The Impossible Missions Force is an elite group of agents chosen for their various abilities to infiltrate foreign governments as well as criminal organizations that are seen as threats to the security of the nation. Originally they were lead by Dan Briggs, but he was replaced by Jim Phelps after one year. Among its members are electronics executive Barney Collier, actor and master of disguise Rollin Hand, model Cinnamon Carter and strongman Willy Armitage. In later years Rollin leaves the team and is replaced by another master of disguise simply known as Paris and Cinnamon is replaced first by young Dana Lambert and then Lisa Casey.

According to Robert H. Justman in his book "Star Trek: The Real Story", this show's famous theme was not the first one written. Lalo Schifrin had written a main theme, but creator and executive producer Bruce Geller decided that it was inappropriate. Instead, Geller used some chase music Schifrin had written for the end of the first episode. That throwaway musical cue became one of the most famous and recognizable television show themes in history.

[repeated line]


Voice on Tape:
As always, should you or any of your IM force be caught or killed,, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Jim.

Factual errors: Multiple episodes set in European countries have Barney working on electrical wiring to achieve the team's aim, yet the switchgear, outlets, and other equipment depicted is North American.