Am working my way through the four series at the moment (rotating with The Inbetweeners, The Phil Silvers' Show and The Young Ones) and John Cleese was right when he said they didn't know how they got away with some of it, as they were clearly self-indulgent and not that funny.
I agree with him as there is certainly a lot of dross in there - some complete episodes being not quite, but nearly............dire.
Most is very funny though I think and so far, the one episode that shines way above the rest is The Spanish Inquisition - the whole segued plot (court room sequence etc.), with Michael Palin superb! So funny the way he expands his list "No one! Expects the Spanish Inquisition. Our chief weapons are fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency and.....our four weapons are.................I'll come in again". Hilarious!
And of course, when they go to torture the old lady, Biggles and Cardinal Fang (horrified) "The Comfy Chair!!!?"
My only regret is not being able to find the name of the gorgeous babe who is produced as evidence in the courtroom scene.............she appears to be uncredited.