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?

Mainwaring is under pressure. At the ceremonial church parade he is the only one without a medal to wear - even Pike has a boy scout badge. Ridiculed by Captain Square, he has no option but to challenge the Eastgate platoon to a series of initiative tests. With the vicar, the verger and Mr Hodges as judges, the platoon races to hoist their flag from the church tower.

2. MY BROTHER AND I

As Mainwaring prepares to host a sherry party for local civil dignitaries and army officers, Private Frazer is having an interesting encounter on the train with a drunken figure with more than a passing resemblance to his Captain. But when Mainwaring's black-sheep brother Barry arrives in Walmington, the family welcome is less than warm...

3. THE LOVE OF THREE ORANGES

As Christmas is coming, the vicar is hosting a bazaar to raise money for comforts for troops. With Mrs Mainwaring unable to attend after an unfortunate incident with the bath enamel, the Captain is determined to win her one of the three oranges that Hodges has put up for auction. However, the Warden is equally determined that he doesn't...

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