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Dad's Army is a classic British sitcom that aired on BBC One from 1968 to 1977. The show is set during World War II and follows the activities of a fictional Home Guard platoon in the small seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea. The platoon is made up of local volunteers who are either too old or too unfit for active duty in the regular army. Despite their lack of training and experience, they are determined to defend their town against potential German invasion.

The show is filled with hilarious characters, memorable catchphrases, and a nostalgic look back at a time of great sacrifice and patriotism. The main character and the leader of the platoon is Captain George Mainwaring, played by Arthur Lowe. Mainwaring is a pompous and arrogant bank manager who takes his role as captain very seriously. He is constantly butting heads with his second-in-command, Sergeant Arthur Wilson, played by John Le Mesurier. Wilson is a mild-mannered, laid-back man who is the complete opposite of Mainwaring. Despite their differences, the two men form a strong bond and work together to lead the platoon.

Another memorable character is Lance Corporal Jack Jones, played by Clive Dunn. Jones is an elderly, doddery old man who is always reminiscing about his days serving in the Boer War. He is also known for his catchphrase, "Don't panic!" which he repeats whenever the platoon finds themselves in a tricky situation.

The rest of the platoon consists of a variety of characters, including the pompous and upper-class Lieutenant Colonel Charles Godfrey, played by Arnold Ridley, the bumbling and accident-prone Private Frank Pike, played by Ian Lavender, and the grumpy Scottish Private James Frazer, played by John Laurie. The platoon is rounded out by the jovial Private Joe Walker, played by James Beck, and the dim-witted Private Jack Frazer, played by Talfryn Thomas.

The show is filled with hilarious moments and witty one-liners, but it also has a strong sense of heart and humanity. Despite the silliness of the characters, they are all motivated by a deep sense of duty and patriotism. They may not be the most competent soldiers, but they are determined to do their part to defend their country.

One of the strengths of the show is how well it captures the spirit of the time. It was made during a period of great nostalgia for World War II, and it reflects the values and attitudes of that era. The platoon is a microcosm of British society, with characters from all walks of life coming together to fight a common enemy. The show is also notable for its portrayal of women, who are shown as strong and capable despite the prevailing sexism of the time.

Despite being almost fifty years old, Dad's Army remains a beloved classic of British television. It has spawned spin-offs, a feature film, and even a stage show. The characters and catchphrases are still fondly remembered by fans, and the show continues to be watched and enjoyed by new generations. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the show that it still resonates with audiences today.

Dad's Army is a series that is currently running and has 10 seasons (92 episodes). The series first aired on July 31, 1968.