"? I think selected episodes were some of the funniest things I've ever seen on TV, and yet these same episodes are almost too painful to give a second viewing. (the "German" episode steps to mind.)

I wasn't going to say this, but "You started it" -"Germans" was the very best of an excellent bunch, in my opinion. Like you, I find it almost painful to watch, but it is too funny not to. Although there were only twelve episodes made, the standard in each is so high that they have stood up well to the passing of twenty and more years. I can never look at a rat without thinking to myself "there's a Siberian Hamster", and the image of Cleese apoplectically beating a Mini with a branch makes me laugh even as I type this. Thanks for making me smile, tsuwm, just don't mention the war