Peeter Oja says ‘Allo ‘Allo! still works as comedy

The BBC comedy series ‘Allo ‘Allo! is available to watch again on ETV and Jupiter, ERR reported. Fan Peeter Oja told the Ringvaade programme that the show remains funny and is tastefully made.

Oja said he first watched the series in the early 1980s, when it aired on Finnish television. He said he did not see it as mocking anyone, but as good humour set in the context of the French resistance and the Germans during the Second World War.

The series was criticised when it first appeared for making light of the horrors of the war. Oja said its comic characters and recurring lines were part of what made it work. He singled out the master of disguise, Mr LeClerc, and resistance leader Michelle.

Oja also noted that most episodes were filmed in front of a studio audience, rather than having laughter added later as he said was common in US productions. The series was a big success, but was not shown in Germany until 2008, as it was thought audiences might not accept it. Oja said he had since read that it had done well there.