If there was ever a more misunderstood TV series, it would have to have been “Hogan’s Heroes.” Debuting in 1965 (when I was but a wee lad of 2), the series revolved around a group of soldiers imprisoned in a Nazi prisoner of war camp. Led by the affable Col. Robert Hogan (Bob Crane), the heroes were forever up to the task of performing important missions for the Allied Forces, while making buffoons of their Nazi captors. “Hogan’s Heroes” was originally based on the teleplay “Stalag 17”, and was so popular with audiences that it ran for 6 seasons. However, oddly enough it was never considered a hit by the standards of critics of the day. I used to love watching the series, and found it to be often hilarious, which is why I was shocked several months ago when I read a TV Guide article listing the ‘worst TV shows of all time.” “Hogan’s Heroes” was at the top of the list! I read further to learn that the reason it was picked was because it represented political correctness at its worst, making light the horrible time of the holocaust. It was considered insulting to Jewish people.

Once I read these reasons, I calmed down a bit; after all it was obvious that the person who wrote this was high on crack. It seemed he had to be thinking of a show he THOUGHT was “Hogan’s Heroes.” Considering the fact that the series had nothing to do with Nazi Concentration camps, I can’t see how it could have been insulting. The story took place in a P.O.W. camp, and if it was insulting to anybody, it would have to be towards Nazis (a group seriously deserving of parody).

If the critic had taken the time to do his research, he would have even found that many of the actors portraying the various Nazis were, in fact Jewish. It was mentioned in a few interviews that some of the actors felt uncomfortable putting on the uniforms, but felt vindicated by making their characters out to be either stupid, or at least oblivious. They would even further note that Robert Clary, who played Cpl. Louis LeBeau was actually a Concentration Camp survivor.

All things considered, “Hogan’s Heroes” was a far cry from ‘one of the worst TV shows ever’, and offered some mighty fine laughs at the expense of Hitler’s brainless sheep. Not only was the writing solid, but the cast was one of the great ensemble casts of the day. Crane led the way, followed by the great Werner Klemperer as Colonel Klink (“Hoooooogan!!) and John Banner as Sgt., Schultz (“I know nothing…. NOTHING…!). And as the heroes of the title, Ivan Dixon (Kinch), Larry Hovis (Carter), Robert Clary (LeBeau) and Richard Dawson (Newkirk) were perfect in their roles.

Interestingly enough, most of you might realize that Richard Dawson went on to fame and fortune as the touchy feely host of “Family Feud”, though you probably don’t know that Ivan Dixon went on to direct episodes of many very popular TV shows (“Rockford Files”, “Waltons”, “Quincy”, “Quantum Leap”).

Last year, Paramount released a DVD set for the 1st season. And while it was well received, there was a bit of complaint over the lack of special features. So when the studio released the 2nd season a couple of months later, they MORE than made up for it. That DVD release was billed as a ‘40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition”, and had a ton of terrific special features.

Now Paramount is following up these sets with all 30 episodes of the 3rd season, and while they are a real treat (more on that in a second), there has been a bit of a backslide on the extra features. This time around we only have some photo galleries and an appearance by Werner Klemperer on an episode of "The Pat Sajak Show." But admittedly I can't really find that much room to complain considering how much was included on the previous set.

Even without all the extra features, I still recommend the 3rd season set of "Hogan's Heroes." The episodes here are still as funny as those that had come before and the satire is fully intact. So to all of you critic’s who bashed “Hogan’s Heroes” (then and now), I thumb my nose at you and plan on sitting back to continue enjoying one of the funnier sitcoms of the past.

Episodes:
The Crittendom Plan
Some of their Planes are Missing
D-Day at Stalag 13
Sergeant Schultz Meets Mata Hari
Funny thing Happened on the way to London
Casanova Klink
How to Win Friends and Influence Nazis
Nights in Shining Armor
Hot Money
One in Every Crowd
Is General Hammerschlag Burning?
A Russian is Coming
An Evening of Generals
Everybody Loves a Snowman
The Hostage
Carter Turns Traitor
Two Nazis for the Price of One
Is There a Doctor in the House?
Hogan, Go Home
Sticky Wicket Newkirk
War Takes a Holiday
Duel of Honor
Axis Annie
What Time Does the Balloon Go Up?
LeBeau and the Little Lady
How to Escape from Prison Camp without Really Trying
The Collector General
The Ultimate Weapon
Monkey Business
Drums Along Dusseldorf

Starring: Bob Crane, Robert Clary, Richard Dawson, Ivan Dixon, Larry Hovis, Werner Klemperer, John Banner
Extras: Werner Klemperer on "The Pat Sajak Show", Episode Photo Gallery, Series Photo Gallery
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital English Mono
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 3/7/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Hogans Heroes: Season 3 an A.