Gary: Tank Commander

Gary: Tank Commander is a uniquely entertaining, delightful, and decidedly different comedic offering by BBC Two that aired between 2009 and 2012. This richly engaging television sitcom blended the fabric of military life with the charm of humorous storytelling to create a unique, lighthearted diversion from traditional action-drama military productions.

The series follows the character Gary McLintoch, a corporal in the fictional 104th Royal Tank Regiment of the British Army. He is a man with an uncanny ability to see the comical aspects of even the most serious situations. His cheerful personality, infectious enthusiasm, and often oblivious demeanor create moments of hilarity that charm the audience and leave them chuckling long after the show has ended.

The show, emanating from Scotland and created by the talented Greg McHugh who also stars as Gary McLintoch, can indeed be seen as a rib-tickling tribute to the camaraderie and the ‘banter' that it suggests is rampant amidst Scotland's armed forces. It’s a program that depicts the life of the modern common soldier, one who bears the brunt of deployment but away from the battlefront also has to deal with the regular struggles of daily life.

What sets this series apart is that it does not dwell on the grim aspects of 'life in uniform.' Instead, it uses a deft and witty touch to project its military setting. It convincingly strikes a balance between Gary's professional and personal life, giving his character a depth that keeps the audience engaged.

Each episode typically includes recollections from Gary, often shot in a mockumentary style, and these anecdotes offer a hilarious panorama of military life, as seen from the perspective of a rank-and-file soldier. Gary's infectious charm makes his adventures interesting to watch, such as embarking on a physical fitness course or stumbling upon a secret mission, there always seems to be something happening to him of enormous import. Or at least that's what Gary wants his audience to believe.

The show boasts an interesting crew of characters apart from McLintoch - the verbose and serious Sergeant Thomson, the quiet but smart Jacko Jackson, the ever reliable Adam Kennington and the effervescent Charlie Smith. The group of soldiers shares a comradery that provides for a lot of the humor and heartwarming moments in the series.

A particular strength of Gary: Tank Commander lies in the clever scriptwriting. The dialogues are crisp, laden with humor and offer shades of irony at the seemingly dangerous daily routine of a military man. The ability of the show to manage tongue-in-cheek humor without turning farcical is a testament to the abilities of the writers and the cast alike.

The series managed to tap into a swath of situational and character-driven humor. With episodes that center around somewhat mundane yet intricate details, such as planning a surprise party, dealing with a ghost or a thwarted lingerie heist, Gary: Tank Commander does indeed capture the banality of army life, past the veneer of combat and discipline.

Gary: Tank Commander also tackled the challenge of portraying life in the army in a very endearing manner, at times even offering social commentary on the nature of war, the role of the media, and the impact it has on the soldiers involved.

Aside from the laughter, Gary: Tank Commander is also about the relationship between friends serving in the army, about dedication and loyalty, set against the backdrop of absurd and funny situations, offering a perfect balance of uproarious comedy and heartfelt moments.

All in all, Gary: Tank Commander had a rather atypical narrative that sets it apart from typical military-based shows, making it a curiously engaging, light-hearted departure from the norm. Combining comedy with the realities of life in the military, it's a series that offers a brilliant balance of slapstick humor, quirky comedy, and real-life situations, filled with colorful characters who simply strive to make the best of what life throws at them. It's a delightful mix of humor, camaraderie, warmth, and a lot of Gary McLintoch - quite the recipe for a comedy show that you wouldn't want to miss.