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Controversial Dad’s Army Episode Faced Broadcast Ban for Decades
A divisive installment of the classic British sitcom Dad’s Army was withheld from BBC broadcasts for over two decades. This particular episode, from the show’s fourth season, initially aired in October and was only repeated once before finally returning to screens in November . The banned episode, later revealed to be “Absent Friends,” became a point of discussion among fans and television historians alike, highlighting the sometimes sensitive nature of even beloved comedies.
The Enduring Appeal of Dad’s Army
Audiences were first introduced to Dad’s Army by creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft in July . The program, which spanned nine years, chronicled the activities of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon during World War II. This group of local volunteers, composed of men deemed unfit for active military duty, became a symbol of British resilience and community spirit.
Whether excused due to age, health concerns, or essential civilian occupations, these men joined forces to protect their hometown from a potential Nazi invasion. The series became renowned for its humor, often derived from the outlandish situations encountered by characters such as Captain Mainwaring, Sergeant Wilson, and Private Pike.
Memorable Characters and Enduring Legacy
The series, celebrated for its iconic catchphrases and quirky characters, featured a stellar cast including John Laurie and Arnold Riley, alongside BAFTA award-winning actor Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier.
Dad’s Army is widely regarded as one of the BBC’s most successful sitcoms. However, the show was not entirely without contentious moments, and the “Absent Friends” episode initially sparked significant debate.
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“Absent Friends”: The Banned Episode Details
Originally broadcast on , “Absent Friends” is the sixth episode of Dad’s Army’s fourth season. The narrative revolves around Captain Mainwaring’s absence, which the platoon exploits to participate in a pub darts competition against a team of Air Raid Precautions (ARP) wardens. Furthermore, the storyline incorporates the Home Guard unit’s pursuit of an individual suspected of being a member of the Irish Republican Army.
Following its initial broadcast, the episode was repeated on the BBC in . Despite this, unlike other episodes from the series, “Absent Friends” was not rebroadcast again until , leading to speculation about the reasons for its prolonged absence from television schedules.
Plot Alterations in Radio Adaptation
It is believed that the controversy surrounding the plot led to a change in the subsequent radio adaptation of the episode, which aired six years later. In this version, the IRA suspect was replaced by a generic escaped convict, possibly to mitigate the original episode’s politically sensitive elements.
Dad’s Army’s Continued Success
Despite the controversy, Dad’s Army’s popularity endured. A feature film featuring the original cast was released in , further cementing the show’s place in British cultural history. A remake film was also launched in February , starring Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring and Bill Nighy as Sgt. Wilson, demonstrating the show’s lasting appeal to new generations. In December , “We’re Doomed,” a docudrama recounting the behind-the-scenes story of the sitcom’s creation, was broadcast. The original series consistently attracted audiences of 18 million viewers and continues to be broadcast internationally.
Ian Lavender’s Fond Memories
The late Ian Lavender, famed for his role as Private Frank Pike, the Home Guard private and junior bank clerk, once shared his personal favorite episodes. According to Lavender, who passed away in February of the previous year, “Ring Dem Bells” and “The Deadly Attachment” were his most cherished installments.
He had also previously conveyed his immense pride in the role that made him a household name.
“If you asked me, ‘Would you like to be in a sitcom that was watched by 18 million people, was on screen for 10 years, and will create lots of work for you and provide not just for you but for your children for the next 40-odd years’… I’d be a fool to have regrets,” he stated in an interview with The Guardian in .