"Get Smart," the acclaimed American comedy TV series from 1965-1970, distinguished itself through its brilliant parody of spy films, largely thanks to its unforgettable cast of characters. Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry, the show's humor stemmed from the interplay between its central figures: the bumbling but well-meaning Agent Maxwell Smart, the intelligent and capable Agent 99, and their exasperated but supportive superior, the Chief. These
characters, along with a memorable supporting cast, formed the backbone of a series that earned seven Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, cementing its place in television history as a masterclass in comedic espionage.
Maxwell Smart: Agent 86
At the heart of "Get Smart" was Don Adams' portrayal of Maxwell Smart, alias Agent 86. Smart was depicted as an inept secret agent for CONTROL, a U.S. government secret service. Despite his frequent blunders and reliance on gadgets that often malfunctioned, Smart possessed an unwavering confidence and an uncanny ability to stumble into success. His character was a direct satire of the suave, hyper-competent spies prevalent in popular culture, turning the genre's conventions on their head. Smart's catchphrases and his unique approach to espionage became synonymous with the show's comedic identity, making him one of television's most beloved comedic figures.
Agent 99: The Competent Counterpart
Barbara Feldon played Agent 99, Smart's highly competent and resourceful partner. In the pilot episode, she meets Agent 86, and despite their eventual marriage, she is consistently referred to as 99, even by Smart himself. While an episode titled "99 LOSES CONTROL" suggests her name might be "Susan Hilton," she quickly dismisses it as a false identity. Agent 99 often served as the brains and brawn behind their missions, frequently rescuing Smart from his predicaments. Her intelligence, professionalism, and occasional exasperation with Smart provided a crucial grounding element to the show's absurdity, creating a perfect comedic foil.
The Chief and Supporting Cast
Edward Platt portrayed the Chief of CONTROL, a character who, despite being called Thaddeus in some episodes and having the cover name "Harold Clark," was universally known simply as the Chief. He was the long-suffering superior who had to contend with Smart's antics while trying to run a serious spy organization. His reactions to Smart's incompetence often provided some of the show's most humorous moments. The supporting cast further enriched the series' comedic landscape.
This included Hymie, the powerful yet literal-minded robot played by Dick Gautier, whose inability to grasp nuance led to many comedic situations. Agents 44 and 13 were recurring characters often found trapped in confined spaces like mailboxes or lockers, adding a layer of physical comedy and frustration. Robert Karvelas played Agent Larabee, the Chief's secretary, contributing to the ensemble's dynamic. The primary antagonist was KAOS, an international criminal organization, with Conrad Siegfried, its Vice President for Public Relations and Terror, often serving as Smart's equally bumbling nemesis, played by Bernie Kopell. The interactions between these diverse characters were central to the show's enduring comedic appeal.
