Mr. Beardface, you make a strong argument, but I am particularly intrigued by the question of how Mr. Culp, the writer - not Mr. Culp, the actor - would react if another actor took the same liberties with his scripts as he (and Mr. Cosby) did with the scripts on I Spy. Perhaps if you see him again, you could find a way to tactfully pose this question?
FWIW, "Home to Judgment" is my all-time favorite I Spy episode and I know that Mr. Culp infused it not only with his unique understanding of the relationship between Kelly and Scotty, but with many personal details from his own upbringing and childhood memories. No matter how many times I've seen it, I can not watch the scene where Kelly's aunt and uncle realize who this stranger is and Kelly recounts the tale about the rifle on the wall without getting teary-eyed myself. I credit that entirely to both the writing and acting talent of Mr. Culp.
Interestingly, as you also pointed out, there was a minimum of banter in Home to Judgment, perhaps because the strength of the story and the seriousness of their predicament simply didn't call for any.
Which I guess also makes your point
Becca