“Sorry about that Chief.”
And we’re sorry to learn of the death of Don Adams, aka Agent Maxwell Smart (AKA agent 86) of the television comedy series “Get Smart.”
The show spoofed (rather well, and financially successfully) the James Bond
series. Agent 99, played by Barbara Feldon, was a strong, if occasionally dingy, sidekick to Max. (She also made a few adolescent boys hearts go pitter patter
.) Here’s your ODDquestion of the day: “What was Agent 99’s name?” Answer below.
Adams reprised the role in the 1980’s movie “Get Smart Again.”
Unfortunately, there are no legitimate copies of the TV series available, although HBO DVD
is said to be getting ready to release them.
As regards “Get” movies, our ODDfellows favorite is “Get Shorty,”
the prequel to this year’s godawful “Be Cool” (no one with a conscience would allows innocents to click on a link to “Be Cool.”) Actors in “Get Shorty” were John Travolta (the very cool Chili Palmer), Rene Russo (the very cool Karen Flores), Gene Hackman (the very slimy Harry Zimm), James Gandolfini (the very sinister Ray “Bones” Barboni), and James Gandolfini (the very pre-Tony Soprano “Bear.”)
The “86” of “Agent 86” was inspired by one of two meanings: “To cancel, as to ’86 a project’” or “Bartender code for a drunk, as in ‘He’s 86’ed.’” Your call.
Trick question: Agent 99 didn’t have a name. In one episode she called herself “Susan Hilton,” but
Max: That’s all right Susan.
99: It’s 99, Max. Susan isn’t my real name.
We’re off to fight rottenness.
