Unlocking the World of Inspector Gadget

A Dive into the Iconic Animated Series

This week, I look at the gadget-filled world of the hapless detective- Inspector Gadget.

Unlocking the World of Inspector Gadget: A Dive into the Iconic Animated Series

In 1981, Inspector Gadgets co-creator Andy Heyward left Hanna-Barbera and went to Paris to work at DIC Audiovisual. This is where he met Bruno Bianchi and Jean Chalopin, and they created the idea for Inspector Gadget. Many ideas inspired the trio, including Sherlock Holmes, Dog Wonder, and The Six Million Dollar Man.

As the idea developed, the company wanted the cartoon to appeal to girls, so Penny was introduced to the animation, and Brain the Dog was also added to give the show its family feel. 

Inspector Gadget first appeared on television screens with a pilot in December 1982 and ran from 1983 to 1985 with 86 original episodes. These episodes were produced by DIC Animation City and animated by the Japanese studio Tokyo Movie Shinsha. 

This groundbreaking series introduced audiences to the bumbling yet endearing Inspector Gadget. Since its debut, the show has captivated generations with its blend of comedy, action, and gadgetry.

Inspector Gadget continues captivating audiences with humour, action, and gadgetry. From its humble beginnings in 1983 to its status as a cultural icon, the show has left an indelible mark on animation. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, Inspector Gadget remains a classic that continues to inspire.

A live-action film starring Matthew Broderick, made in 1999, took $134 million at the box office. A direct-to-video sequel was released in 2003, but Broderick did not reprise his role as the title character.

In September 2012, Cookie Jar Entertainment developed a new CGI-animated Inspector Gadget TV series to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Show.

Netflix bought the rights to the show and released an animated version in 2017, showing the character’s longevity.

Over the years, Inspector Gadget has developed, spawning numerous spin-offs and movies. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and innovative storytelling. The show's blend of action, humour, and gadgetry keeps fans on the edge of their seats as Inspector Gadget stumbles through each case, inadvertently foiling Dr. Claw's plans.

Unravelling the Quirky Cast

Inspector Gadget: Inspector Gadget is a cyborg detective with various gadgets built into his body. Despite his clumsiness, he always manages to save the day with the help of his niece Penny and faithful dog, Brain.

Penny: The brains behind the operation, Penny is Inspector Gadget's resourceful niece. With her trusty computer book and quick thinking, she often outwits the show's villains and aids her uncle in solving crimes.

Brain: Penny's loyal canine companion, Brain, is more than just a pet. He assists Penny in her investigations and often goes undercover to gather crucial information.

Chief Quimby, Inspector Gadget's boss, usually delivers a message disguised as a mission brief, which Gadget inadvertently returns to Quimby before they explode.

Dr. Claw: The nefarious mastermind behind most of the show's villainous schemes, Dr. Claw is constantly plotting to take down Inspector Gadget and rule the world. He usually operates his schemes via a computer terminal, accompanied by his pet cat, M.A.D. Cat (a reference to James Bond villain  Blofeld). At the end of each episode, he is foiled and escapes the M.A.D Mobile.

Adventures Beyond Imagination

Inspector Gadget is a renowned cyborg detective affiliated with a covert police agency that thwarts international crimes. His primary adversary is M.A.D., an underworld organisation led by the infamous Dr. Claw. M.A.D. stands for Mean And Dirty. 

Inspector Gadget's assignments typically take him to different locations in his fictional Metro City town. Despite being armed with various gadgets, including a versatile vehicle that can shape-shift between a minivan and a police car, he is notably inept and usually can’t use the gadgets he is equipped with, which typically causes more problems than they solve.

Most investigative work is done by his favourite niece, Penny, a talented young detective working covertly to undermine M.A.D.'s plots and help her uncle. 

Inspector Gadget will survive to fight another crime through all his blunders, usually because of his niece and dog, Brain, who follows him in disguise and is often mistaken by Inspector Gadget as an M.A.D. agent.

As Penny continues investigating the crimes, she remains in touch with Brain while facing danger and using gadgets to get her out of tight spots.

Although Penny and Brian play critical roles, they ensure Quimby sees Inspector Gadget as the one who has completed the mission. Dr. Claw consistently escapes after vowing revenge against Inspector Gadget.

Like several other animations of the 1980s, Inspector Gadget always ended with a public service announcement, usually on public safety topics, such as Stranger Danger.

Throughout the episodes, language was carefully chosen to be child-friendly, and catchphrases were given a high priority in the show, such as “Wowsers”, “Go-Go-Gadget”, and “I’ll get you next time, Gadget! Next Time”

Spin-offs and Merch

Inspector Gadget enjoyed significant commercial success during its original run and has become a cultural phenomenon. Merchandise ranged from video games to toys and clothes. When the animation was first released, all of these flooded the market, cementing the show’s status as a lucrative franchise.

In 2011, a new Inspector Gadget comic book was released in the United States. The book's style is based on the original 1983 television show. A preview comic was released on May 7, 2011, as part of Free Comic Book Day, before the entire story was officially published in August.

The financial success of Inspector Gadget paved the way for numerous spin-offs and adaptations, including direct-to-video movies, a live-action film starring Matthew Broderick, and a CGI-animated series. Each iteration has introduced the beloved characters to new generations of fans, ensuring that Inspector Gadget remains a cherished part of popular culture.

Fun Facts

• The theme music was inspired by Edvard Grieg's movement "In the Hall of the Mountain King" and was composed by Shuki Levy, which is well worth listening to. Theme Tune

• "My name is Inspector Gadget” implied that "Inspector" is his actual first name (rather than a title) and "Gadget" his surname.

• Both Elon Musk and Bill Gates have expressed their fondness for the show.

• Don Adams, the voice of Inspector Gadget, initially turned down the role, believing the show wouldn't be successful. However, he later reconsidered and became synonymous with the character.

In conclusion, Inspector Gadget is a timeless testament to the power of imagination and innovation in animation. With its endearing characters, clever storytelling, and ground-breaking visuals, the series continues to captivate audiences of all ages, reminding us that, even in a world filled with gadgets and gizmos, the most excellent tool of all is the power of laughter.

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