Ep 3. The Phantom Major

F Troop season 1 episode 3, titled "The Phantom Major," is an uproarious ride into the American Frontier. Set during the time of the Civil War, the show takes a light-hearted approach to the era, with the focus always being on the comical antics of the soldiers stationed at Fort Courage.

In this particular episode, the Fort has received a new commanding officer, Major Gage (played by J. Pat O'Malley), who nobody has ever seen before. Rumours begin to circulate that the Major may be a ghost, as he only communicates with the troops through written orders and never appears in person.

The mysterious Major quickly becomes the talk of the Fort, with everyone eagerly anticipating his arrival. However, when they finally receive their first order, it quickly becomes apparent that whoever Major Gage is, he's certainly not your ordinary commanding officer.

The order is for F Troop to capture a group of Confederate soldiers that have been causing mayhem in the area. With no other guidance from their ghostly Major, the troops set out on their mission, with Private Dobbs (played by James Hampton) leading the way.

As always in F Troop, things quickly go awry. The soldiers stumble upon an empty Confederate campsite, and Private Dobbs decides that they can't return to Fort Courage empty-handed. So, he convinces the troops to create their own fake campsite, complete with fake soldiers, in an attempt to trick Major Gage into thinking they've accomplished their mission.

Of course, the scam doesn't go quite as smoothly as they hoped. During a botched attempt to create a diversion, they accidentally set themselves on fire, and the fake soldiers are revealed to be nothing more than mannequins. Yet, surprisingly, Major Gage still seems pleased with their work.

Later, Major Gage's true identity is finally revealed, leading to an unexpected twist that leaves the soldiers at Fort Courage reeling.

"The Phantom Major" is a classic example of the hilarity and irreverence that made F Troop such a beloved show. With its over-the-top characters, slapstick humour, and wacky plotlines, it's hard not to get caught up in the zaniness of it all.

While the show may not have always been historically accurate, it certainly captured the spirit of the American West in a way that was both entertaining and endearing. The chemistry between the actors was palpable, and their comedic timing was impeccable, making every scene a joy to watch.

Overall, "The Phantom Major" is a must-watch episode for fans of classic television comedy. It's light-hearted, easy-going, and a whole lot of fun. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as the soldiers of Fort Courage attempt to solve the mystery of the Phantom Major.