Ep 1. Hogan Gives a Birthday Party

Hogan's Heroes season 2 episode 1 titled Hogan Gives a Birthday Party is a classic and entertaining comedy that revolves around the clever and daring schemes of Hogan and his fellow Allied prisoners in a Nazi POW camp during World War II.

In this episode, it is Kinchloe's birthday, and Hogan and his team of fellow prisoners plan to throw him a surprise party. However, as with all things in Stalag 13, nothing is ever simple. To throw a party, Hogan needs supplies, which are scarce and difficult to acquire in the camp. Nonetheless, Hogan being the mastermind he is hatches a plan.

He starts by sending Newkirk, LeBeau, and Kinchloe on a scavenger hunt throughout the camp to gather all the necessary materials for the party. The trio has to creep around behind the backs of the Nazi prison guard and officers who patrol the camp and snooping on their conversations to uncover any potentially useful information.

Meanwhile, Hogan orders Carter and Schultz to bring in a giant cake from town, but it's the wrong confection, it comes with a few surprises that Carter and Schultz tries to hide. This cake is huge, much more significant than it should be and has layers in it to hide something else. Carter and Schultz have to hide the cake in the camp without attracting attention. It is an absolute laugh fest as the team plan and execute this mission.

Of course, nothing in Stalag 13 goes smooth, and complications arise at every turn. The German Kommandant, Colonel Klink, continually interferes, almost running the team off the rails. Hogan and his team must devise an incredible plan to keep the Kommandant and his bumbling sidekick, Sergeant Schultz, away from the party, and as you could expect, it is hilarious to watch.

As the team puts the finishing touches on the party while remaining hidden, they receive a surprise guest in Stalag 13. It's General Burkhalter, one of the highest-ranking German military officers, and he arrives unexpectedly. Hogan and his team must think on their feet and keep their guests hidden, which makes for some classic physical comedy.

At its heart, Hogan's Heroes is a show about the power of humor and intelligence in the face of adversity. The show's primary focus remains on the prisoners, and their interactions with each other and the Nazi soldiers. The show gave viewers a glimpse into a dark time in history, but it did so with grace, wit, and a bit of slapstick comedy. The episode Hogan Gives a Birthday Party is a classic example of the show's winning formula.

Throughout the episode, Hogan's quick wit and cunning planning are on full display. Each of his teammates brings their unique skill sets, but Hogan is the glue that holds everything together. The result is a hilarious and remarkable episode that is sure to leave viewers with a smile on their face.

Overall, season 2 episode 1 of Hogan's Heroes titled Hogan Gives a Birthday Party serves up an exciting and entertaining plotline that showcases the show's sharp writing and amazing cast. It's a testament to the show's enduring appeal that thirty years after its original run, it still captures the hearts of viewers of all ages.