Hi Bill,
First - DEFINITELY get Marc and Linda's I SPY book! Do not pass GO, do not collect your two hundred dollars, just go order it!! This book is "required" reading for any I SPY fan!! We are really very fortunate that such a thoroughly entertaining, well-researched, and well-written book of this caliber finally came to fruition. (O.K. so we had to wait 40 years, but it was
worth the wait! ) And considering your job, you
really need this book for professional background.
Secondly, please don't think of this book as an "Episode Guide" like so many others out there on other shows. It has been described as "a biography of I SPY" and that is an apt description for it. Not only do they talk about the stars, the history of the show, all the production aspects, it includes "The Story Behind the Story" for the different episodes, Culp & Cosby Rewrites, censor's reports (often very funny), and interviews with the writers and production staff. Culp was interviewed extensively for the book, and Cosby contributed also.
Yes, the first episode reviewed is "Affair in T'Sein Cha" - and it goes into detail as to why it was not aired as the first show. Marc and Linda divided the discussions of the episodes into 9 blocks - and in parallel, also discuss what else was happening at the time, as each of these groups were being aired - which adds a delightful historical and sociological viewpoint and perspective. They also discuss the "Fourth Season" that never was, the different theories as to why the show ended, and the later Culp/Cosby reunions, plus the I SPY movies that were never made.
Here is a review/posting from when the book came out.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/172251/message/1172278551/
And besides Bill, everyone is reading it!! 
Anyone else want to add their opinions and advice here for Bill??
All my best,
Tatia
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