New Recruits

This was the first-ever episode and,Bob Melvin (who played "Henshaw") gives us an audio introduction on how the name of the show changed from "You'll Never Get Rich" to "The Phil Silvers Show" to what most Americans really called it: "Bilko."

This episode is an appropriate start to this famous TV series as we see all the platoon members first, and then Bilko in his back room playing poker with the boys. Unlike most future episodes, however, Bilko lost money in the game! It turns out he was cheated and the chaplain, of all people, is the one to discover the ruse. The chaplain also suggests to Colonel Hall that perhaps Bilko's gambling problem would go away if he had something new and challenging to divert his attention, such as new recruits. However. to "Ernie," all that means is "new blood," meaning new money. Bilko needs cash to get back into the Saturday poker game and get his money back.

Watching Bilko work the new recruits with his conniving ways is, yes, the appropriate way to start this series since that's what he was primarily known for: being a con man. However, a recurring good character trait is also shown. Underneath the con man is a strong conscience, which usually gets the best of "Ernie" in the end. Remember: this was the 1950s where good moral messages prevailed in the end, even with guys like Sgt. Bilko.