Ep 2. The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage

Dad's Army is a British sitcom that follows the antics of the Home Guard - a military organization made up of local volunteers - during World War II. In season 2, episode 2, titled The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage, the Home Guard must defend their town against a group of German paratroopers who have landed nearby.

The episode opens with the Home Guard going about their daily routine of patrolling the town and preparing for an attack that they hope will never come. They are led by Captain Mainwaring, a pompous but well-meaning officer, and Sergeant Wilson, his more laid-back second-in-command. Also among their ranks are the bumbling Private Frazer, the absent-minded Private Godfrey, and the eager-to-please Private Walker.

Meanwhile, a group of German paratroopers has landed in a nearby field and is making its way towards the town. They are led by a cunning officer named Von Gelb, who has a plan to capture the town's railway station and cut off its supply lines. However, his plans are thwarted when he and his men stumble upon a cottage owned by Private Godfrey. Godfrey, who is something of a pacifist and has never fired a shot in his life, mistakenly invites the Germans inside, thinking they are lost tourists. Von Gelb senses an opportunity and decides to use Godfrey's cottage as a base of operations.

It's not long before the Home Guard catch wind of the situation and realize they must act fast to prevent the Germans from taking over the town. They come up with a plan to sneak up on the cottage and capture the Germans using a homemade bomb made of soda bottles and soap powder. However, their plan is complicated by the fact that the Germans have taken Private Godfrey hostage.

The ensuing battle is both tense and comical, as the Home Guard fumble their way through the operation and the Germans try to outsmart them at every turn. There are plenty of close calls and comic mishaps, but in the end, the Home Guard emerges victorious. The Germans are captured and the town is saved.

Throughout the episode, there are plenty of character moments and comedic interludes that add to the overall charm of the show. We see Captain Mainwaring's inflated sense of importance, Private Frazer's sour demeanor, and Private Godfrey's gentle nature. There are also several one-liners and physical gags that elicit laughs, even to this day.

In conclusion, The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage is a classic episode of Dad's Army that showcases the show's unique blend of humor and wartime drama. It's a must-watch for fans of the series and a great introduction for newcomers.