Ep 10. Scott of the Antarctic

In Monty Python's Flying Circus season 2 episode 10, titled "Scott of the Antarctic," the comedy troupe presents a series of skits and sketches that are loosely based on the ill-fated 1910-1913 British Antarctic Expedition led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott.

The episode opens with a sketch that parodies the scientific experiments conducted by Scott and his team, in which a group of scientists attempt to turn a cat into a bomb. The absurdity of the situation is ramped up when the experiment is interrupted by a group of militants who are looking for a new weapon.

This is followed by a series of sketches that explore various aspects of the expedition, such as the hardships and isolation faced by the explorers, the competition between the British and Norwegian teams, and the tragic fate of Scott and his men.

One of the standout sketches from the episode is the "Penguin on the Telly" sketch, which features a penguin being interviewed on a television talk show. The penguin in question is portrayed as a sophisticated and erudite intellectual, with a refined British accent and a penchant for smoking a pipe. The absurdity of the situation is amplified by the fact that the penguin is clearly just a man in a penguin suit, and is frequently interrupted by the other guests on the show.

Another memorable sketch from the episode is the "Dead Parrot" sketch, which has become one of the most iconic and beloved comedy sketches of all time. In this sketch, John Cleese plays a disgruntled customer who has purchased a parrot from a pet shop, only to find out that the parrot is dead. Despite the obvious evidence that the parrot is deceased, the pet shop owner, played by Michael Palin, insists that the parrot is merely resting or stunned, leading to a hilarious and increasingly absurd argument.

Overall, "Scott of the Antarctic" is a hilarious and irreverent take on one of the most famous and tragic expeditions in history. With its absurdity, wit, and irreverence, this episode showcases the unique comedic genius of Monty Python, and continues to be a beloved classic of British comedy.