Inspector Gadget: A Star is Lost | S01E11 (1983)

In this 1983 classic, Dr. Claw has a "bright" idea to take over the world. He plans to kidnap the famous singer and actress Rick Rocker and replace him with a M.A.D. agent double to broadcast subliminal messages to his fans. Inspector Gadget is assigned to be Rick Rocker's bodyguard, but in true Gadget fashion, he spends most of the time protecting a mannequin or getting distracted by the "special effects" on set. It’s up to Penny and Brain to navigate the treacherous backlots of the movie studio and save the real star before the final curtain falls! What to "watch" in this Hollywood caper: The Rick Rocker Parody: Rick is a classic 80s rockstar trope—think Rick Springfield meets David Bowie. The contrast between his "cool" persona and Gadget's clumsiness is comedy gold. The M.A.D. Recording Studio: Dr. Claw's lair gets a musical makeover as he attempts to "remix" his evil plans. It’s one of the few times we see the M.A.D. agents dealing with high-end audio equipment. Brain’s "Stuntman" Disguise: Brain has to take some serious hits in this episode, acting as Gadget’s "double" during several dangerous movie stunts gone wrong. Gadget’s "Star" Power: There’s a hilarious moment where Gadget actually thinks he’s been discovered as a major actor, completely oblivious to the fact that he’s just stumbling through a live set. The Studio Chase: The finale features a high-speed pursuit through various movie sets—from an Old West town to a sci-fi spaceship—making great use of the "studio" setting for action. This episode is a total "blockbuster" of 80s animation, blending Hollywood satire with the high-tech gadgets we love.