Dad's Army season 3 episode 3 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

The episode humorously explores the challenges and misadventures of a Home Guard platoon during a training exercise. Captain Mainwaring's platoon engages in a series of comedic errors while learning to use public telephone boxes for communication in case of an invasion. The situation escalates when a plane crashes into the local reservoir, leading to a mistaken belief that it's an enemy aircraft. The platoon's attempts to communicate with headquarters and prepare for an engagement are marked by confusion and miscommunication. The episode concludes with a plan to force the plane's occupants to surrender by raising the water level, showcasing the platoon's resourcefulness and the humorous dynamics among its members.

Full Episode S03E03 Recap

### Platoon Formation and Discipline - Captain Mainwaring calls for Sergeant Wilson to assemble the platoon. - The platoon's formation is criticized as "very sloppy." - Mainwaring orders Wilson to take the name of a dissenting soldier. ### Exercise in Camouflage and Communication - Mainwaring lectures on vital points in town important for communication in case of an invasion. - The platoon discusses the allocation of two men at each strategic point. - Questions arise about the practicality of defending these points with limited ammunition. ### Innovative Communication Methods - Suggestions for alternative communication methods include heliography and tick-tacking. - The practicality of these methods is debated, revealing the platoon's creativity and limitations. ### Training with Telephone Boxes - Mainwaring decides to train the platoon on using public telephone boxes. - The training is comedic and chaotic, highlighting the characters' quirks. - Mrs. Pike complains about the hygiene of public phones. ### The Reservoir Incident - A plane is mistakenly believed to be enemy and crashes into the reservoir. - The platoon attempts to establish communication and prepare for an engagement. - Confusion and miscommunication lead to humorous interactions with local civilians and authorities. ### Confrontation and Resolution - The Coldstream Guards arrive, intending to use force against the crashed plane. - Walker's negotiation with the reservoir manager to raise the water level forces the plane's occupants to surrender. - The episode ends with the platoon leaving the scene to the professionals, still misunderstanding the situation but satisfied with their contribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Captain Mainwaring?

Captain Mainwaring is the commanding officer of the platoon.

What strategic points are mentioned as vital for the town's defense?

The gasometer, railway bridge, telephone exchange, and water reservoir.

How does the platoon plan to communicate in case of an invasion?

By stationing two men at each strategic point, with one man ready to phone for help if needed.

What are some of the alternative communication methods proposed?

Heliography, tick-tacking, and using white gloves for signaling.

What issue arises during the telephone box training?

The platoon struggles with the operation of the telephone box, leading to comedic errors.

Who is Mrs. Pike?

Mrs. Pike is the mother of Private Pike and disapproves of using public telephone boxes due to hygiene concerns.

What causes the confusion at the reservoir?

A plane crashes into the reservoir, leading to a mistaken belief that it's an enemy aircraft.

How does the platoon attempt to engage the crashed plane?

By preparing to communicate with headquarters and attempting to initiate a confrontation.

What resolution is proposed to force the plane's occupants to surrender?

Raising the water level of the reservoir to force them out.

What role do the Coldstream Guards play in the episode?

They arrive to take over the situation, intending to use force against the plane before being informed of the plan to raise the water level.

Dad's Army season 3 episode 3

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