McHale's Navy The Late Captain Binghamton (1962–1966) Online

Here's an episode that sounds like an interesting tale. The crew of the 73 have doctored up some of Binghamton's x-rays and now he thinks he only has 48 hours to live. The writer could have went so many ways with the story, but to our disadvantage, the writer chose the path most traveled. We are left with a story that will follow a rather routine script and the outcome is known early in the program.

Anyway, the island is being harassed by a Japanese sub that keeps firing on the base. The Admiral is sending in some Marines to storm a nearby island that is being used as a refueling station for the Japs. With Binghamton only having a few hours to live, he plans to be right in the middle of the Marines and lead his last charge to possible fame.

The Admiral is so impressed with Binghamton's bravery that he stands-down the Marines and is going to let Binghamton lead the charge with McHale's crew. But when Binghamton finally learns that the x-rays were manipulated, it is too late. He is suppose to lead the charge on the Japanese held island.

There is a lot of potential in this concept but it appears the writer took the safest approach. The story was not bad but the conclusion of the story did not leave suspicion for the viewer to seek. And of course they teamed up Captain Binghamton with Ensign Parker which has become the calling card of the show. It is not a bad combination but sometimes the viewer would prefer the road less traveled. Or even a nice twist to the same old story.