Here we have a true classic in only the third episode. “The Night the Wizard Shook the Earth” marks the first of ten appearances of Michael Dunn as the demented genius Miguelito Loveless. He is, of course, my favorite villain in the series. The episode also marks the first appearance of Richard Kiel as Voltaire. Kiel is better known for appearances as Jaws in the James bond films The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker. It is quite clear his role as Voltaire was a big influence I being cast as Jaws. Wild Wild West has been dubbed James Bond in the old west for good reason.
Jim and Artie are assigned to escort a professor who has invented powerful new explosive to Washington. The professor is killed is killed by the mysterious dwarf, Dr. Miguelito Loveless, who claims he invented the explosive first and has no intention of allowing it to be placed in the hands of politicians and generals or of some two bit professor taking credit for its creation, depending on which of Loveless’ expressed rationales you find more convincing. The fact he accepts both with equal veracity is one of the elements that make him such a great villain.
Loveless claims his grandmother used to own Southern California. It was stolen by the Spanish an later the Americans. He wants it back or he is going to use the explosive to kill 5,000 a week until it is his again.
Jim escapes a bird cage--yes, a bird cage--after convincing Loveless’ beautiful assistant to tell him where the explosive is set. He has a more difficult time suduig loveless in a church bell tower than he does the 7’ 1” Voltaire below. Go figure.
“The Night the Wizard Shook the Earth” is the only episode in which Loveless’ motivation is something as small as the return of Southern California. Later, he will be a world conquering type, at least expressly. But his real motivation will be besting Jim and Artie. An arch rivalry is born!
Rating: **** (out of 5)
