'Inspector Gadget' Trailer: Netflix Revives An '80s Classic

Believe it or not, Inspector Gadget is over 30 years old at this point — he first came into being as an animated show from the mid-'80s. But older doesn't always mean wiser, and that goes double in the case of this bionic detective. In the first trailer for Netflix's new Inspector Gadget series, he proves to be as embarrassingly incompetent as ever.

Lucky for him, no one around him has changed much either. His much more capable niece Penny is still happy to help, as is her dog Brain, and Quimby (for some reason) continues to rely on him. Watch the new Inspector Gadget trailer after the jump. 

Netflix unveiled the first Inspector Gadget trailer on YouTube.

Y'know, as a kid I just kind of accepted that Inspector Gadget was a bumbling fool and Penny was the one who did all the real work. It's only now that I'm revisiting the premise as an adult that I'm realizing just how bizarre and horrifying this entire situation is.

What kind of grownup takes credit for the work done by his underage niece? And if Quimby's so smart, how hasn't he figured out that Gadget is terrible at his job? For that matter, why doesn't Penny stand up and demand her share of the glory? Is this why the pay gap still exists? Lean in, girl!

All right, so I'm probably overanalyzing what is clearly meant to be a time-waster for young children. But I have to make my own fun here. This trailer isn't terribly interesting if you're a childless adult. The animation looks cheap and the humor is weak. (Though I suppose it could be worse. At least it's not that offensively awful Richie Rich trailer.)

In a statement announcing the series, Eric Barmack, VP of global independent content at Netflix, expressed his hope that it would appeal to adults and kids alike:

It's one of those shows where we're able to hit a few different audiences. We think that kids are going to love the show ... but it's also going to get some co-viewing because there is a generation of parents who grew up on the original.

However, there are a few differences between the original and this version. For one thing, it has Inspector Gadget already retired. He gets pulled back in when Dr. Claw and M.A.D. make yet another attempt to take over the world. For another, it features a brand new character called Talon. He's Claw's nephew and, inevitably, Penny's crush.

Inspector Gadget hits Netflix March 27. The first season will consist of 26 episodes.