HOGAN’S HEROES
Set in a prisoner of war camp during World War II, Hogan's Heroes focuses on the exploits of five main prisoners of war (Hogan, LeBeau, Newkirk, Carter & Kinchloe, who, while "under the cover" of being typical prisoners of war are really secretly doing their utmost to sabotage the German war effort through whatever means necessary.
They communicate regularly with the outside (Allied HQ, underground movement); easily move throughout the camp and outside to town by using one of their numerous tunnels and; have all the munitions and uniforms to do pretty much as they please.
While the enemy is often gullible, easily fooled or downright incompetent – the real strength of Hogan's men are the elaborate ruses and sometimes dangerous lengths they will go – to complete their mission.
These missions included "regular" assignments such as sabotage, helping prisoners escape and aiding the underground opposition (against the Germans). The more elaborate tasks include immobilizing battalions, confusing the German general staff, kidnapping important scientists and so forth. And in fulfilling the gullible and easily fooled roles are the head Sergeant (Schultz) and the camp Commandant (Klink).
Hogan's Heroes is one of the few comedies where the lead characters are actually called upon to perform soldier duties in a hostile and war environment – where they must kill or maim, but it is still quite an accomplishment to mix laughter with real war situations.
Hogan's Heroes might be the most under-rated sitcom of all time – it's everything listed above and funny. It's a caper show with vaudeville, acting, explosions, babes, scams, action-packed, and pratfalls all wrapped up in perfect comic timing.
|