Will the Alligator Take the Stand?

Alright, if you watched this episode you have to agree that this is a pretty lame story. In fact, with a battery-powered rubber alligator it had the makings of a cartoon. But for some reason the story was not that bad.

The story involves Binghamton trying to set-up the crew of the 73 into stealing his wallet. He marked some bills, left the wallet on McHale's island and then waited for the bait to be taken. But what has happened is that Parker has made a friend with a local alligator. The alligator follows him back to his hut and eats the Captain's wallet. Parker is able to snatch the ID card out of the gators mouth and without hesitating Binghamton is there to arrest Parker for the theft of the wallet. Court-martial hearings will begin soon.

McHale and the rest of the crew have to find the alligator that Parker has named Sydney. And with luck bring him to the court-martial to get Parker out of trouble with the Navy.

Even with the lame effect and the less than official court-martial proceedings, the story did have some fascination. I am sure that this episode will not appeal to all but the concept was at least entertaining enough to keep the viewer's attention. With some poor shows this season, the viewer needs to find anything that can be called entertainment.

I know this is a comedy and those are often based on silly, unrealistic situations. This isn't Perry Mason with the fake gorilla or fake talking parrot. But, come on! A fake alligatior that befriends the crew (particularly Parker) and only goes after Binghamton and Carpenter?

This is beyond that pale, even for the mid-60s. It's a shame, too, because the arguing and banter between Conway, Flynn, and Hastings is some of the best of the series. It unfortunately is kind of the M. O. of McHale's Navy and shows why it's not one of the true classics of the era. The writers just tried too hard and could only come up with tripe like this.

If you look beyond the story (as well as the robotic-like alligator), you will see that Joe Flynn (who plays the ever-conniving Capt. Binghamton) and Tim Conway (the ineptly lovable Ensign Parker) are an outstanding comedic duo. The endless bantering, bickering, and buffoonery help to liven up what would usually be a very dull court-martial. And of course, once Parker's alligator friend named Sydney shows up to save the day, he wastes no time in going after who was really responsible for the scheme. I could watch this over and over again just to see the hilarity that Binghamton and Parker perfectly exhibit during the court-martial.