McHale's Navy - Season Two
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Movie Reviews of McHale's Navy - Season Two
Movie Review: McHale's Navy
Summary: 5 Stars
I have truly enjoyed season two of McHale's Navy. It is everything I had hoped for.Movie Review: Mchale's navy Season 2
Summary: 5 Stars
I only remember Gavin Mcleod in Season 1. He wasn't in Season 2 and Season 3.Movie Review: McHale's Navy a really top Classic Show
Summary: 5 Stars
It's a 5 discs set and extra features, great comdey war show and i love it.Movie Review: McHale's Navy, season 2
Summary: 4 Stars
After viewing season one, I was chomping at the bit to get this one. It wasn't quite as good as season 1 but it's still some funny stuff. Tim Conway found his niche with the role of Ensign Parker; Ernest Borgnine proved his versatility as an actor (doing a comedic role): Joe Flynn basically reprised his role from a previous TV series.
I'm not sure, but it seems the transfer quality wasn't quite as good on season 2 as the previous set, but it's still very good. There are two bonus features: an short interview with Borgnine & another short one with Conway. Neither are in depth nor very enlightening to their roles in the series.
Movie Review: you would hardly know there was a war going on . . .
Summary: 3 Stars
McHale's Navy (1962-66) follows the WW II exploits of the crew of PT 73, stationed in the Pacific, on the island of Taratupa, who try to skirt military authority, and get by with doing as little as possible. While the military comedy had been explored many times in film and on television, goldbricking and insubordination, in the middle of a war, had rarely been so blatant or cavalier. Controversial or not, many found this approach quite amusing. And since President John Kennedy had commanded a PT boat, a certain mystique had developed regarding the craft, which is certainly a very slick looking vessel.
Hogan's Heroes (1965-71) set in a German POW camp, was another WW II spoof. Comparing these two series, there are basic and very significant differences. In a unique way, Colonel Hogan and his men are fighting the Germans, making a significant contribution to winning the war. In McHale's Navy, WW II often seems like an afterthought, something in the background, that only occasionally comes to the forefront. For McHale and the crew of PT 73, fighting the enemy is a relatively rare occurrence. Even making a positive contribution to the war effort, usually occurs only as a byproduct of one of their wacky schemes. Discipline is so lax, that Commander McHale is often unaware of what mischief his men are up to, as they attempt to evade the watchful eye of Captain Binghamton.
While McHale's Navy may have a questionable point of view, it does have a great cast. Ernest Borgnine an Oscar winner for Marty, made the interesting career choice to come to TV. Quinton McHale may not be the most admirable guy, but he is likeable. Ensign Parker was written as extremely goofy, and over the top, taking full advantage of Tim Conway's unique, in your face style of physical humor. McHale's crew of "pirates", led by seamen Gruber (Carl Ballantine), "Tinker" Bell (Billy Sands) and "Happy Haines" Haines (Gavin MacLeod), were steady supporting players.
Joe Flynn brought great energy and emotion, to his portrayal of Captain Binghamton, as his wonderfully crazy mannerisms, brought the character to life. As the representative of military authority, Binghamton is the most essential character to making the show work. "Old Leadbottom", backed by his clinging bootlicking aide Lt. Carpenter (Bob Hastings), is usually the only thing preventing total chaos from breaking out. The whining Binghamton is not without his faults, and McHale and his men are quick to exploit them to their advantage.
McHale's Navy was about outrageously breaking the rules, and defying authority. This near total lawlessness, appealed to the series' many fans. Light and trivial, the show does generates laughs, and features some fine comedic performances, but the almost total detachment from WW II, tends to trivialize that conflict. That Fuji (Yoshio Yoda), a Japanese soldier who deserted, is regarded as a de facto member of McHale's crew, symbolizes how much of a joke the war was. McHale's Navy is certainly not meant to be taken seriously at any level, but the roots of its humor seems to be in questionable taste. Would a comedy set in the current Iraq war, featuring a group of similar goofballs in the US Army, be regarded as tasteful or funny?
Shout Factory has done an excellent job with the DVD release, as the episodes look fabulous, without any major flaws. Jam packed with 36 episodes, Season Two is a very good value, though unfortunately the episodes are not subtitled. Short interviews with Ernie Borgnine and Tim Conway are the only bonus materials.