Get Smart

“Get Smart” is a classic American television series that aired from 1965 to 1970. Created by Mel Brooks and Buck…

By Staff , in TV Series , at August 23, 2024 Tags: television

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“Get Smart” is a classic American television series that aired from 1965 to 1970. Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, the show is a satirical comedy that parodies the spy genre, particularly the James Bond films, which were extremely popular at the time. The series is known for its clever humor, memorable catchphrases, and the bumbling yet endearing protagonist, Maxwell Smart, who is also known as Agent 86.

Overview
Premise:
“Get Smart” is set in the world of international espionage, where the main character, Maxwell Smart (played by Don Adams), works as a secret agent for CONTROL, a U.S. government counterintelligence agency. CONTROL is engaged in a constant battle against KAOS, an international organization of evil.
The show is a parody of the spy genre, mixing slapstick comedy with absurd situations, gadgets, and clever wordplay. Despite his incompetence, Maxwell Smart often manages to foil KAOS’s plans, usually through sheer luck or the competence of his partner, Agent 99 (played by Barbara Feldon).

Main Characters:
Maxwell Smart (Agent 86): The protagonist of the series, Maxwell Smart is a well-meaning but bumbling secret agent. Known for his iconic catchphrases like “Would you believe…?” and “Sorry about that, Chief,” Smart is always equipped with an array of ridiculous gadgets, including his famous shoe phone. Despite his clumsiness, Smart’s dedication to his job and his unintentional heroism make him an effective, if unlikely, spy.
Agent 99: Maxwell Smart’s partner, Agent 99 is competent, intelligent, and often saves the day when Smart’s plans go awry. She is never referred to by her real name, maintaining the mystery around her character. Agent 99’s cool-headedness and resourcefulness complement Smart’s bumbling nature, and the two share a close bond that eventually leads to marriage in later seasons.
The Chief: The Chief (played by Edward Platt) is the head of CONTROL and Smart’s boss. He often shows exasperation at Smart’s antics but trusts him enough to assign him to important missions. The Chief’s role is to keep CONTROL running smoothly while dealing with the chaos that often follows Smart.
KAOS: The show’s main antagonists, KAOS, are a group of inept but dangerous villains who constantly try to outsmart CONTROL. Various recurring characters represent KAOS, each with their own unique quirks.

Success and Influence
Cultural Impact:
“Get Smart” was a critical and commercial success, running for five seasons and producing 138 episodes. The show was praised for its witty writing, clever satire, and memorable performances, particularly by Don Adams, whose portrayal of Maxwell Smart became iconic.
The series had a significant impact on popular culture, with its catchphrases, gadgets, and humorous take on the spy genre becoming widely recognized. The shoe phone, in particular, became one of the most famous gadgets in television history.

Awards and Recognition:
The show received numerous awards and nominations during its run, including several Emmy Awards. Don Adams won three consecutive Emmys for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series (1967, 1968, 1969). The show also won Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1968 and 1969.

Spin-offs and Revivals:
The success of “Get Smart” led to several spin-offs and revivals. In 1980, a feature film titled “The Nude Bomb” (also known as “The Return of Maxwell Smart”) was released, starring Don Adams as Maxwell Smart. The film was not well-received and failed to capture the charm of the original series.
In 1995, a television movie called “Get Smart, Again!” was produced, reuniting the original cast. The movie was more successful than the previous film and served as a tribute to the original series.
There was also a short-lived revival series in 1995, which aired on FOX. This version featured Maxwell Smart as the Chief of CONTROL, with his son, Zach Smart (played by Andy Dick), as the new Agent 86. The revival was canceled after just seven episodes.
In 2008, “Get Smart” was adapted into a feature film starring Steve Carell as Maxwell Smart, Anne Hathaway as Agent 99, and Alan Arkin as the Chief. The film was a box office success and introduced the characters to a new generation, though it received mixed reviews from critics.

Legacy:
“Get Smart” remains a beloved television classic, known for its humor, charm, and the memorable character of Maxwell Smart. The show is often cited as one of the greatest TV comedies of all time and continues to be enjoyed by audiences through reruns and streaming services.
The show’s influence is evident in later spy comedies and parodies, including movies like “Austin Powers” and TV series like “Archer.” “Get Smart” set the standard for blending action, satire, and humor in a way that remains influential to this day.