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?

1. ASLEEP IN THE DEEP

A direct hit on the local pumping station finds the platoon trapped inside the and the room is filling with water...

2. KEEP YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL

When Area HQ announces they are to transfer older members of the Home Guard to the ARP, the platoon decide to take steps to lose a few years.

3. GETTING THE BIRD

Wilson is seen with a blonde half his age, Walker has got hold of 250 pigeons, and Jones offers to play the organ at the church service.

4. A SOLDIER'S FAREWELL

When the platoon neglect to stand to attention for the National Anthem at the cinema, Mainwaring takes action. But is it his leadership or the cheese supper that makes him dream he's Napoleon.

5. THE DESPERATE DRIVE OF CORPORAL JONES

A misread map lands the platoon in a barn marked as the target for artillery practice. There's only one man who can rescue them - unfortunately that's Corporal Jones.

6. IF THE CAP FITS..

Sick of Frazer's sniping, Mainwaring lets him take over the platoon for a couple of days. Then the power goes to Frazer's head...

7. THE KING WAS IN HIS COUNTING HOUSE

When the bank suffers damage, Walker arranges for the money to be taken to Eastgate Branch- with an armed escort following on bicycles.

8. ALL IS SAFELY GATHERED IN

After helping Godfrey bring in the harvest for his friend, Mrs Prentice, the men celebrate with too much potato wine.

9. WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR MONEY?

When Jones hands over sausages instead of the £500 pounds he's raised for local servicemen, the platoon rally round to help him remember where he's put the money.

10. BRAIN VERSUS BRAWN

Challenged to plant a dummy bomb in the OC's office, Mainwaring and his men disguise themselves as firemen. All goes to plan, until they get diverted to a real fire.

11. ABRUSH WITH THE LAW

Is Mainwaring doomed? Hodges has him prosecuted for leaving for leaving the church hall light on - and trial isn't going well.

12. ROUND AND ROUND WENT THE GREAT BIG WHEEL

As he War Office tests its latest secret weapon, the support troops manage to set off a huge catherine wheel packed with explosives.

13. TIME ON MY HANDS

A German pilot has bailed out and landed on the town hall clock tower. The platoon climb up to capture him but getting down is not so easy...

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