- Whispers From Walmington Forum -

Swallow Bank · Vicar Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 144

In today's world of television, a great deal of emphasis is put on the first episode of any new series.

For returning series, the first episode of a new run is generally the episode that attracts the highest audidence - but is rarely rated as the the most enjoyable by the fan base.

What's your favourite Dad's Army opener and why?!

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The Dad's Army podcast - a fortnightly downloadable radio show about Dad's Army www.dadsarmy.podomatic.com
Don't forget to check out the Dad's Army Podcast blog - www.dadsarmypodcast.blogspot.com

Fundy · Verger Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 55

It was a close run thing for me, but I chose "Ring Dem Bells" over "The Deadly Attachment", but only because TDA is so well known!

Dad's Army does seem to have alot of great episodes as openers. Series 1, 6, 8 and 9 all have the openers as my favourites.

Fundy

pault · Verger Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 97

I chose 'Man & the Hour'.

For me, just being the first episode is probably special enough, and it is great to refer back to it now and again to see just how the characters developed from those early beginnings.

In the opening, with Mainwaring speaking about the 'I'm Backing Britain' campaign, supposedly set after the war, it was great to see how they managed to 'age' the platoon.

They even managed to add a few more years to Godfrey, Frazer & Jones with Pike & Walker looking a little more 'worldly'.

This also goes to show that Pvt Walker did in fact return from 'The Big Smoke' to rejoin his old Home Guard Comrades in Walmington on Sea.

Cheers,
Paul. Smile

Fundy · Verger Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 55

Yes, I thought that was quite nice aswell. Walker returning to Walmington from London for a meal with the others did help to bring the series together (even if it was the first episode!)

FUndy

Swallow Bank · Vicar Joined: 20 May 2007 Posts: 144

Suddenly realised I'd posted my vote but not given my reasons!

Ring Dem Bells for me - mainly because nothing beats a German Pike and Wilson - the 15 shandies line always has me wiping tears from my eyes!

Also good to see John Bardon (who played Walker for a time in the original stage play tour and more recently, Jim Branning in Eastenders) in a role that seems written for him.

Along with the Pike and Wilson, favourite moments include Mainwaring's refusal to particpate in the filming unless he could have a Nazi officer's uniform made for him and the Vicar, Hodges and the Verger's shock at discovering that the Mainwaring was a quizling!

All round, a light, original and very funny way to start a new series.
_________________
The Dad's Army podcast - a fortnightly downloadable radio show about Dad's Army www.dadsarmy.podomatic.com
Don't forget to check out the Dad's Army Podcast blog - www.dadsarmypodcast.blogspot.com

yeapb · Verger Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 86 Location: Manchester

The armoured might is my choice as it lets us see just what each character is so clearly.

Do you think that's wise? · Posted: Thu 21 Feb 2008 08:11 am Post subject:

I have to go with @pault on this one. The opening commentaries in the first series are also very entertaining! Smile

Kevin · Posted: Fri 01 Aug 2008 01:19 am Post subject:

Although not my favourite episode or the best. I think "The Armoured Might of Lance Corporal Jones" is such an important one because it's the first in colour, the end credits changed from the first two series & remained until series 9. It features the introduction of The Vicar, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. Yeatman & Mr. Blewitt. I think Jones's boy Raymond also makes his debut. This is also the first episode to feature Jonesy's van. We also learn who has become chief ARP Warden. Hodges. All this in one episode.

In fact it is really interesting to note how many important aspects of Dad's Army first appeared in the 3rd series. As well as all of the above, Series 3 also features a more prominent role for Hodges, he is barely in the first 2 series. Jones also wears his old red uniform for the first time, Godfrey becomes platoon medic, we find out Frazer is an undertaker, Hodges gets his ARP uniform before he only had a helmet. I think thats all maybe theres more.

Calum79 · Town Clerk Joined: 21 Oct 2007 Posts: 18

I went for 'Asleep in the Deep'. This episode encompassed the quiet bravery of Mainwaring, the impending doom from Frazer, and also a very very funny situation.

I think this may have been when the budget was increased so the writers' were able to be more bold.

I also love Ring Dem Bells, if only for Pike and his salutes!