The plot of this episode is something of a sitcom staple: two criminals on the run take shelter in the regulars' home and take hostages. For what it is, it's well orchestrated in a modest way, with each of the regulars affecting the situation's outcome, and acting in character to do so.
The canny casting of the two guest Post Office raiders is probably the most interesting aspect. As the older (more capable) criminal, Victor Maddern knows what to do - conveying just enough reserves of menace and force to look convincing when pointing a gun at the old ladies, but obviously nice enough to reassure the viewer that he wouldn't do any real harm. He's accompanied and handicapped by having his gangling, illiterate, simpleton young brother as partner-in-crime. Within the very limited parameters of this programme, Christopher Mitchell (of It Ain't Half Hot, Mum fame) does well with this character, even finding little moments of unforced pathos when he strikes up a rapport with Pat Coombs' childlike Cissie.
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