Inspector Gadget (1983–2023) User Reviews (55)

Wowers, What A Show

[snorlax3111984 · 8/10 · 8 May 2017]

Recently I finished watching every episode of the original "Inspector Gadget" episode. It's kind of crazy considering I didn't even like the show as a kid.

The main reason for the differences because how I perceive Gadget as a kid as an adult is that when I saw it as a kid, I didn't know who Don Adams was. Becoming acquainted with "Get Smart", I learned what a genius Don Adams was and this gave a lot more credibility to Gadget as Don Adams voiced him. "Inspector Gadget" has long been considered a spiritual successor to "Get Smart". It helps that Gadget said "sorry about that, chief" on a few occasions and even said "would you believe..." once or twice.

"Inspector Gadget" is one of those shows that has a set formula for what happens in each episode but it's so entertaining in action and comedy that even after 86 episodes it didn't seem stale. No matter what happens, you'll still be laughing at Gadget and cheering on his niece Penny & dog Brain as they're the real ones who save the day. You'll probably laugh at the self-destructing messages harming Chief Quimby but I always felt sorry for him.

Of course you can't talk about "Inspector Gadget" without its awesome villain. Dr. Claw is always entertainingly evil (he perhaps gets his name from Get Smart's villain "The Claw"). I never get tired of hearing him threatening his underlings. His pet/punching bag, Mad Cat is also very entertaining, especially when he does random stuff like mimicking Dr. Claw's fish- shaking or tying Dr. Claw's hand to his chair for no reason.

While the show was always good, it declined a bit in the second season. It seemed a tad lazy to use the same chief henchman in 3 separate episodes after all Season 1 episode used a different chief henchman. I was disappointed that they did less travel episodes and keep most of Season 2 in Metro City. The less said about Corporal Capeman the better. DIC thought he's be a welcome addition and they were wrong.

One good thing I can say about season 2 is they had good parodies of movies like Ghostbusters, Gremlins, The Godfather and Arsenic & Lace. It's good to see Frank Welker & Maurice Lamarche working on the same show 1 year before they began voicing Egon & Ray in "The Real Ghostbusters".

DIC was no match for Nicktoons or Disney Afternoon but they still made some dang good cartoons.

That series we all see when we're little.

[afonsobritofalves · 7/10 · 26 September 2018]

One of the best animated series of the 80's. Great for children, full of intelligent humor and very educational. Highly recommend for children.

I don´t know about that movie...

[Wicky_Wicky_Nicky · 8/10 · 30 April 1999]

I just noticed that there is a movie coming out soon, about Inspector Gadget.First I thought, COOL (!), but then I got a bit worried.The cartoon from the 1980s was very funny and as a kid I used to watch it all the time, I thought it was one of the best cartoons around, with a catchy theme too (let´s hope they´ll keep that original theme in the movie).When I thought about who would be the perfect non-animated Inspector Gadget I came up with a few names : Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman or maybe Andy Garcia (...or maybe not, too serious).They have hired Matthew Broderick to play Inspector Gadget(!), let´s just hope they know what they are doing.Broderick hasn´t been very "good" in his latest movies (Godzilla for example, yuk!!).Well, I guess only when I have seen the movie I will know if he has even tried to make an effort to make the "perfect Gadget"

This show Rocks the Casba!!!

[dootuss · 8 November 2002]

I LOVE this show!! I used to watch it all the time when it was on Nickelodeon (you know back when it was cool, and all of the shows they aired DIDN'T suck.), and I never missed an episode. Don Adams rocked on this show just like on "Get Smart" (which this show kind of takes off from) The best part of the show was when Penny would always solve the crime, and Gadget would always walk right into it, and get the credit (Sure it's not a good thing, but this show made it cool). I wish I was like Inspector Gadget because he has all of those gadgets like the umbrella, and the roller skates. That would be so cool if I was like Gadget, except I'd be way smarter. P.S. Don't see the movie it sucked.

This classic gets a 10/10.

I Wanted to See Dr. Claw

[view_and_review · 7/10 · 22 March 2024]

I loved "Inspector Gadget." He was a bumbling detective that couldn't solve a single crime without the help of Penny (voiced by Holly Berger and Cree Summer) and her dog Brain (voiced by Frank Welker). Penny was super brilliant and Brain would usually suffer some harm while trying to help the hapless Inspector Gadget (voiced by Don Adams).

Every mission Gadget was one required two things. It required him to use a gadget that he'd summon by saying "Go go gadget (insert device name here)." Whatever he summoned, it would usually be the wrong thing, but it was still cool. The second thing the Gadget mission required was Dr. Claw at the end saying "I'll get you Gadget!" in his deep, raspy, ominous voice as he slammed his control panel. We never saw anything from Dr. Claw except his right arm and hand. I wanted to see him so badly!

Lots of fun

[safenoe · 7/10 · 28 February 2022]

Don Adams has a distinctive voice, and it was a pleasant surprise to see him turn up voicing Inspector Gadget in these gentle cartoons where all's well that end's well.

There's no nasty twist in or cliffhangers in Inspector Gadget. No Inside No. 9 twist, no Sawesque references, no Human Centipede and no Hostel.

Just pure fun with Inspector Gadget.

Classic show from my childhood

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 8 March 2011]

Shows like Inspector Gadget, Dangermouse, Scooby Doo, Looney Tunes, Pink Panther Show, Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Darkwing Duck, Talespin, DuckTales, Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain and Tiny Toons make me realise how much I miss my childhood. Whenever I see an episode of either of those shows all those warm, nostalgic memories come flooding back.

Inspector Gadget is a classic. Forget the movies, which were both quite poor, this show is the real thing. The animation has a great look to it, I loved the designs of the characters and backgrounds and the colours are visually pleasant too. The music alone gives the show its classic status, the theme tune is wonderful. The writing is very consistent in a good way, the stories are always exciting and well-thought out and the pace is spot on.

The characters add a huge amount to the show. Gadget himself is bumbling yet very lovable, Penny is not irritating instead she is very likable and smart and Dr Claw(who you never see other than his claw) is a great villain. The voice acting also adds a lot, Don Adams, Cree Summer and Frank Welker are all top notch. Overall, this childhood favourite is a classic and worth looking out for. 10/10 Bethany Cox

ive already made a review where is it

[mattcymru · 7/10 · 21 December 2018]

Where is my review you know we put time and effort into this stuff and yuo just bin it???

Good show

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 9/10 · 4 May 2006]

I used to watch this show when I was growing up. When I think about it, I remember it very well. If you ask me, it was a good show. In addition, I especially remember the opening sequence and theme song very well. One thing I must say is that everyone was ideally cast. Also, the writing was very strong. The performances were top-grade, too. I hope some network brings it back so I can see every episode. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever, even though I'm not sure if I've seen every episode. Now, in conclusion, if some network ever brings it back, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.

Not sorry 'bout that at all, chief!

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 13 April 2011]

Some years after playing the inept Maxwell Smart, Don Adams played an equally witless agent: Insp. Gadget. Come to think of it, there were plenty of funny contraptions of the previous show (such as the shoe-phone). Now that I think of it, Penny's computer disguised as a book predicted the iPhone by almost twenty years!

Like Insp. Clouseau, Gadget causes more accidents than he prevents, saving the day out of dumb luck (although it's actually Penny and Brain who do the work, unbeknownst to Gadget). I would hate to be Chief Quimby: the things that both he and Maxwell Smart's chief have to put up with! I guess that if Dr. Claw actually knew what a moron the inspector is, he and his cat would probably just have the poor sucker shot (which would probably fail).

I notice that "Inspector Gadget" got created by DIC, the same studio that created "The Real Ghostbusters" (both featured the voices of Frank Welker and Maurice LaMarche). It would have been neat to do a show in which Gadget and the Ghostbusters have to cooperate on an assignment.

Anyway, pretty funny. Yes, I would believe.

Show had obvious hole

[joe-ladwig · 5/10 · 31 December 2018]

Dr.Claw only had 1 scheme going at a time, I found the obvious weakness, in team Gadget, Gadget is an idiot. If Dr Claw had reviewed each scheme, and wanted to get rid of Gadget, there is a sequence on how to do it, (step1) Brain the dog must be dealt with somehow, (step 2) Deal with Penny, by locking her up or something (Step 3) Destroy Gadget.

Still fun to watch.

[BlackJack_B · 9/10 · 5 October 2010]

Inspector Gadget remains one of my favorite cartoon series. I've probably seen the 64 episodes of the original season dozens of times. It never gets tiresome to see Gadget's *ahem* gadgets fail on him or getting friendly with the M.A.D. Agents who are trying to off him.

I sometimes feel he was made to be dense so he wouldn't know Penny (his super-genius niece) and Brain (Gadget and Penny's disguise-wearing beagle) actually do all the heavy lifting.

The voice work of Don Adams (as Gadget), Cree Summer (as Penny) and Frank Welker (as Dr. Claw) is top-notch. The cartoon isn't dated at all in fact, despite being from the 1980's. I'll still watch an episode here or there on Teletoon Retro. It's great children's T.V., too.

My favorite episode is Quizz Master, the final episode of the original 64 series run. Dr. Claw brainwashes people on a Let's Make A Deal-type gameshow into robbing armored cars. It's laugh-out-loud funny to see Inspector Gadget's attempts to win a toaster.

5

[Edvis-1997 · 5/10 · 30 May 2021]

Have to see that this one was very average and kind of one of the worst TV series at this time.

Go-Go Gadget Review

[Big Movie Fan · 4 June 2002]

If there is anyone out there who enjoyed 1980's cartoon shows then I recommend you head for the nearest convention and get some old tapes because the 80's were brilliant for cartoons.

Each episode Inspector Gadget would receive his instructions from Police Chief Quimby who would usually be hiding in the oven or a wastebin. Gadget would then go off to fight crime with the aid of countless gadgets such as an umbrella which came out of his head and springs in his feet. In fact, Gadget had loads and loads of gadgets; how they ever got them all into the human body is a mystery.

Gadget would go out to solve the crime but he was actually a bumbling detective. It was actually his niece Penny and his dog Brain who would solve the crime but of course Gadget took all the credit.

The villains were good. The organisation was M.A.D. (I cannot remember what M.A.D. stood for)which was headed by the unseen Dr. Claw whose face was never revealed throughout the show (I could be wrong). Claw was one of those typical wicked 80's villains.

Gadget had it all-comedy and action. It was brilliant.

I Can't Get Enough

[schitlipz · 10/10 · 8 April 2021]

Since I got the DVDs I can't stop watching. Don Adams is absolutely hilarious! There are a lot of jokes that kids wouldn't exactly figure out, so I'm enjoying it in a new and fresh way than I did when I was a teenager.

Very catchy tune.

I miss this show so bad...

[Chris1993-102-829725 · 10/10 · 8 September 2014]

I grew up with the eighties Inspector Gadget and I absolutely loved this show, and I still do. The show was funny and exciting and I really truly miss the adventures of the clumsy Inspector Gadget, his brave and intelligent niece Penny and her dog Brain setting out to stop Dr. Claw and MAD's evil plans. The theme song brings so much joy and so many memories of Inspector Gadget, Penny and Brain. The animation is so beautiful and unlike any cartoon show I have seen, the characters are hilarious and lovable and voice cast is outstanding. Again, it really makes me miss the old Inspector Gadget from my childhood.

It is a unique show and one of my favorites that I will always hold dear.

Not bad but...

[kikiboo_8 · 5/10 · 29 May 2022]

It's not bad. However, it's not particularly compelling either. Gadget is an airhead, dimwit and is ridiculously unaware of his surroundings. How he got the job in the first place is a huge mystery to me, I didn't watch too many episodes. Anyway, he's neither goofy or lovable and he doesn't really show many, if any, traits that would make you like him, sympathize with him, root for him and want to see what will he do next. His niece is a cute and a very smart little girl but it's still kind of ridiculous that she spends all of her time with him. What about her parents? School? Friends? As for the dog he's flat and uninteresting, they could have made at least one single warm and funny character, but no... Most episodes follow the similar vein and none are very funny or interesting. It's not an awful show by a long shot, however, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Go Go Gadget!

[OllieSuave-007 · 9/10 · 14 February 2017]

Another cartoon show from my childhood - about Inspector Gadget, the super cop with just about every mechanical tool and gadget built into him, from a copter under his detective hat to his extended arms, and from roller skates under his shoes to his extended legs. He battles the forces of M.A.D., a criminal organization bent on taking over some of the world's greatest landmarks or artifacts, headed by the notorious Dr. Claw.

Inspector Gadget is voiced by Get Smart actor Don Adams, who gave the character a very unique and comedic portrayal that fits Gadget's good-hearted but bumbling personality. In the earlier episodes, Gadget seemed to be more in tune in tracking down the bad guys and giving chase to Dr. Claw, but as the show progressed, he seemed to be oblivious to his surroundings while on his mission, inadvertently allowing his niece Penny and dog Brain solve the crimes for him. I would have prefer to see Gadget to be a little more competent, and could do without the later addition of the annoying character Corporal Capeman. But, nonetheless, this was a really fun show with plenty of laughs, adventures and a really catchy theme song.

It's a real treat seeing Inspector Gadget use his many gadgets and tools as he tries to get himself in and out of wild situations. And, it's always suspenseful for this cartoon that Dr. Claw's face is practically never shown.

Grade A-

Inspector Gadget

[jboothmillard · 4/10 · 27 May 2005]

When I was younger I only watched a couple of episodes of this crime solving guy. He was basically an idiot with gadgets. A little girl named Penny (with a dog) has an uncle called John Brown. In the show he solves crimes for the police with help of his egos, which is why they call him Inspector Gadget. Inside his body are many big and small mechanical materials to help him with his job. He could turn himself into an airbag, he had a helicopter propeller, he could extend his arms, legs and neck, and many other weird and wonderful devices. The only problem was he was an idiot when he used them. I mainly liked this show for the theme tune. Personally, this a lot better than the poor movie, don't bother seeing the movie, just see this! It was number 46 on The 100 Greatest Cartoons. Okay!

Good work, "Gadget"!

[Mister-6 · 12 June 2000]

Here's your assignment: find another animated policeman who could possibly match Jacques Clouseau for accidents per hour...and happens to be loaded with all kinds of mechanical props.

"Inspector Gadget" makes for the perfect kid's show: lots of slapstick, the kids are the smartest ones in the room, the bad guys are all lunk heads, good always wins over evil and the dog gets all the best scenes. And then, there's Gadget himself.

Logic would dictate that Don Adams should do the voice (after all, he WAS Maxwell Smart!). That sharp, snappy voice was the perfect accent for a character who thought himself right all of the time; no matter whether he was or not.

When searching for clues, foiling the plans of Dr. Claw and his MAD organization with a heroic declaration like "I'm always on duty", accidentally blowing up his Chief Quimby every episode and striking fear into all agents out to destroy him (usually, through no fault of his own), Gadget was always cool, on top of the situation and, even when his first guess was always wrong, his third or fourth guesses made up for them.

His niece Penny was the thinker of the family, though, with her computerized notebook and keen mind for deductive reasoning. She was the main reason her uncle stayed around every episode. And faithful pet dog Brain kept a close eye on Gadget and, even when mistaken for a MAD agent, helped him time and again out of very sticky situations.

Forever alive in syndication, nothing can ever dim the might and power that is "Inspector Gadget". Gadget is, quite simply, THE MAN (main emphasis on the "simply" part)!

Ten stars. Go, "Gadget", go!

Classic Gold

[ThunderKing6 · 8/10 · 15 February 2021]

IG was a very fun cool show.

Its about a dimwitted detective who tries to solve cases while his Daughter and ugly mutt follows along.

This show was very suspenseful, fun and full of adventure and action.

The villain is awesome, till this day I've never seen the face of that evil villain.

Verdict: What do you do when your mom asks you for help?





Inspecther Gadget. was a Gold show.

Finally, A REAL SHOW!

[TheStarblazingsomethingorother · 10/10 · 25 July 2023]

Move over, Care Bears. I'm tired of your happy-pappy nonsense anyway. Bring on the Gadget! This is the best thing since Speed Racer. The villain is actually villainous. There's action everywhere. And the girl character ISN'T a prissy little princess! She's a cool character with computer skills and is extremely smart! AWESOME! And it's got humor, and it's so much fun to watch. With it's great theme song, and exciting stories. Definitely a must-watch! This, along with Speed Racer, are two great shows that are highly recommended by me to everyone else! This is awesome! Good job DIC. This may be the best cartoon from the 80s.

Inspector Gadget: A Promising Premise, but a Disappointing Execution - A Review

[hdoerr-02108 · 4/10 · 10 January 2024]

After viewing Inspector Gadget, I felt underwhelmed. Although the show's premise appeared promising, the execution fell below my expectations. While not entirely unlikable, the characters lack depth and exist solely to move the plot forward. Speaking of the plot, it felt predictable and formulaic, making it challenging to stay engaged. While there were a few moments of fun here and there, they were few and far between and insufficient to compensate for the lack of substance. I would give Inspector Gadget a 4 out of 10 stars. While it's not the worst show out there, it's certainly not worth watching if you're looking for something that will capture your attention and entertain you.

Great cartoon show fun fun fun

[mervclan · 8/10 · 26 February 2011]

I saw this after the movie and what to say it was so great it was quit fun to watch the characters where very well made the back ground music was quit very well done and quit simile to the doctor who music in 1987 to 1989 the story is about gadget with Peny and Brain who try to stop Dr Claw from taking over the world I really want the box set of this show on DVD because its quit fun to watch and the characters are very well made this great cartoon its on my favorite show list but its not my favorite show or my least favorite show my favorite show is doctor who my least favorite show is definitely family guy but this show is great so is the movie but the movie is very underrated and should get a better rating and speaking of which I just got the inspector gadget movie out on DVD to start off the set and to have for my Disney movies which are my favorite this show is nexit in line to my inspector gadget DVD set go go gadget this very fun as well this gets a 5 stars in my book I give this show an 8.1 out of 10. very good

"An animated version of Inspector Closeau...yet done with more conviction."

[jamesraeburn2003 · 8 June 2004]

A bumbling police inspector from Metro City who was given several mechanical gadgets by a brilliant engineering professor after an accident always manages to hash up his investigative work while his niece Penny and her dog called Brain solve the cases for him yet he always gets the credit. Gadget's chief adversary was Dr Claw who ran a large crime syndicate known as MAD and was always out to control the world.

A childhood favourite of this reviewer, despite being rather skimpy on the animation at times, this was a fun cartoon show that managed to lay down a convincing sinister atmosphere. Inspector Gadget was an animated version of Inspector Clouseau with mechanical gadgetry and more fun than the latter. When I was little most programmes for kids were so shoddy, but this was one of the better ones.