Top Secret Mission
"Agents of MAD disguised as circus performers have infiltrated this circus. They are using it as a freely-moving base from which to loot and steal. The mission is to expose them and destroy Dr. Claw's cover."
Synopsis
Though he has some "top secret business" to take care of, Inspector Gadget doesn't expect it will take too long, and brings Penny and Brain along to enjoy a day at the circus. After receiving his assignment from Chief Quimby, Gadget joins the circus as a clown, hoping to ferret out any MAD agents working there. Penny immediately suspects the Ringmaster, and with good reason--he's getting his orders directly from Dr. Claw himself (based this time in a gaily-decorated circus wagon). Along with his assistant, a grotesque looking Clown, the Ringmaster tries to eliminate Gadget through a violent clown routine, a dangerous lion-taming act, a sabotaged trapeze performance, and a finale of 'death-defying' stunts staged intentionally to not defy death. Penny keeps abreast of things and makes sure Brain is there at every turn to keep Gadget out of harm's way, and the inspector's final stunt succeeds in capturing the two MAD circus performers just as the police arrive.
Quotable Quote
"Okay, Brutus, put on a good show and I'll see what I can do about getting you out of that cage on good behavior." --Inspector Gadget to the pussycat of a lion he's been training with.
Notes
Mediocre animation and a sort of dull storyline make this one of the duller first season episodes. Though Claw intends to use the circus to move from town-to-town as a mobile crime base, at this point all he is doing is trying to get rid of Gadget, and we're subjected to a proecession of tired circus gags.
Be On The Look-Out For...
...a screw-up in the ink & paint department that turns Mad Cat's nose black for a few frames.
...the ridiculously enormous bust on female member of the Flying Zucchinis.
MAD Agent Count
Two: The ringmaster and the clown.
Unanswered, Nit-Picky Questions
How did Gadget hear Claw's threat as Claw flies off in the MAD jet at the end?
Ridiculous Safety Tip
Never take unnecessary risks on your bike, walk it across intersections, and where white when riding at night.
"Gadget At The Circus"