"Get Smart," the iconic American comedy TV series that ran from 1965 to 1970, owes much of its enduring appeal to its memorable cast of characters and the creative genius of its creators, Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. This satirical take on spy films introduced audiences to a world of secret agents, international criminal organizations, and gadgets, all delivered with a unique brand of humor. The series was a critical success, earning seven Emmy Awards
and 14 nominations, along with two Golden Globe awards, a testament to its well-crafted characters and witty writing.
The Agents of CONTROL: Smart, 99, and the Chief
At the heart of "Get Smart" were the agents of CONTROL, a secret American government service. Don Adams brilliantly portrayed the clumsy secret agent Maxwell Smart, also known as Agent 86. Smart's character was defined by his ineptitude, yet he consistently managed to save the day, often through sheer dumb luck or the quick thinking of his partner. Barbara Feldon played Agent 99, whose real name was never revealed throughout the series; even after marrying Smart, everyone, including him, continued to call her 99. In one episode, "99 LOSES CONTROL," she claimed her name was "Susan Hilton," but then immediately stated it was a false name. Edward Platt rounded out the main trio as the Chief of CONTROL, a character sometimes referred to as Thaddeus, though consistently called the Chief. His cover name was cited as "Harold Clark."
KAOS and the Supporting Ensemble
Opposing CONTROL was KAOS, an international criminal organization. Conrad Siegfried, the Vice President for Public Relations and Terror for KAOS, played by Bernie Kopell, was often depicted as Smart's primary adversary, yet he was frequently just as bumbling and ridiculous as Smart himself. The series also featured a colorful array of supporting characters who added to its comedic charm. These included Hymie, a powerful and friendly android portrayed by Dick Gautier, who had a tendency to interpret orders too literally. Agents 44 and 13 were known for always carrying out their missions while confined to cramped spaces like mailboxes, washing machines, or lockers, leading to considerable frustration. Robert Karvelas played Agent Larabee, the Chief's secretary, further contributing to the show's quirky ensemble.
The Visionaries Behind the Humor
The success of "Get Smart" was fundamentally rooted in the vision of its creators, Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. Their ability to craft a parody that was both genuinely funny and a clever commentary on the spy genre set the series apart. The show's humor often stemmed from the contrast between the serious world of espionage and the absurd situations its characters found themselves in, particularly due to Maxwell Smart's antics. The enduring popularity of these characters and their adventures, as evidenced by the series' awards and subsequent adaptations, underscores the lasting impact of Brooks and Henry's creative partnership on television comedy.
