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A friend and I were discussing whether the original Mission: Impossible was racist or progressive, race-wise. We were, of course, referring to the Barney Collier character (played by the late Greg Morris), the only regular African-American in the series. My argument is that the show was progressive, in that Barney is an invaluable member of the team, and uniquely qualified in a very specialized field (electronics). I said race never seemed to be an issue.
But my friend pointed out that whenever someone had to go undercover as a laborer, or servant, or chauffeur, it was inevitably Barney. He argued that if the mission called for a stevedore or a heavy laborer, it should logically have been Willy Armitage (portrayed by Peter Lupus, who is now 75 years old and still breaking world weight-lifting records), not Barney.
I don't see it that way. Having Barney be the hired help on a mission would be ideal. As their electronics expert, he would be in the perfect position to plant a bug, a hidden microphone, or a camera lens without being considered out of place, or even noticed.
I agree with your theory. You want the guy planting the bug to be invisible and what better job is there than the "hired help"?
The problem is when dealing with "hired help" that has not been with you for YEARS, you tend to watch their every move to prevent them from stealing the silverware or spitting in your food. Trust is not automatically there.
The show was progressive in that Barney was a skilled member of the team and critical to their success, even though the white members did most of the more glamorous work. Ten years earlier if there had been a Barney character he would have been limited to non skilled work, driving the cars or serving as the clerk where they got their equipment, clothing and disguises.
The show was not up to modern standards where anyone of any race could be the team leader.
So..I'd say it was progressive for its time.
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Trust is not automatically there.
