Maxwell Smart (Don Adams) is The Decoy in this episode, written by Sydney Zelinka and Ronald Axe. It first aired on 29 October, 1966.

While Agent X carries the plans to a distant meeting, Agent 86 is to pose as the decoy and draw the attention of KAOS. The Chief (Edward Platt) plants information to support their belief, and Max is briefed on surviving torture.

The Chief has chosen Max as the decoy, because of all the available agents, he’s the only one without a family. Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon) is a little upset about the assignment, though the characters seem to be dancing around their feelings for one another yet again.

And sure enough, KAOS grabs Smart (with a rigged horoscope) and now he’ll have to survive the ordeal ahead of him. But KAOS isn’t going to torture him, they’re going to use a truth serum on him instead. Can he hold out until Agent X completes his mission?

When X delivers the code, the Chief and 99 go after Max before KAOS can get rid of him. It’s goofy, and a little silly as KAOS fights over leadership and torture. But Max wins the days with some fisticuffs and a timely rescue from his team.

Hoo Done It sees the return of Harry Hoo (Joey Forman). Written by Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso, this episode was first broadcast on 5 November, 1966.

With Forman returning as Hoo you know there are going to be problematic things around performance and stereotype.

Hoo, Smart and 99 are in an island paradise and are working on solving a murder. Sounds like an episode of Magnum. It does in fact, riff on Agatha Christie as victims begin to pile up at a resort.

Smart sends 99 for help while he and Hoo work to solve the mystery.

There are plenty of racist stereotypes throughout the episode, but for the most part Hoo proves himself a smarter character then Smart. That being said, it’s still very, very problematic.

As they work together, they are able to work a plan, whether they know it or not, to out the real murderer, who in turn gets the drop on them.

Happily 99 turns up just in time to save them both.

There is some fun stuff here as it plays with the Agatha Christie mystery tropes, but Hoo would have been better if they’d used an Asian actor in the role.

This is the last time we see the character, so we can put that behind us, and hope that future casing opportunities are met a little stronger.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub… Three Spies in a Tub was written by Mike Marmer and Stan Burns. It first debuted on 12 November, 1966. This episode sees the return of KAOS agent Siegfried (Bernie Kopell).

Max and 99 have made it to a hidden KAOS island (perhaps not that far from the resort we saw in the last episode). They are there to disable the navigation computer of the enemy agency.

The episode opens with a nod to From Russia with Love, Smart and 99 are killed! But it’s all a training exercise, preparation for the upcoming mission. They are outfitted and ready to go. And honestly, things go well until they board the wrong sub during their escape.

They end up aboard Siegfried’s sub. Can they convince the crew to mutiny? Can the Chief keep the U.S. Navy at bay until Smart and 99 can get clear of Siegfried and his crew?

Other fun things; there’s a great bit of Smart trying to get into a hammock. 99 seems to be back to mooning over 86 who seems oblivious once again (and that’s too bad). And honestly, Siegfried is hilarious.

This is a fun episode, and probably my favourite of the bunch this week. Let’s see what happens next week.