Dad's Army is like a precious family heirloom that gets passed from generation to generation and everyone who sees it can't help but laugh. It's gentle humour just never dates. Laughter for the unborn child; fun for the one in the grave.
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 COMPLETE 9TH SERIES
1. Wake-Up Walmington:
When the platoon is told to keep the noise down on a firing range, Captain Mainearing decide it's time the locals were alerted to the possibility of fifth columnists.
2. The Making Of Private Pike:
Captain Mainwaring's temporary staff car is his pride and joy. So why has Private Pike disappeared overnight with it - and Hodge's niece, Sylvia?
3. Knights Of Madness:
The platoon decide to stage a re-enactment of the battle between St George and the Dragon, but Hodges and the wardens seem to have had the same idea.
4. The Miser's Hoard:
When Mainwaring hears about Frazer's collection of gold sovereigns, he decides it would be safer in a bank- in particular, his bank.
5. Number Engaged:
While guarding a vital telephone link the platoon discover that a bomb has become enmashed in its wires. Somehow they'll have to get it down before it explodes.
6. Never Too Old:
Mrs Fox has finally agreed to marry Corporal Jones - even if it is just to ensure a supply of meat. But even the wedding reception finds the Home Guard called into action.
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