User Reviews

The writers of this episode had the bright idea of temporarily assigning "Seaman Smoot" to McHale's crew -- but McHale's men recognize immediately that he's a dead ringer for Captain Binghamtom. The complications that will arise can be readily predicted from that point on (helped along, in case anyone couldn't figure it out, by the episode's title). Nevertheless, it's an enjoyable romp, and Joe Flynn (who spent most of his career playing curmudgeonly types very much like his normal character in the series) must have loved the idea of being able to play against his regular characterization.

It's a lot of fun to see Flynn smiling, speaking softly, gum-chewing, and acting indecisively one minute as Smoot and raging against McHale and his "pirates" in his normal portrayal of the good captain in the next. Flynn also must have had a ball in the officer's club scene where "Smoot" has a "snootful." Abetted by hair that's a little askew, wire-rimmed glasses in place of Binghamton's horn-rims, and with a smile instead of Binghamton's perpetual scowl, Flynn gets a rare chance to show some acting range instead of the one-dimensional character he was usually forced to play in the series.

Usually when the writers resort having a regular actor play two characters it means that they have ran out of scripts and are throwing anything against the wall to see if it sticks. But this episode proved to be different as the story was interesting and the show entertaining.

What has happened is that McHale as a new transfer that is joining his crew. Seaman Smoot (Joe Flynn) comes aboard and everyone notices that he looks exactly like Captain Binghamton. At first the crew is reluctant to have Smoot around since he maybe a spy sent by Binghamton. But later when Binghamton has McHale up on court-martial charges the uncanny look of Seaman Smoot will play an important part in getting McHale out of trouble.

This has a very predictable plot but the way the story plays out has more imagination that most programs. Joe Flynn does an excellent job of playing the young seaman where the viewer feels comfortable enough in believe the two people are not the same. This is difficult for most actors but Mr Flynn does a fine job in making both character have different traits. This episode was better than expected.---- Plus at the very end of the show we have one of the funniest slaps that I can remember. Was a great scene.