Ep 5. G.I. McPugg

The Red Skelton Show season 1 episode 5, titled "G.I. McPugg," is a comedic episode that follows the adventures of Clem Kadiddlehopper (played by Red Skelton) as he joins the army. In this episode, viewers get a glimpse of what life was like for soldiers during WWII as Clem struggles to adapt to army life.

The episode begins with a hilarious skit featuring Red Skelton as G.I. McPugg, a bumbling soldier who can't seem to get anything right. From putting on his uniform wrong to getting lost on the way to the firing range, McPugg's ineptitude is on full display.

Later in the episode, we see Clem Kadiddlehopper go through basic training. He struggles with even the most basic tasks, much to the chagrin of his drill sergeant. One highlight of this segment is Clem's attempt at marching in formation, which ends up resembling a ridiculous dance routine.

The second half of the episode features a recurring sketch involving the character Freddie the Freeloader. In this segment, Freddie is a soldier who has been drafted into the army but can't stop complaining about his plight. He bemoans everything from the food to the military issue underwear.

The centerpiece of the episode is a skit that Red Skelton would often perform on his show, known as "The Pledge of Allegiance." In this bit, Skelton recites the pledge of allegiance, but with humorous asides and interruptions that poke fun at various aspects of American life. It's a hilarious bit that showcases Skelton's comedic timing and ability to find humor in even the most solemn circumstances.

Overall, "G.I. McPugg" is a great episode of The Red Skelton Show that highlights both the comedic talent of its star and the struggles faced by soldiers during WWII. Whether you're a fan of classic TV comedy or just looking for a good laugh, this episode is well worth watching.