McHale's Navy Season 1 Episode 14 Send Us a Hero

This episode of McHale's Navy, entitled "Send Us a Hero," focuses on the arrival of a new commanding officer to the PT boat crew. The character of Lt. Cmdr. Hobson, who is played by actor Don Porter, comes to the base with a stellar reputation and a desire to make a real difference in the Pacific theater of war.

At first, the crew is excited by the prospect of having such a respected and decorated officer leading them, but it quickly becomes clear that Hobson isn't quite as competent as he's made out to be. In fact, he's a bit of a bumbler, prone to making mistakes and blunders that put the entire crew in danger.

As the episode progresses, we see Hobson struggling to adjust to life on the base and mesh with the existing crew. He clashes with McHale, who is wary of having someone so inexperienced and out-of-touch in charge of a group of skilled sailors. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew is torn between wanting to give Hobson a chance and feeling frustrated by his inability to get things done.

Things come to a head when Hobson is put in charge of a dangerous mission that involves infiltrating a Japanese-held island. The crew is rightfully nervous about the mission, especially given Hobson's track record of mistakes, but they also know that it's their duty to follow orders and do whatever it takes to win the war.

The mission quickly becomes a disaster, with Hobson making one mistake after another and the crew struggling to keep up. They come under heavy fire from the enemy, and it's only through quick thinking and sheer luck that they manage to make it back to the base in one piece.

Afterwards, Hobson is forced to confront his own limitations and his role in the failure of the mission. He realizes that he's not cut out for the job of leading a PT boat, but he also acknowledges the bravery and skill of the crew that he was leading. It's a poignant moment that highlights the sacrifices that all of the men and women in the armed forces were making during World War II.

Overall, "Send Us a Hero" is a compelling and emotional episode of McHale's Navy that explores the themes of leadership, bravery, and sacrifice. Despite the lighthearted tone of the series, this episode doesn't shy away from the realities of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it. It's a fitting tribute to the men and women who served in the Pacific theater during World War II, and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices they made on behalf of their country.