I think it's surviving popularity is due to the fact it was superbly written and acted and its aforementioned gentleness because within that gentleness is a barbed message ridiculing the British class system. When such messages are delivered so politely you can't fail to at least listen to the message whereas if you use a sledgehammer to crack a nut (Rik Mayall's The Young Ones springs instantly to mind) then after the shock value has worn off you find the humour isn't funny as 'the shock' was the humour.

Dad's Army really benefits from the fact that it came when it did for the cast ensemble or that the cast were of their age when Dad's Army came along. Most were at the end of their's careers, had experience in abundance (not just of acting but of life itself including the remembrance of the 2nd World War) and could use that experience to make their characters real, authentic, flawed and all. That and they were all just so damm funny.

The genius of humour unfolds before your eyes. How can anyone not recommend such a treasure trove of fun?

THE BIG PARADE
Captain Mainwaring has reservations about letting Private Walker supply the platoon's mascot fur the big 'Spitfire Week' parade.

DON'T FORGET THE DIVER
On an exercise, Walmington-on-Sea platoon come up with an ingenious plan to capture the windmill defended by the Eastgate men.

BOOTS, BOOTS, BOOTS
Captain Mainwaring implements an unpopular series of lengthy marches to achieve the three Fs fast feet, functional feet and fit feet.

SGT - SAVE MY BOY!
During a blackout Private Pike manages to get himself tangled up on barbed wire on the mined beach. As the tide begins to come in, the platoon undertakes a rescue operation.

DON'T FENCE ME IN
When the platoon are detailed to replace regular troops guarding the local prisoner-of-war camp, Private Walker spies a source for cheap labour.

ABSENT FRIENDS
Taking advantage of Captain Mainwaring's absence, the platoon take part in a pub darts match against the wardens...

PUT THAT LIGHT OUT
Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard are sent to guard the local lighthouse - and Corporal Jones is in charge!

THE TWO AND A HALF FEATHERS
New platoon member, Private Clarke reveals that he served with Jones in the Sudan and questions the corporal's service record.

MUM'S ARMY
Captain Mainwaring's plans to involve the women of the town in the platoon become rather too personal.

THE TEST
The platoon are challenged to a cricket match by the ARP Wardens - who have recruited a top-class bowler to their ranks.

A. WILSON (MANAGER)?
A vexed Captain Mainwaring discovers Sergeant Wilson is heading for promotion at Swallow Bank and in the Home Guard.

UNINVITED GUESTS
Following the bombing of the ARP headquarters, Hodges moves his Wardens into Mainwaring's H.Q. at the Church Hall.

FALLEN IDOL
An Officers' drinking session leaves Captain Mainwaring hungover and determined to restore the respect of his men.

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