(I've really stepped in it this time...)
Okay, raise your hand if you think Gadget's my favorite
Rescue Ranger ...
Okay, you can put it down now.
"Just the facts, Ma'am." --Sgt. Joe Friday
Okay, I'll start with things that can be substantiated. We know she isn't left-handed ;) (remember the scene in part 3 of "To The Rescue" where she launched the Screaming Eagle?). Her father was Geegaw Hackwrench, a very respected pilot. She has "a mind-bashingly high IQ" and "gets bored easily". She is a talented inventor. (Check out some of the cool stuff she's made. I think the Ranger Wing is way *past* cool!) She hates it when she has parts left over (she said so herself). She is a bit absent-minded at times. (For example, notice how she stopped to examine the circuitry in the "flying carpet" in "The CarpetSnaggers". One minute she's running like heck, then she's taking a closer look at the carpet.) She knows how to make and use explosives.("...don't you think blowing up the kitchen door is a bit extreme?!?")She has a habit of rambling on and on about a subject (which drives Monty nuts) and her train of thought tends to switch tracks abruptly. She doesn't normally wear dresses, (Probably because they aren't practical attire for greasing gears and other dirty tasks involved in inventing--and repairing those inventions) but has worn a dress 4 times in the series (3 times as part of a disguise, once because Sewernose forced her). She can surf, and the people at Disney say that she can also juggle (but we didn't get to see her do that in the series).
Perhaps one of her most endearing traits is her compassion. She's the only mouse I know of who would risk her life to save a cat. Notice that in "Catteries Not Included", Gadget *refused* to leave until all the cats were free. "...even cats have their place." she said near the end of the episode. When Gadget sees someone in trouble, she wants to help. She doesn't like to see anyone suffering and tends be sympathetic. She is also trusting (a little *too* trusting at times)and idealistic. This has gotten her in trouble a few times (most notably in "Kiwi's Big Adventure" and "Gadget Goes Hawaiian").
Juan Lara shares his thoughts:
"Man, for the longest time I slammed Gadget's 'flakiness' as a negative
character trait. Back then I had a very narrow idea of a positive female
characterization, with no room for faults. But over time I came to
realize that Gadget's tangents were an indicator of her imagination. I
speculate that a lot of her fans in the science/engineering majors share that
personality trait. And so that's part of her appeal."
Quite true. (Comments, Karl?) -Ahem- Juan goes on to say:
"Gadget is very
inquisitive, and thinks of things in terms of problems to be solved, but
that's mistaken for the elevator not reaching the top floor. So she asks 'Now
what comes next,' when she introduces her self to the munks and thinks 'That
would explain it' when Monty's bailing out changes the balance of the Ranger Plane."
Good point. In Computer Science, the first thing we do is define the problem. Then we plan a solution. I think the basic idea also holds for engineering as well. Since Gadget -is- an engineer,(IMHO, she was being quite modest when she told those pandas that she just dabbles in that field, after the girl panda asked, "Are you an engineering student, too?".) she's used to thinking like that.
"This is so strange!" --Gadget Hackwrench
Well, actually there are several things which struck me as strange. First, they didn't reveal much of Gadget's past in the series. Therefore, a lot of things were left open to (rampant) speculation. Her father, Geegaw Hackwrench, was mentioned only once in the series (see Regarding Geegaw). We are not told how Gadget "...lost him over a year ago..." before meeting Chip and Dale. No references were ever made to Gadget's mother (in the series or in the comics). I guess Disney didn't dare dive too deeply into what we can only assume to be a tragic past.
Here's something that struck Jeffer as strange:
"It seemed to me that in early episodes of C&DRR, Gadget was slightly crazy, but that, in later episodes, they de-emphasized this and made her into a more "standard" female supporting character. It seems to be a rule in animation (American animation, anyway) that the female characters are
supportive, nurturing, caring, etc. But I have a sense that Gadget didn't start out that way. She started out as a slightly loopy engineer, but the writers changed her into a more 'sane' personality."
Hmm. I never really noticed that. Has anyone else?
Gadget seemed to behave rather strangely in "Dirty Rotten Diapers".
For about the first part, she appeared to be possessed by George Bush :D
(We must find a kinder, gentler way to handle our cases; it wouldn't be
prudent to resort to violence...) Then, after the bad guys whomp the 'Rangers
pretty badly, Gadget goes "Mike Tyson" on us ("Will *somebody*
hose her down?!?" Chip asked. Wish I could have obliged, mate!) What
were the writers (Dev, Ken, David--this means you!) trying to do? Satirize
political correctness or conform to it? Either way, they bombed. The editors
didn't stop it--because two of the writers *were* the story editors! Yes, Gadget DOES tend to react in an extreme manner when she's been pushed too far ("The Case of the Cola Cult" is a good example of this)or when she's very angry, but this does NOT adequately explain her strange behavior in "Dirty Rotten Diapers".
Here's Karl's response:
"In your musings about Gadget's behavior in "Dirty Rotten Diapers" you may have stumbled upon a deep psychological insight! Could it be that her very mild manner is her way of compensating for a lack of social interaction during childhood and young adulthood? Is it possible that the Gadget who devised dozens of devious and damaging deadfalls and traps to protect her from sinister salesmen, is the *true* Gadget Hackwrench?
Could there be, somewhere in her heart of hearts, a hidden desire to crush her enemies - and then make the rubble bounce??
Or maybe the writers just had an off day... Yeah, that's probably it."
That's certainly something to think about. Don't think too hard, though; it might boogle your mind or make your head spin ;)
Hints, Rumors, and Allegations
Color-change hair???
Well, maybe. In the CDRR comics (and Disney Adventures), her hair was consistently colored as bright orange. In Marvel's Disney Afternoon comics, it was colored a dark blondish color. In the series, however, it has appeared as orange, yellow-orange,
or some odd, dark-blondish color. (There are screen-captures in the Gadget
Archive that prove this.)
Karl shares his theory:
"I think I've cracked the case of Gadget's changing hair color after all!
Here's the scenario - Gadget is blond, motor oil ranges from amber to
brown, transmission fluid is reddish to orangish... see the connection?"
I see it. Interesting theory. However, this doesn't explain color changes for other characters (For example, Monty's mustache has been red, orange, and even brown!!).
"Penzoil tea"??
Okay, I think I know where Candy got this notion. In "Good Times, Bat Times", Dale told Foxglove, "Ohhh, no! You don't wanna eat breakfast here!" After Foxglove asked, "Why not?", Dale replied,"Well, it's Gadget's turn to cook and everything tastes like machine oil!" That may have just been an excuse Dale used so he wouldn't be seen with Foxy (and teased by Chip & Monty). However, in "Song of the Night 'N' Dale", Zipper offered an oil can to Gadget, who responded, "No thanks, Zipper; I'm not thirsty." This (sorta) gave me the impression that Gadget regularly drinks out of oil cans (Yuk!). That scene in conjunction with the bit in "Good Times, Bat Times" could support the assertion that Gadget likes the taste of machine oil. As for her cooking, there could be other reasons:
1. She gets oil on her when she works, right? It isn't easy to clean
oil off of skin, not to mention fur. So, no matter how well she cleans
up, she'll smell like machine oil and this smell gets into the food when
she's cooking.
2. She doesn't excel in the culinary arts.
3. It's due to the way Geegaw taught her how to cook (machine oil instead of cooking oil?)
Strider draws his conclusions...
I happen to think that Dale's statement was an excuse to get away from Foxglove, and that Gadget's little "slip" was just a mistake on her part. Therefore, it is my conclusion that Gadget has not drunk, or ever will drink, machine oil. (Oh, and by the way, it's spelled "Pennzoil." I'm not being picky or nothin', but that's just how I am. :)
Hey, don't look at -me-, guys; I was just using Candy's spelling. ;) Besides, I usually use Havoline (in my -car-, silly!).
Why Gadget isn't the leader of the Rescue Rangers...
Wait a sec, Candy; hear me out before grabbing a rocket
launcher...
Because she isn't anal-retentive like Chip?!? :D Just kidding!! [*grin*] She probably doesn't *want* to be the
leader. There's no doubt in my mind that she's capable, but it seems she'd
rather work on her inventions and let someone else have that responsibility.
Another major reason: self-confidence. We have seen how easily hers can
be shaken (most notably in "The Case of the Cola Cult"). Recall
the scene in part 5 of "To the Rescue" in which Chip said,"...we
have somthing he doesn't have." Gadget quipped, "Enough sense
to get out of here?" Also, she's kinda shy and not very assertive--except
when she's defending her ideas (or one of her inventions). Sorry; Chip
seems like the best candidate for leadership.(But Gadget's a darn good
'field commander'--and a logical choice for 2nd in command.) Come to think
of it, I don't recall Chip coming right out and saying "I am the *leader*
of the Rescue Rangers." Most people assume this--especially the villains
(recall that Maltese DeSade referred to Chip as the *leader* of the Rescue
Rangers). This is probably due to his "take charge" attitude.
Here is what Juan Lara had to say:
Kat, about Gadget not being the leader. I agree with you that she'd
have the problem of lack of self-confidence. Also, she doesn't have the ability
to make definite decisions in an instant. Gadget is mind-bashingly ingenious
and imaginative. So she likes to come up with lots of solutions to a problem.
Then she likes to give each solution equal weight and think about each one.
But that practice could be lethal if you have to make a sudden life-saving decision. This character trait is what "Gadget Goes Hawaiian" is all about.
Cool! It's about time -someone- explained that to me! :)
The Dating Game II
(I've really stepped in it this time...)
One of the most fiercely debated topics of all Rescue Ranger fandom has to be "Who's the right guy for Gadget?". Would she pick Chip over Dale? A scene from Micheal Gibby's "Matters of Life and Death" pretty much sums up my feelings on this matter:
(Dale:)...I wonder which one of us she would have liked more.
Monty: I think she liked us all. But if it were to come to romance, I don't think it would be any of us. She would have met someone that understood her...
I seriously doubt the "someone" in question would be Sparky.
Considering how scatter-brained Sparky was, Gadget would have to be the
responsible one in that relationship. I don't think that would sit
too well with Gadget. Ditto with regard to Dale, plus the lack of common
interests. As for Chip, he just doesn't understand her and it seems that
he isn't very supportive of/for her, either. One reason I don't think she'd
"hit it off" with Chip or Dale is that she treats the 'Rangers
like family. Also, she told Tammy, "Golly! I'm not trying to prove
anything to Chip--or anyone else." Then again, just because she isn't
out to prove anything, that doesn't mean that she doesn't want to be noticed.
For instance, that little (non-verbal) scene at the beginning of "Parential
Discretion Retired" makes me think that Gadget enjoys the attention.
The frame-grab above was taken from that scene--where Chip looks at Gadget,
then Gadget looks at Chip and blushes. What was *that* about?!?
Could Gadget be clueless when it comes to romance? Whenever the boys make
advances, she "retreats". Or is it fear of commitment?
Good advice, considering how volatile this issue can get ;)
If you've been to other sites, you might have seen these:
(No, -I- didn't make 'em!)
In this fandom, some people think Chip & Gadget would make a good couple. That position is "pro-C+G" or just "Pro" for short. Some people, however, do -not- think they would be a nice couple. That position is "anit-C+C" or just "Anti". I'm considered an Anti.
Here is a rather unexpected response from Natasha K. (1st maintainer of the Acorn Cafe & pro-C+G) to Chipette's statement:
Well, truthfully, I agree, too. (I'd just never admit it before because I was always too heated during these "wars", but I realize that you anti's have good points, too, now. I think i've learned how to calm down a bit. I sure hope I can remain that way...) I know I always say they're meant for each other and all, BUT I do realize that Chip and Gadget aren't really passionately in love--at least not in the series. (Not to say that they can't be... ;) There is some obvious chemistry between them, and Chip clearly has some interest in her, but not the sort of true love we've seen them have in the fanfics. It would probably take a severe hardship or adventure for them to finally organize/realize their true feelings about each other or do anything about it for that matter (such as in "Rhyme and Reason"). Particularly Gadget, who we all know is a bit naive sometimes with C&D's advances. (You'd think she would have reacted a little more when Chip took her hand and got that tone in his voice in "Good Times, Bat Times," but nooo.... ;)
(Yes, she tends to rant, too ;) This is a good time to point out that fan fiction -will- vary and, yes, I _can_ like/appreciate a fic in which Chip & Gadget get married ('though my RR fic guide doesn't seem to reflect this) IF it is well written.
"I'm not deaf; I'm just ignoring you."--anonymous(e)
There are several possible reasons why Gadget ignores
Chip's and Dale's advances:
1> She really doesn't notice (because she really is that
naive??).
2> She really isn't "interested" in either chipmunk, so she
ignores them on purpose and hopes they'll eventually give up.
3> She can't sort out her feelings toward them, so she tries to avoid
forcing the issue.
4> She's afraid that if she favored one of the chipmunks, the other
would get upset, break off their friendship, and leave (the team).
5> She doesn't have any amorous feelings toward either one and
doesn't really know how to tell them (similar to #3 above).
6> She has an intense fear of commitment.
John Nowak commented about this:
"Since the romance issue comes up pretty frequently, I thought it was about time to make my own little
contribution to it. Naturally, the opinions expressed herein are mine and no offense is intended.
I haven't seen all the episodes, but there were a few things which stand out in the episodes I have seen and in
discussions of the ones I haven't.
Chip 'n' Dale's Feelings About Gadget
Chip and Dale became twitterpated the moment they met Gadget. This is almost certainly a physical thing, since
she hasn't even introduced herself yet. But heck ? who hasn't had a purely visceral response to a stranger?
It seems very unfair to hold this against them, especially since I'm not aware of any instance where the chipmunks
throw themselves at any other attractive females throughout the series. Dale is very reluctant to clinch with
Foxglove, and although Chip has a momentary twitterpation when he meets Desiree, he's also the one who sees
through her. He appreciates a pretty snout but it doesn't affect his judgment.
It's possible that Chip and Dale's feelings are not sincere and genuine, but it's it would be interesting to establish if
we've seen them be insincere and ungenuine.
Gadget's Feelings about Chip 'n' Dale.
Chip 'n' Dale are relatively straightforward. They are attracted to Gadget and they don't mind who knows it.
Gadget's behavior is less consistent. The big problem for me is that we don't have a clue which order the
episodes take place in with respect with one another, except for the fact the Ranger Plane is replaced with the
Ranger Wing, and Ranger Wing episodes can be assumed to take place after Ranger Plane episodes.
Gadget appears to operate in one of two modes: first, she expresses interest in the chipmunks with body language
and expression; second, she seems completely oblivious to the fact she's being approached.
In Catteries Not Included, certainly one of their earliest adventures, Gadget is nearly kissed by Chip and
successfully kissed by Dale. She seems to be enjoying herself. It seems most likely she's responding to the
attention and an understandable curiosity about smooching. She's been alone a while and having two guys
expressing interest must be flattering on some level.
Later, she seems to withdraw a bit. In Good Times, Bat Times, she appears completely unaware of the fact Chip
is going to approach her with a suggestion he'd like to move their friendship to a different level. In some of the
other oblivious scenes (e.g., Does Pavlov Ring a Bell?), it's pretty clear her mind's on something else. It doesn't
seem fair to take simple distraction as proof she's ignoring anything.
It's safe to say she's not actually clueless. When Dale was replaced by an alien, Gadget invited him to sit next to
her. This was not a casual "Take a load off your feet, Dale," this was "Come over here and sit next to me." It's
perfectly obvious she knows Dale likes to sit next to her, and I'd hazard to say she knows it's not because she
takes up less room on the couch.
She probably pulls back for the obvious reason: she doesn't want a relationship. There's at least two good
motives for this. First, she's decided she doesn't want to get involved with Chip because he doesn't appeal to her.
Second, she's afraid of commitment in general. Either works, but I think the second is more interesting
dramatically."
Interesting observations, Nowak.
Robert Johnson brought up some good points with his take on the subject:
I'm not sure if I'm pro or anti...so here is what I think is going on in her mind.
1. She never learned to interact with people till she joined the team
*nods*
This is obvious given her behavior in part 3 of "To the Rescue".
2. She loves the boys dearly and does not wish to be a source of a broken heart.
3. Compaired to a machine, romance is a very complex thing. She is a critter of deductive logic. Love is as far from logical as one can get.
This girl mouse likes having things that has at the very least the
possibility of a answer that she can grasp. Her instincts know that love can't give her any answer she can understand.
VERY good point.
So if you ask me "can there be romance for Gadget and Chip?" They will date and have some good times, and I think she will be a better mouse for it, but a long term relationship will depend on Chip's patience while she learns what it is to have romantic feeling for someone.
Rather balanced view there, I think ^.^
On the other hand, "Luca" seems to think romance for Gadget and Chip is -not- likely:
Chip is WAY too serious about his job to be able to have any serious
relationship with ANYONE of the female persuasion, let alone Gadget. He
is the consummate example of a humorless workaholic. Just look at how he
treats Tammy and Dale and you will have a pretty good idea of how he will
treat Gadget - either with complete indifference punctuated by extremely
intense exasperation or intense irritation punctuated by bursts of verbal abuse
and physical violence.
MUCKing around/playing in the MUD
David Walker (author of Miami 'Munks) shares his experiences role-playing Gadget:
"Many years ago (1990-92) I role-played gadget on various MUDs (as part of a bet that guys couldn't play believable female characters -- I bet they could, classmate bet they couldn't. I got a NICE steak dinner out of it :) As part of it, my Gadget ended up playing off 2 mice after her heart:
Guru (the guru-90 of the pictures. I was a student at NC State at the
time, thus the NCSU pic), and Toast. I was able to fend both off in a
friendly way for a while, but when one of them was swept away by another
mouse, the balance went out of whack and Gadget fell into the other's arms
(entirely IC, but it ruined the character in the end).
The Gadgetism Test
If you haven't read/taken the Gadgetism Test, this section may not make
any sense. I'm not sure how valid the test is, but ...
Kat's Gadgetism: 66%
A lot of the merchandise listed was stuff I haven't even *seen* in my area--ever.
Oh, wait a minute; I must be thinking of the Rangerity Test... You can
probably figure out how I answered some of the questions just by reading
this page and the main RR page. As for #30: What?!? You mean she *didn't*
write "The Princess Thing"? ;) BTW, I've favored "Tesla"
as a middle name for Gadget ["Algorithm"? That's Computer Science-ish,
Candy. ;) ]
The Gadgetism Test is also where RoboNerd got the term 'Gadgephile'.
According to the test, You're a Gadgephile if you score 50% or better. According to RoboNerd, being a Gadgephile is a state of mind--and you don't *have* to score 50% or better on the Gadgetism Test in order to *be* a Gadgephile. There ARE ways to prove your Gadgetism, beyond the scope of the Gadgetism Test. Hmm. I guess this very webpage is a testament to MY Gadgetism. ;)
Okay, I'm done now.
Let's go back to Kat's "Gadget Hackwrench & the Rescue Rangers" Page.
Special "Thanks" to Aivars for his comments, to RoboNerd (a confirmed Gadgephile) for clearing a few things up, and to John "Q" Davidson for keeping me in line ;)
"Thanks" to everybody for making interesting comments & letting me post them :)
Do you have any comments, theories, or speculations you wish to discuss? Do you have any items to add to the lists above? E-mail me! I can be reached at: kuwani01@yahoo.com
"...I'll tell ya what I think; I think--"
"I think we should be going now!"