Ep 2. Strike While the Agent is Hot

When "Strike While the Agent is Hot" begins, Control's highly skilled operatives--including Agent 86, Maxwell Smart--are on high alert because one of their secure identities has been discovered by KAOS. It seems that KAOS has been able to infiltrate Control's identity files, so the Control agents are all on watch for any suspicious activity. The twist comes when a KAOS agent infiltrates Control's mailroom and delivers a message to Max that his ex-girlfriend, Agent 99, has been kidnapped by KAOS. Max immediately sets out with his best gadgets to rescue 99, but things take a turn for the worse when Max discovers that the "kidnapping" was a hoax, and that he's been lured into a trap.

This episode features the usual blend of espionage and slapstick humor that made "Get Smart" a hit in the 1960s. The show's creators successfully balance the genre conventions of spy thrillers with the zany humor of sitcoms, all while skewering the popular tropes of both. Episode 2 of season 2 is classic Get Smart, complete with secret bunkers, villainous henchmen, and a slew of random gadgets that are always malfunctioning at precisely the wrong moments.

One of the standout elements of "Strike While the Agent is Hot" is the dynamic between Max and 99. The two characters have a long and complicated history, and their interactions in this episode are both funny and poignant. Their banter ranges from playful to sarcastic, but there are hints of deeper emotional bonds lurking beneath the surface. Both Max and 99 are highly skilled operatives who take their jobs seriously, but their personal lives are full of messy complications. The episode touches on themes of loyalty, trust, and forgiveness, all while delivering plenty of laughs along the way.

Another strength of "Strike While the Agent is Hot" is how it balances the absurdity of its premise with well-executed action sequences. The show's fight scenes may be goofy, but they're also expertly choreographed and shot. It's clear that the show's creators put a lot of effort into creating entertaining set pieces that would keep audiences engaged. The fight choreography often involves exaggerated movements and silly sound effects, but it never feels lazy or slapdash. The fight scenes are always visually interesting and creatively executed.

Of course, one of the most iconic aspects of "Get Smart" is the show's use of gadgetry. Max's shoe phone is perhaps the most famous example, but there are plenty of other gadgets on display in "Strike While the Agent is Hot." Some of these gadgets are practical, like the bulletproof vest that Max wears during a dangerous mission. Others are pure comedy, like the "tape recorder in a typewriter" that is supposed to record all of Max's conversations. The gadgets in "Get Smart" often serve as punchlines to jokes, but they're also used to propel the plot forward. In "Strike While the Agent is Hot," Max's gadgets are used both for comic effect and to help him complete his mission.

Overall, "Strike While the Agent is Hot" is a strong entry in the "Get Smart" canon. It showcases the show's strengths, including its blend of spy thriller and sitcom genres, its use of well-executed action sequences, and its reliance on goofy gadgets. The episode is also notable for its exploration of Max and 99's complicated relationship, which adds emotional depth to an otherwise lighthearted show. Fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy in "Strike While the Agent is Hot," and newcomers will be introduced to the charmingly absurd world of "Get Smart." So, it's a must-watch if you love comedy and spy thrillers.