Fawlty Towers

Communication Problems (a.k.a. Theft) - S2-E1

Plot hole: Basil torments Mrs. Richards by miming when he is speaking to her, so she will think her hearing aid has failed. However, she speaks twice during the scene, and she would hear herself - obviously - and would know that he was trying to fool her.

The Anniversary - S2-E5

Plot hole: Sybil leaves the hotel at 05:29 and returns with Audrey at 24:39. 19 minutes have elapsed in real time during which Basil has been 'entertaining' Sybil's friends. So Sybil had just enough time to visit Audrey, talk to her and return. There wasn't enough time to visit the homes of Alice, Kitty or Virginia. Sybil went straight to Audrey who must therefore be her closest friend. Also Audrey was free and knew nothing about the party. Would not Basil have invited Audrey to the party? Is not Audrey's presence just to allow Sybil to explain to the audience when it makes no sense she is not at the party? (00:05:30 - 00:24:40)

DVDpedant

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Suggested correction: In 'The Wedding Party' the Major comments about Basil not liking Audrey, so maybe he didn't invite her. Or maybe she was in the uncomfortable position of keeping the secret for Basil despite seeing how upset Sybil was.

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The Anniversary - S2-E5

Trivia: Sybil's friend, Audrey, who Sybil is frequently seen talking to on the telephone, has only one on-screen appearence in 'The Anniversary'. She is seen at the very end, when Sybil has just walked out on Basil.

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Waldorf Salad - S2-E3

Question: Basil asks the American male guest (Mr Hamilton) if they have palm trees in California. The American replies that, "They say Burt Lancaster has one, but I don't believe them." The DVD then appears to cut prematurely to the next scene. Is there a hidden or subliminal joke here that I'm missing?

Answer: A possible explanation can be found here: http://tviv.org/Fawlty_Towers/Waldorf_Salad Quote: "This is, of course, sarcasm, as southern California in general and Los Angeles in particular is famous for its palm trees".

Mortug

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