User Reviews

Episodes from Dad's Army series 3 were regularly repeated when I was growing up but one that I had never seen was Room at the Bottom. That's because for years it only survived in a black and white version, with the original colour recording being wiped by the BBC. It's a shame that this led to the episode rarely being screened, since it is another very good one. The premise of Mainwaring being busted down to a Private by GHQ sounds ripe for hijinks but instead Croft and Perry have again shown admirable restraint by writing Mainwaring's genuine heartbreak as a quiet response. Instead, the comedic side of things is mainly carried by Wilson, who's cruel glee at Mainwaring's misfortune is funny when he is first reduced from Captain to Lieutenant, before giving way to a more complex blend of pity and concern when he is again demoted to Private. John Le Mesurier plays it beautifully throughout, culminating in a nice table-turning twist which gives Mainwaring the last laugh. Elsewhere, a fun comedy set piece is handed to guest star Anthony Sagar, whose verbally abusive Drill Sergeant is performed with scenery-chewing abandon. Once again, the premise is played for both laughs and dramatic pathos, with Arthur Lowe's quietly broken performance bolstered by a moving finale in which he is saved by the loyalty of his platoon. This is also another opportunity for Croft and Perry to plant seeds regarding Frazer's treacherous streak. Another strong episode in an impressive run of them.