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. THE DEADLY ATTACHMENT

A German U-boat crew are found adrift in a dinghy. At the church hall, Mainwaring and his men are given the task of guarding them, but the roles are soon reversed when Corporal Jones is caught in an awkward position.

2. MY BRITISH BUDDY

Mainwaring arranges a darts match to welcome a party of American GI's to Walmington-on-Sea. But the appearance of some local ladies soon causes the welcome to turn sour.

3. THE ROYAL TRAIN

The Royal Train carrying the King is to pass through Walmington-on-on-Sea and Mainwaring's platoon has been chosen to provide a guard of honour. It's only when the Snettlefold train arrives first that the trouble begins...

4. WE KNOW OUR ONIONS

On a training weekend, the platoon are making a mess of their initiative test - until they remember the consignment of Hodge's onions in the back of Jones' van...

5. THE HONOURABLE MAN

On the death of his uncle, Wilson has become a peer. Already invited to join the golf club, now he's been chosen over Mainwaring to welcome a visiting Russian dignitary.

6. THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

Having run out of petrol, the platoon seek refuge in a dark and gloomy house. They soon find themselves tormented by the howling hounds - and not just at night.

7. THE RECRUIT

When Mainwaring has to go into hospital to have an ingrowing toenail removed, Wilson takes charge of the platoon. But how will the Captain respond to Wilson's new recruits - the vicar and the verger!

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