Ep 23. Axis Annie

Hogan's Heroes is a classic sitcom that aired from 1965 to 1971. Set in a German POW camp during World War II, the show followed the misadventures of a group of Allied prisoners as they plot their escape while carrying out espionage missions under the nose of their bumbling captors.

In season 3 episode 23, titled "Axis Annie," the prisoners of Stalag 13 are presented with an unexpected opportunity when a famous German radio personality, Axis Annie, arrives at the camp to broadcast a propaganda program. The Germans hope that her celebrity status will increase their influence across Europe and demoralize the Allies. But Hogan and his fellow prisoners see a chance to strike a major blow against the Nazi war effort.

The plan to sabotage Axis Annie's broadcast involves Hogan convincing her that he is a disillusioned American soldier who wants to defect to the German side. Along with his trusted second-in-command, Sergeant Kinchloe, and the talented actor Corporal LeBeau, Hogan concocts a convincing backstory for his character that will win Axis Annie's trust.

Meanwhile, in the camp, the other prisoners are busy rigging up a secret radio transmitter that will broadcast a counter-propaganda program when Axis Annie goes live. The prisoners hope that their message of hope and resilience will inspire their fellow Allied soldiers while sapping the morale of the German troops.

Things start to get complicated when one of the camp informers, a crafty French collaborator named Le Duc, starts to suspect that Hogan is up to something. Hogan and his team must prevent Le Duc from blowing their cover while keeping Axis Annie hooked on their story. The stakes are high, as failure could mean severe punishment for the whole team.

As the day of the broadcast approaches, tensions rise in Stalag 13. Hogan and his team are all in position, waiting for the signal to spring their trap. Axis Annie is nervous but resolute, convinced that she is doing her part to help the Fatherland. The German officers are gleeful, anticipating a major propaganda victory.

But when the broadcast finally goes live, everything falls apart. The prisoners' counter-propaganda program emerges from the airwaves, capturing the attention of Axis Annie and derailing her performance. Hogan and his team use the opportunity to send coded messages to their Allied contacts, setting up a critical mission that will play out in the next episode.

Overall, "Axis Annie" is a classic Hogan's Heroes episode that showcases the ingenuity and teamwork of the prisoners of Stalag 13. With a mix of comedy and suspense, the episode offers a glimpse into the daily struggles of those caught behind enemy lines during the war. Whether you're a fan of the show or a newcomer, this episode is a must-see.