Ep 8. The New Nurse

The New Nurse: In this episode of On The Buses season 5, titled "The New Nurse," the Butler family finds themselves dealing with a new addition to their daily routine at the bus depot. The jovial and occasionally mischievous antics at Luxton and District Bus Depot take an interesting turn when a new nurse is hired to tend to the crew's health and safety needs.

The episode kicks off with the usual chaos at the depot, with Stan Butler (played by Reg Varney) and his best friend Jack Harper (played by Bob Grant) getting into their typical comedy-laden escapades. As the resident bus drivers, they handle the pressures of their job with a quick wit and a dash of mischief.

Lanky and loveable blunderer Inspector Cyril "Blakey" Blake (played by Stephen Lewis) also makes his appearance, determined as ever to catch Stan and Jack slacking off. His constant attempts to keep them in line provide much of the amusement throughout the episode.

As the events unfold, the new nurse, whose name is revealed to be Nurse Gladys Emmanuel (played by Anna Karen), enters the scene. Nurse Gladys immediately catches the eye of everyone at the depot, creating a stir among the male staff members who find her presence rather enticing.

Nurse Gladys quickly proves herself to be more than competent in her role, efficiently attending to the medical needs of the bus drivers and other workers. However, her stern demeanor and no-nonsense attitude clash with Stan's lighthearted personality, leading to several humorous confrontations between the two.

Stan, who is always in search of amusement, plots with Jack to orchestrate situations that will cause Nurse Gladys to intervene and scold them. Their plan backfires, as Nurse Gladys remains unyielding to their antics, instead opting to let her professional authority speak for itself.

Meanwhile, Arthur Rudge (played by Michael Robbins), Stan's bumbling brother-in-law, becomes infatuated with Nurse Gladys and attempts numerous feeble attempts to impress her. His clumsy advances provide some comic relief and add an unpredictable element to the story.

The episode also explores the interpersonal dynamics between the characters. Olive Rudge (played by Anna Karen) and Mavis (played by Doris Hare) engage in their usual banter while maintaining a close friendship. Despite their constant disagreements, they prove to be a reliable support system for each other.

Additionally, the ongoing tension between Stan and his overbearing and often intrusive mother, Mrs. Butler (played by Cicely Courtneidge), adds another layer of comedy. Mrs. Butler's disapproval of Stan's lifestyle choices leads to hilarious confrontations and misunderstandings.

As the episode progresses, the viewer gets a chance to witness the changing dynamics between the characters, especially Nurse Gladys and Stan. Over time, their initial clashes give way to begrudging respect and occasional moments of surprising vulnerability.

"The New Nurse" delivers its fair share of laughs, showcasing the beloved characters of On The Buses in their element. The episode's comedic timing, clever dialogue, and physical comedy ensure that both longtime fans and newcomers to the show will find moments to enjoy.

Overall, "The New Nurse" is a classic episode of On The Buses, filled with humor, character development, and entertaining plotlines. As the season progresses, viewers can look forward to more hilarious encounters and unexpected twists that make On The Buses such a beloved and enduring British sitcom.