Get Smart! Spies, Gadgets, and Goofy Mayhem in 1965!
Dive into the world of espionage with a twist – “Get Smart,” a groundbreaking television comedy series that aired from 1965 to 1970. Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, this show revolutionized the spy genre, injecting it with absurd humor, witty dialogue, and unforgettable characters. Forget suave James Bonds and cold-blooded assassins; “Get Smart” embraces the ridiculous, turning espionage into a laugh-out-loud spectacle.
The Accidental Spy: Maxwell Smart, Agent 86
At the heart of “Get Smart” lies Maxwell Smart, played with impeccable comedic timing by Don Adams. Max is a bumbling yet determined secret agent working for CONTROL, an organization dedicated to thwarting the nefarious plans of KAOS, their arch-enemy. Despite his best intentions and unwavering enthusiasm, Max is utterly inept. He stumbles through missions, misinterprets instructions, and relies heavily on his gadgets, which often malfunction in hilarious fashion.
His signature catchphrase “Missed it by that much!” perfectly captures his recurring near-successes, highlighting the comedic gap between his ambition and execution.
The Supporting Cast: A Quirky Ensemble
Max is joined by a cast of equally quirky characters who add to the show’s comedic brilliance.
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Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon): Max’s capable and patient partner, Agent 99 constantly tries to keep him on track, often with exasperated sighs and eye rolls. She represents the voice of reason amidst Max’s chaos, while also exhibiting her own wit and intelligence.
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The Chief: Played by Edward Platt, The Chief is CONTROL’s perpetually anxious leader, who delivers deadpan instructions through a hidden speaker in Max’s shoe phone. His exasperation with Max’s antics is palpable yet tinged with begrudging affection.
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Siegfried: KAOS’s bumbling agent and Max’s frequent nemesis, Siegfried (played by Bernie Kopell) adds another layer of absurdity to the show.
| Character | Actor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maxwell Smart | Don Adams | The blundering yet lovable CONTROL agent, Agent 86 |
| Agent 99 | Barbara Feldon | Max’s patient and competent partner |
| The Chief | Edward Platt | CONTROL’s stressed-out leader, delivering instructions via shoe phone |
| Siegfried | Bernie Kopell | KAOS’s inept agent, constantly outsmarted by Max (despite the odds) |
Gadgets Galore: From the Cone of Silence to the Shoe Phone
“Get Smart” became renowned for its ingenious and often ridiculous gadgets. The show poked fun at the technological advancements prevalent in spy fiction, exaggerating their functionality and consequences for comedic effect.
Max’s arsenal included:
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The Cone of Silence: A supposedly soundproof device that invariably amplifies voices to comical levels, rendering secret conversations anything but private.
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The Shoe Phone: Max’s primary communication tool, hidden within his shoe sole, allowing him to receive instructions (and scoldings) from The Chief.
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Various disguises and props: From exploding cigars to toothpaste tubes that double as weapons, Max’s arsenal always provided unexpected twists and laugh-out-loud moments.
A Lasting Legacy: “Get Smart” in Popular Culture
The show’s success spawned a feature film (also titled “Get Smart”) in 1980, and its influence continues to be felt in modern comedy. Phrases like “Missed it by that much!” and “Would you believe…” entered popular lexicon, forever associated with the show’s unique brand of humor.
More importantly, “Get Smart” demonstrated that comedy could thrive within a traditionally serious genre. It challenged the tropes of spy fiction, poking fun at espionage clichés while still delivering entertaining stories filled with suspense and intrigue (albeit often tinged with absurdity).
So, if you’re looking for a television series that combines witty writing, slapstick humor, and unforgettable characters, look no further than “Get Smart.” Prepare yourself for a whirlwind of spy shenanigans, wacky gadgets, and Max’s endless quest to save the world – even if he trips over his own shoelaces along the way!