Why is it our favourite?

There may be some controversy about our choice, mainly because it’s not The Germans. And yes, The Germans is undoubtedly the most famous Fawlty episode, featuring as it does Basil’s berserk goose-stepping routine and the immortal line "Don’t mention the war!"

But, in our (humble) opinion, Communication Problems is the richer episode and rewards repeated viewing (unlike The Germans, which depends on a few memorable scenes).

This one has the best Basil nemesis of the series in Mrs Richards, who is utterly impervious to his sweaty-faced hysteria. ("What did you expect to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window? Sydney Opera House perhaps? The Hanging Gardens of Babylon!!!?")

And we also get John Cleese at his long-suffering best, as he forces poor Polly to help keep the gambling a secret from Sybil, even as the winnings disappear before his very eyes.

Other strong contenders...

No discussion of Fawlty Towers would be complete without mention of that scene from Gourmet Night when Basil’s car stubbornly won’t start, and he decides to give it a "damn good thrashing" with a tree branch.

Basil the Rat, the last ever Fawlty, sees the public health inspector paying a fateful visit to Torquay hotel. Naturally, before realising who he is, Basil roundly insults the man, offering to feed him "potato peelings, cold rice pudding, that sort of thing".

Agree? Disagree?

Tell us what you think here!