"The Mind of Stefan Miklos" concerns an enemy agent (the titular character) whose mission is to confirm the veracity of American secrets that have fallen into the hands of a double agent (Townsend). The team's job is to convince Stefan Miklos that the information is true (it's actually false intelligence). Jim conceives an intricate plan, or jigsaw puzzle, as he calls it, for Miklos to figure out. So the episode is really about the mind of Jim Phelps vs. the mind of Stefan Miklos, though they barely confront each other physically. The "puzzle" includes a statue, a painting, a safe containing Townsend's keepsake photographs, video surveillance footage, a scrap of paper in a fireplace, a wristwatch, and matchbooks (this also relates to a character being left handed). The plan relies on Miklos' slightly arrogant, brilliant mind which has photographic recall. Steve Ihnat does a fine job as Miklos, playing him as a modern day Sherlock Holmes, complete with pipe! Although he is the enemy, you have to admire his methods. Martin Landau is outstanding as usual, impersonating multiple characters, without any disguises in this case. For those of you only familiar with Ed Asner from comedic roles, you may be surprised as I was by his finely nuanced performance in a dramatic role as an enemy operative who opposes Townsend.
As this episode starts out, you may be confused by what's happening and the roles of the characters, but by the end, all the pieces fall into place (just barely) for a satisfying conclusion. Miklos' ironic closing line says it all: "I wish I could meet the man that masterminded their operation. He was brilliant. I feel sorry for him. He played the game well, but he lost. It'll destroy him."
As this episode starts out, you may be confused by what's happening and the roles of the characters, but by the end, all the pieces fall into place (just barely) for a satisfying conclusion. Miklos' ironic closing line says it all: "I wish I could meet the man that masterminded their operation. He was brilliant. I feel sorry for him. He played the game well, but he lost. It'll destroy him."
