stood, a fine looking actress who also did a fine job. They played undercover agents going from mission to mission for a secret agency. Many of the episodes were filmed on great locations.

Although not all the episodes was equally good, the series provided good quality entertainment that should have continued for more seasons.

Mr. and Mrs Smith was a great comedy/drama with a sense of sheik style. Scott Bakula, sexy as ever, was smooth as Mr. Smith, a spy playing it cool and yet curious to know about his partners. Maria Bello was a calm and and entertaining as Mrs. Smith, and equaling as "secretive" in the games of following the rules and breaking them at the same time. The series reminded me of 007 movies and Moonlighting. This series was ahead if its time, used to be on CBS which did not even air the last two episodes of first-run shows. I would love to see the series again, especially because I recognize much of the scenes for the upcoming movie ironically called Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

This TV series was one of the most interesting, intriguing and entertaining I have ever seen on TV. The obvious attraction and yet restraint between the main characters was humorously and yet poignantly done. The plots were diverse and revealed the expertise of the two spies. The blend of action, romance and humor was perfect. Both of the main actors were excellent in their roles as well as their disguises. I was pleased with their attempts to discover all they could about the personal lives of one another and Mrs. Smith's buying Mr Smith's piano was very touching. I was so sad when the series disappeared. Are there ever any reruns? Has there been any consideration of offering the 13 episodes on DVD? I certainly hope so!!! Please let me know. Darrell