The Lieutenant (TV Series)

Captain Thomson (1963)

Paul Burke: Capt. Kenneth Thomson

Quotes 

• Lt. Col. Hiland : Ken, I filled out your fitness report this afternoon. I can't tell you how I marked you, but I can mention some of the comments on the back. I strongly recommended a three-year tour of administration and supply duty. As a matter of fact, I made it so strong that I doubt they'll promote you under any other circumstances.

  Captain Thomson : You don't think I'm going to sit still for that!

  Lt. Col. Hiland : Now listen... you can turn this down and get out. That's your decision. But since we can't put men like you in deep-freeze between wars, I'm going to make certain that those who stay in are fully qualified in those areas that you consider boring, penny-pinching and tedious in peace-time service. Without that, we wouldn't be able to fight when they need us and if you don't understand that, Mister, you'd better get out! Now they're waiting for me in there. I've got to get back... Will you join us?

• Sgt. Baker : Sir, is the smoking lamp lit?

  Lt. William 'Bill' Rice : Yes...

  Captain Thomson : Lieutenant, I also suggest that you have your men kick the smoking habit for the next five days. Guerillas that are good at their jobs can smell cigarette smoke further than you can smell wood smoke; guerillas who are not good at their jobs don't live long enough to matter.

• Lt. William 'Bill' Rice : Captain, that's the second time you've chewed me out in front of my men. Now, I understand you're trying to teach me something and I appreciate it, but I'll be leading this platoon long after this exercise is over, sir, and I can't lead them if you undermine...

  Captain Thomson : Objection noted, Lieutenant.

• [Thomson walked out of an officer's mess when the company began making toasts] 

  Captain Thomson : You understand, I took over command of his platoon! Even in mock battle, I wanted to win so hard, I lost all perspective.

  Lt. Col. Hiland : Ken, you always fought hard to win and it paid off in combat, but you just said it. Perspective - you've got to keep your perspective!

  Captain Thomson : Now if you had asked me straight out this afternoon, I might have lied.

  Lt. Col. Hiland : But you didn't.

  Captain Thomson : Yes, but I might have! I couldn't sit in there knowing that.

  Lt. Col. Hiland : Which confirms something I always knew about you. A liar would have sat in that seat.