Ep 1. Scourge of the West

F Troop is a classic American television sitcom that aired in the mid-1960s, fondly remembered for its slapstick comedy and humorous take on the Western genre. The series takes place in the post-Civil War era and follows the mishaps and misadventures of the men of Fort Courage, a fictional United States Army outpost in the West.

Season 1 Episode 1, Scourge of the West, sets the stage for the entire series, introducing us to the colorful characters and the idyllic, albeit chaotic, setting of Fort Courage. The pilot episode is foundational, sketching out the characters' personalities, their relationships, and the dynamics that drive the comic pandemonium which F Troop is known for.

The episode opens with the recently promoted Captain Wilton Parmenter, portrayed with an endearing blend of naivety and earnestness by actor Ken Berry. Parmenter is a well-meaning but somewhat clumsy officer whose accidental heroism during the Civil War, widely known as 'The Parmenter's Charge,' lands him the command of F Troop and the dubious honor of leading a group of soldiers that could charitably be termed as less than elite.

As Captain Parmenter arrives at Fort Courage, he quickly becomes acquainted with the motley crew under his command. The troop includes the shifty yet lovable Sergeant Morgan O'Rourke, played by Forrest Tucker, and his equally conniving sidekick, Corporal Randolph Agarn, brought to life by Larry Storch. These two are the crafty businessmen of the outpost, running a discreet and lucrative operation with the local Native American tribe, the Hekawis.

The Hekawis, led by Chief Wild Eagle, portrayed by Frank DeKova, are a far cry from the fierce warriors of Western lore. Instead, they are a pragmatic and humorous bunch, more interested in trade and comfort than in conflict. Their interactions with the soldiers of Fort Courage add a layer of social satire to the show, playfully skewering the stereotypes of the time with light-hearted jabs and an emphasis on peaceful coexistence.

At the heart of Scourge of the West is Captain Parmenter's earnest attempt to bring order and discipline to his new command. His by-the-book approach clashes humorously with the laid-back and disorganized nature of his soldiers, leading to a series of comic misunderstandings and slapdash schemes. Whether he's dealing with military inspections, the threat of supposed hostile tribes, or just trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy, Parmenter's good intentions are always leading him into some sort of comical trouble.

Adding to the ensemble is the lovely and sharp-witted Wrangler Jane, played by Melody Patterson, who runs the local trading post and has her sights set on Captain Parmenter. Her headstrong personality and entrepreneurial spirit make her a standout character and a feminist figure ahead of the show’s time, offering a subtle criticism of traditional gender roles.

The episode successfully pokes fun at military life and Western tropes through the use of physical comedy and wordplay. From bumbling foot soldiers who would rather nap than drill, to serious officers with their own peculiar quirks, the series embraces the absurd and over-the-top elements that define sitcom comedy.

The set design of Fort Courage and the surrounding landscapes captures the essence of a Western set, with wooden buildings, a stockade fence, and the wide-open desert providing a picturesque backdrop for the comedic action. The costuming, too, reflects the era, with blue Union uniforms, Native American attire (albeit stylized for entertainment purposes), and period-appropriate civilian clothes.

The clever writing of Scourge of the West balances character-driven humor with situational comedy, establishing long-running gags and punchlines that would become catchphrases throughout the series' run. The episode exemplifies the show's ability to be self-aware and irreverent without straying into mean-spiritedness, maintaining a feel-good atmosphere even when the characters find themselves in over-the-top predicaments.

Pairing an affable cast with whimsical storytelling, Scourge of the West is a delightful introduction to the world of F Troop, a show that lovingly parodies both the Western genre and the follies of human nature. Eagerly, the audience is invited into a version of the Wild West that is less about the struggles and more about the laughs, setting the tone for a series that would leave an indelible mark on 1960s television comedy.