Ep 18. Fear Of Flying

C.P.O. Sharkey is an American sitcom that aired from 1976 to 1978. The show centers around Chief Petty Officer Otto Sharkey, played by Don Rickles, who is in charge of a group of misfit recruits in the United States Navy. The show has gained a following for its hilariously irreverent humor and offbeat characters.

In season 2 episode 18, titled "Fear Of Flying," the audience is in for a wild ride as Chief Sharkey and his recruits are faced with a unique challenge. The episode kicks off with Sharkey learning that the Navy has assigned his unit to conduct a series of training exercises aboard an aircraft carrier. The catch? Sharkey has a crippling fear of flying.

As the news sinks in, it becomes clear that Chief Sharkey's fear of flying is no ordinary phobia. His comedic antics unfold as he frantically tries to come up with a way to avoid the assignment. However, his attempts to weasel out of it only result in him inadvertently creating chaos within his unit.

Meanwhile, the recruits are excited about the opportunity to be aboard an aircraft carrier, but their enthusiasm quickly turns into concern when they realize they have to face the challenges of Chief Sharkey's irrational fears. They rally together to find a way to help their beloved Chief overcome his fear and ensure the success of the mission.

In a surprising twist, one of the recruits, Seaman Pruitt, comes forward with a unique solution. Pruitt reveals that his father, a commercial airline pilot, was once afraid of flying too and underwent therapy to overcome his fear. With Pruitt's father's guidance, Sharkey begrudgingly agrees to give therapy a try.

The episode takes a comedic turn as Sharkey attends therapy sessions with Pruitt's father. The therapy sessions are full of hilarious moments as Sharkey battles his fear head-on. From comically exaggerated reactions to various relaxation techniques, the audience is treated to an uproarious display of Sharkey's attempts to conquer his fear of flying.

Simultaneously, the recruits take it upon themselves to assist Sharkey in his journey. They devise a series of hilarious training exercises and simulations, which push the Chief to face his fears. Each attempt is filled with mishaps and uproarious moments, as Sharkey's bravery is put to the test in absurd scenarios.

The climax of the episode arrives as the much-anticipated day of the aircraft carrier training exercise finally arrives. Chief Sharkey confronts his fear and steps aboard the carrier with his recruits by his side. The tension builds as the training exercise gets underway, and the audience is left wondering whether or not Sharkey will overcome his fear and lead his unit to success.

Throughout the episode, the audience is treated to a delightful blend of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and memorable performances by the cast. Don Rickles shines in his role as Chief Sharkey, delivering his trademark sarcastic wit and comedic timing.

"Fear Of Flying" captures the essence of C.P.O. Sharkey's unique brand of humor and showcases the lovable misfits as they band together to help their Chief overcome his phobia. The episode leaves viewers laughing out loud, proving once again why C.P.O. Sharkey remains a beloved classic sitcom to this day.