F Troop

F Troop is a classic American television sitcom that aired on ABC from September 14, 1965 to April 6, 1967. The show was a unique blend of comedy and Western genres, which struck a chord with audiences. The main comedic premise of the show was built around the situation of a U.S. Army frontier post that was populated by a group of misfit soldiers, following the conclusion of the American Civil War.

The show starred Forrest Tucker, Larry Storch, Ken Berry, James Hampton, Bob Steele, and Melody Patterson, all of whom contributed significantly to the show’s humorous ambience and lasting impact. Each episode of F Troop ran for approximately half an hour and was overseen by prolific television writers and creators Hy Averback and William Todman Jr.

Forrest Tucker played the character of Commanding Officer, Sergeant Morgan O'Rourke, a man with a tremendous confidence and a cunning business sense. O'Rourke often got involved in several shady deals and maintained a secret peace treaty with the local Native American tribe, the Hekawi.

Larry Storch donned the role of Corporal Randolph Agarn, who was O'Rourke's right hand. Agarn with his dubious intellect was often caught up in O'Rourke's questionable schemes.

The show's lead, Captain Wilton Parmenter, was portrayed by Ken Berry. Parmenter is portrayed as a hapless and meek man who was promoted to the position of a Captain after a display of 'accidental heroism' during the American Civil War. His character is often the centerpiece around which the absurd antics of the show revolve.

James Hampton portrayed Private Hannibal Dobbs, the non-intelligent, bugle player of Fort Courage, who often messes up the bugle calls. Bob Steele played the character of Trooper Duffy, the oldest member of the troop who recalls every historical event in an unusual manner. Melody Patterson, the show's primary female star, brought the character of Wrangler Jane Angelica Thrift to life; a confident, strong-willed woman who ran the post's general store and had affections for Parmenter.

The mix of personalities in F Troop, alongside the ridiculous situations the characters found themselves in, created space for humorous dialogue and actions, becoming the crux of the show's appeal. The historical setting also allowed for a satirical take on Western genre stereotypes, including early Hollywood versions of Native Americans, and the romantic notions of life on the American frontier during the mid-to-late 19th century. Furthermore, the show also employed slapstick humor - with pratfalls, malapropisms, and characters getting pies tossed in their faces.

While the Native Americans in F Troop, such as the Hekawi tribe, were a pastiche of Hollywood Indian stereotypes, the program took a step forward by giving these Native characters their own set of storylines and jokes. They were portrayed as being aware of their stereotyping and regularly outsmarted the soldiers of Fort Courage.

One of the signature aspects of the F Troop was its memorable theme song, which helped set and maintain the tone of the show before each episode. The show also had a rotating cast of guest stars who would pop in and out of Fort Courage, featuring celebrated performers of the time.

F Troop is known for its whimsical and zany interpretation of the American Frontier after the Civil War, adding a humorous twist to the era's stereotypical portrayals on television. With lovable characters operating within hilarious scenarios, both the main cast and supporting cast contributed to the show's charm and longevity, driving it to be one of the favorite classic comedies.

Despite only airing for two seasons, F Troop cultivated a dedicated fanbase and has maintained a lasting cultural impact. It is remembered and revered as a show that not only captured the zeitgeist of its era, but also offered a light-hearted, comedic take on historical events. From its cast of misfits at Fort Courage to the memorable theme song, F Troop continues to retain its popularity as a classic piece of 1960s television.