McHale's Navy Season 1 Episode 1 An Ensign for McHale

McHale's Navy season 1 episode 1, titled "An Ensign for McHale," introduces us to Lt. Commander Quinton McHale (Ernest Borgnine) and his ragtag crew of misfits stationed on a fictional island in the South Pacific during World War II. McHale is a scheming, fun-loving, and rebellious Naval officer, who makes up his own rules to get things done.

At the start of the episode, the Navy sends Ensign Charles Parker (Tim Conway) to take over McHale's crew and bring them into line. Parker is a by-the-book officer who has never been in combat and is eager to make his mark in the Navy, but he soon realizes that McHale and his men don't fit the traditional military mold.

McHale and his crew are initially hostile towards Parker, viewing him as an unwanted intruder. But as they get to know him, they begin to see the potential for fun and games with a new, naive officer to drive crazy.

Despite Parker's attempts to bring order to the base, things quickly spiral out of control. The crew sabotages Parker's attempts at military drills and training exercises, and they use their ingenuity to get around his strict regulations. Parker is frustrated by McHale's casual approach to his responsibilities as an officer, but also impressed with the crew's effectiveness and resourcefulness.

As the episode progresses, Parker grows to respect McHale and his men, realizing that they are more competent and dedicated than initially thought. By the end of the episode, a mutual respect has formed between Parker and McHale, and Parker recognizes that sometimes you have to bend the rules to get the job done.

Overall, "An Ensign for McHale" sets the tone for a show that balances slapstick humor with action and adventure. The show is able to use comedy to highlight the absurdity of military life while still acknowledging the seriousness of the wartime setting. The relationship between McHale and Parker, and the dynamic between McHale's crew, sets the stage for the hilarious antics and mischief that will ensue in future episodes.