Ep 17. The Loco Brothers

The Loco Brothers is the seventeenth episode of the second season of F Troop, a classic sitcom that aired in the 1960s. The show depicts the misadventures of the inhabitants of Fort Courage, a fictional Army outpost in the Wild West, in the late 1800s.

In this episode, the fort's commanding officer, Captain Wilton Parmenter (played by Kenneth Washington), receives a visit from two Mexican bandits named Pancho and Cisco Loco (played by Joe E. Ross and Larry Storch, respectively). The brothers claim to be on a mission of mercy, bringing food and clothing to the poor people of the nearby town of San Lazaro.

However, the cavalrymen at Fort Courage suspect that the Loco brothers are up to no good, and they are soon proved right. Pancho and Cisco turn out to be horse thieves, and they manage to steal one of the fort's prized steeds, causing chaos and consternation among the soldiers.

Meanwhile, the officers of Fort Courage are preparing for an important visit from General Custer (played by Frank de Kova), who is passing through on his way to a battle with the Sioux Indians. Custer is known for his strict discipline and his no-nonsense attitude, and the men of F Troop are eager to impress him.

However, the antics of the Loco brothers threaten to ruin everything. Not only have they stolen a valuable horse, but they have also caused a rift between Captain Parmenter and his smitten sidekick, Corporal Agarn (played by Larry Storch). Agarn's infatuation with a pretty Mexican lady named Carmelita (played by Aina Constant) has caused him to sympathize with the Loco brothers and overlook their criminal activities.

As the tension mounts, the soldiers of Fort Courage must find a way to capture the Loco brothers and recover their stolen property before General Custer arrives. Fortunately, they have some unexpected help from a group of Mexican musicians, who play a crucial role in the climactic showdown with Pancho and Cisco.

The Loco Brothers is a typical episode of F Troop, with its mix of slapstick humor, broad stereotypes, and historical anachronisms. The series is known for its light-hearted approach to the Western genre, poking fun at the cliches and conventions of the old frontier stories. The show also tackled issues of race and ethnicity, albeit in a clumsy and sometimes offensive way by modern standards.

Despite its flaws, F Troop remains a beloved classic of American television, with a dedicated fan base who appreciate its zany humor and lovable characters. The Loco Brothers is a great example of the show's formula, with its blend of goofy comedy and old-fashioned Western adventure. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, this episode is sure to entertain and amuse you.