Big Plot Hole


Now, the health inspector informs the Fawlties (?) that they had a previous inspection six months ago, and that the things on THAT list haven't been rectified.

I think it was something like installing a new wash basin.

So let me get this straight; this whole health inspector-scare happened already once six months ago, and not only did the health inspector LET them keep the hotel open ALTHOUGH the items on his/her list were not rectified (the wash basin was not installed), but the Fawlty people didn't get scared or worried enough to think they _SHOULD_ rectify the items on the list?

So why panic this time, if last time they didn't pay any heed?

And why didn't they pay any heed? Why didn't they install the wash basin??

ALSO, how the heck do we go from "perfect" to "awful condition with an enormous list of things to rectify" in SIX MONTHS?!

How?

Six months goes by very quickly - just think six months back, doesn't it feel like 'yesterday' almost?

Either the previous health inspector let them through without anything rectified, and let the hotel function in a really bad condition and form, or the Fawlties rectified a lot, or had a perfect hotel to begin with (except the wash basin), and SOMEHOW wrecked it to a terrible condition in six months, although they KNEW there will be more health inspections in the near future.

This makes no sense whatsoever, what were they thinking?? I can't figure out what happened last health inspection and during those six months, but it certainly doesn't make sense, and is actually a big plot hole, because the whole darn episode DEPENDS on things having happened exactly as they (illogically) did.

Can anyone explain this?

reply

The reason they didn't fix things, is because they're just not that competent at running a hotel.

It seems to me that 6 months earlier Basil had assured the health inspector that the items on the list would have been rectified by the time he made his next visit. Since that hadn't happened, the health inspector threatened to close the hotel if things weren't fixed by the next day.

reply

Yep, this.

As this was the final episode of the show, we can assume Fawlty Towers was closed forever after the health inspector was served rat for lunch. A sad day, indeed.

reply

I know that episode, but I also know it's a situation comedy show and that kind of scrutinizing goes out the window.

reply