Original artwork, not a still
Reminds me of somebody machine-gunning a seal.
— Fawlty Towers ‧ 1975
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Basil uses an extravagantly unpleasant sound comparison to express irritation with his wife. The Major’s misunderstanding then punctures the insult by making Basil explain it. Read as character comedy, the line tells us about Basil’s bitterness rather than asking us to accept his description as fair.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Fawlty TowersShow the scene
In “The Wedding Party” (series 1, episode 3), Basil comments on Sybil’s laugh while talking to Major Gowen. The Major thinks the remark refers to the heat, forcing Basil to specify that he means his wife’s laugh. The absurd comparison is verbal: there is no seal or shooting in the scene.
Sources (2)
- Fawlty Towers — The Wedding Party transcriptThe Wedding Party; The Wedding Party, series 1 episode 3; at reception, Basil to Major Gowen about Sybil's laughReference checked
- Fawlty Towers — independent written referenceThe Wedding Party; The Wedding Party, series 1 episode 3; at reception, Basil to Major Gowen about Sybil's laughReference checked
Context reviewed
