McHale's Navy is a generally funny show , but with too much of the 40s and 50s Musical style to it (roundels where each crew member says a line one-after-another, and breaking out into song, etc.). Another poster suggested the lower rating was due to people who were'nt around then. Well, I was. But, compared to other shows of the day (Hogan, F-Troop, Get Smart, etc., etc.) this one doesn't hold up nearly as well. Why? Because is was never as good as those other shows. It has wonderfully funny moments and episodes, and many awful, cringe-worthy episodes. It's just not as well conceived and written.
In truth, most of the cast was disposable -even Borgnine (any big-mouthed guy could've filled that role. Don Rickles might have brought more to it!), and the crew could've been anyone (especially Carl Ballentine who I never could stand). But three cast members were irreplaceable: Tim Conway, Joe Flynn, and Bob Hastings. Any scene with them - in any combination - was terrific. If the show had made them the sole focus and made everyone else secondary, it would be a timeless classic today. Instead, it's somewhat dated and, at times, annoying.
In truth, most of the cast was disposable -even Borgnine (any big-mouthed guy could've filled that role. Don Rickles might have brought more to it!), and the crew could've been anyone (especially Carl Ballentine who I never could stand). But three cast members were irreplaceable: Tim Conway, Joe Flynn, and Bob Hastings. Any scene with them - in any combination - was terrific. If the show had made them the sole focus and made everyone else secondary, it would be a timeless classic today. Instead, it's somewhat dated and, at times, annoying.