M*A*S*H (Mobile Army Surgical hospital) was a television series that ran for eleven seasons between 1973 and 1983. The series was set in the Korean War and based around the oddball characters that served in the 4077th MASH.

The series itself fits into the category of black comedy set in the Korean War. It is probably the best place here to mention that this series does not insinuate ever that war or the situations is causes is a funny thing or that it is comedic in any way shape or form. It simply highlights how in the toughest of situations it is often the humour of those that remain that prevails the longest. Sort of along the 'they can crush us but they'll never crush our spirit' lines. Therefore the series does not shy from making some statements about war even if they are made in a comedic way but is careful to place just the right amount of emphasis on sensitive issues without becoming bogged down with them.

None of the episodes in this or other series' focus on the actual fighting of the war as the focus is clearly on the MASH unit. For this reason every episode shows a least one scene with the doctors performing surgery, highlighting how the staff at the 4077th MASH unit frequently find themselves knee deep in wounded and running out of both beds and medical supplies. This combined with the endless need for the doctors to spend their days and nights performing what is coined 'meatball surgery' leaves them sleep deprived and frustrated by a lack of military competence. It is in this difficult situation though that the members of MASH 4077th make some of the best friends they will ever have.

***Klinger: Want me to wake you up when something makes sense? You'll sleep through the whole war***

Changes

Since the last series the dynamic has somewhat changed in this series due to the loss of two of the established cast and the introduction of two new members. At the end of Series 3 Henry's departure and subsequent death was seen leaving the position for Commanding Officer open. The first episode of this episode then sees Hawkeye return from some R & R in Tokyo to find that 'Trapper' after serving his time has been sent home. Never fear though as these positions are soon filled and filled well in my opinion. Furthermore previous characters and the sacrifice they made are also not far from their minds and often mentioned which gives the show a great feeling of reality and continuity.

***Hawkeye: They'll keep coming whether I'm here or not. Trapper went home, they're still coming. Henry got killed and they're still coming***

Characters

Captain Benjamin Franklin Pierce otherwise known as Hawkeye and played by Alan Alda is still the camps chief protagonist. He is a draftee and is not army at all. In fact he severely dislikes anything army especially the idea of being woken up. Despite this though he truly is a gifted surgeon and more than dedicated to doing his duty to his patients.

Hawkeye used to live in the SWAMP, the more than suitable name for his tent, with fellow draftee and con-conspirator Captain John 'Trapper' McIntyre. Trapper's exit however leaves a bed free in the SWAMP and so it is this position that Captain B. J. Hunnicutt fills. Hawkeye's friendship with Trapper always seemed exceptionally genuine and this is proved in episode one of this series but he and Hunnicutt seem to hit it off and from that moment on they turn into the familiar mischievous pair we quickly come to love. The surgical side to the pair is also well shown and Alan Alda genuinely does act like a doctor in many scenes and seems to do in a natural way and with a sense of ease.

***Col. Potter: [to Hawkeye] Son of a gun, you're always full of comebacks.***

With Henry's demise Major Frank Burns, the other member of SWAMP found himself in the position of Commanding Officer and turned the camp into an army camp. Unfortunately although Frank, in complete comparison to both his past and previous two roomies, is completely in love with the army he is in love with it in a very juvenile sort of way. Frank can frequently be heard shouting about his authority and how no one respects it but the camp just generally ignores him.

Frank's medical skills are also questionable and his elicit relationship with Major Margaret 'Hot-Lips' Houlihan, who's only wish in life seems to be to impress her army father, often makes him the brunt of many jokes. In this series however Margaret's role and her participation in episodes is greatly increased, as on many occasions we see her become more friendly towards Hawkeye and B.J.

***Col. Potter: I ran into Majors Burns and Houlihan. She's the head nurse. He's the head twerp***

Under the command of Henry Frank and Margaret never really got an closer towards bringing Pierce and then Trapper down to ground but with Frank in command and the introduction of Hunnicutt they think they just might have a chance. That is of course until Hunnicutt's first words to Frank are "Hello Ferret-face". Colonel Potter's arrival however is although not liked by Frank, welcomed when he realises that he is regular army. The immediate impression given off by Potter is that he will run a tight and strict unit but that impression is soon overthrown when he takes a liking to Pierce, Hunnicutt and Radar. The final straw for Frank though is when Potter comments on the niceness of one of Klinger's outfits.

***Col. Potter: I've got a soft spot for Klinger. He looks a little like my son. And he dresses a lot like my wife***

Unlike under Henry, Radar doesn't have to run the camp as much as he did but the part he plays is still integral. Potter relies on him to help run the camp and Radar still finds himself fetching, carrying, feeding and watering exactly like he did under Henry. The mothering role he had started to take on in series three also progresses, as he continues to tuck in the members of the SWAMP, wake them for duty and see they are where they should be. Radar's biggest skill however is still his amazing ability to hear the arrival of the Choppers before they can even be seen nor heard and his tremendous talent of being able to pre-empt everyone's orders. It is this especially that amazes the new Colonel and his ability to be able to magic passes and paper work from nowhere still keeps him camp favourite.

***Hawkeye: You wanna go over there into first class and tuck him in?
Radar: Yes Sir
Hawkeye: You know after this war is over you're going to make somebody a fine mother***

Klinger's position in camp also seems to be brought more to the forefront in this series too. Klinger is bucking for a section 8 madness discharge and so constantly wears women's clothing around the camp. This however doesn't bother anyone except Frank and Margaret and never impedes upon his duty which he carries out with diligence.

As well as Klinger's position becoming more prominent so does that of Father Mulcahey. I have always liked Father Mulcahey character, as he is the sane one in the midst of chaos yet joins in with everything and has a joke with the rest. He is also not afraid of getting his hands dirty and will muck in, in the operating room if and when needed.

***Hawkeye: What's the blessing for a tank Father?
Father Mulcahey: I think 'Thank God' will cover it***

It is probably important to note here however that despite the somewhat lack of military discipline around the camp, the mischievous jokes, the consistent womanising and the constant drinking everyone at MASH 4077th is whole heartedly dedicated to saving the lives of those that are placed on the surgeons tables and not matter how tempted they get they will never shy away from their responsibility.

***Col. Potter: [lecturing Klinger] None of us wants to be here. I don't want to be here. Radar doesn't want to be here. The doctors and nurses don't want to be here. Certainly the wounded don't want to be here. But we've got to do our best.***

Furthermore although their jokes sometimes seem too much they ultimately have a strong social conscience that in exceptionally apparent in some episodes. In my opinion this blend between comedy and seriousness is superbly balanced and gives in many ways a good insight into life in a military outfit, as although there are times to be serious it is also important to keep your spirits up and laugh along with the rest. This mix is shown very well throughout the 24 episodes in this - series 4 of M*A*S*H.

The Episodes

Each epsode in the series is 25 minutes long, except episode 1, which is 50 minutes long. The episodes come on three discs and can be viewed with or without subtitles, which are available in threee languages.

Episode 1 - Welcome to Korea
Returning from R&R Hawkeye finds that Trapper has been discharged. He subsequently rushes to the airport to say goodbye but just misses him. The journey however hasn't been completely wasted when he gets the chance to welcome Trapper's replacement to Korea.

***Frank: Captain Pierce, officers returning from leave are supposed to check in with their Commanding Officer upon their return
Hawkeye: Hello Honey, I'm home***

Episode 2 - Change of Command
The middle of this episode laps over the very end of the previous episode and sees Colonel Sherman Potter take command of the 4077th.

Episode 3 - It Happened One Night
It's bitterly cold in Korea and Hawkeye is on night duty. B.J however also soon joins him after not being able to settle down and it's a good job Margaret is on duty too because they've got a roomful of unruly patients.

***Klinger: 1943, these beans are from WWII
Hawkeye: They're has beans***

Episode 4 - The Late Captain Pierce
A late night phone call from Mr Pierce to B.J rouses suspicion in Hawkeye's mind. This however is soon cleared up by the fact that a clerical error has caused Hawkeye to be listed as deceased. What must his dad be going through?

Episode 5 - Hey, Doc
Everyone entering camp seems to have a little problem that they would like dealing with on the quiet but doing some good deeds pays off when a sniper terrorises camp.

***Col. Potter: Radar you're a model of efficiency
Hawkeye: I built him out of a kit***

Episode 6 - The Bus
Returning from a conference Colonel Potter, Hawkeye, B.J, Frank and Radar find themselves somewhat lost and to make matters worse their bus breaks down.

Episode 7 - Dear Mildred
In a format reminiscent of Hawkeye's 'Dear Dad' episodes, Colonel Potter is writing an anniversary letter to his wife.

Episode 8 - The Kids
When Nurse Cratty's orphanage is being shelled the personnel of MASH 4077th are all willing to pull together to give the children a bed for the night; everyone that is except Frank.

Episode 9 -Quo Vadis, Captain Chandler
In the latest batch of casualties is a bomber pilot that claims to be Jesus Christ. Frank and Margaret are having none of it and so bring in Colonel Flagg, Hawkeye and B.J retaliate by sending in Dr Freedman.

***Dr. Sidney Freedman: I'd like to go on talking to you, Flagg, but with your schizophrenia, I'd have to charge you double time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've already kept Jesus waiting five minutes***

Episode 10 - Dear Peggy
B.J writes a letter home to his wife whilst Father Mulcahey gets a visit from one of his rigid supervisors.

Episode 11 - Of Moose and Men
Hawkeye saves the life of a Colonel that wants him reprimanded for disrespect

and Frank becomes paranoid that all Koreans are burying bombs.

*** B.J.: [After noticing Frank scouring the ground with a metal detector] What's Frank up to?
Hawkeye: I think he's vacuuming Korea. Eisenhower's coming; he wants everything just so.***

Episode 12 - Soldier of the Month
HQ decide to begin a competition were the soldier of the month in each camp will be given a week in Tokyo. Frank is given the job of choosing the winner but a rare fever leaves the job to Hawkeye and B.J.

Episode 13 - The Gun
A vintage revolver belonging to a patient is stolen from the camps gun locker and Radar is accused as the thief.

Episode 14 - Mail Call, Again
With the arrival of the mail Colonel Potter finds out he is going to be a grandfathers and Frank's wife announces she wants a divorce.

'''***Radar: Sir, do you want to see Corporal Klinger?
Col. potter: Why not I probably won't be going to the Easter Parade***'''

Episode 15 - The Price of Tomato Juice
Finding out that the Colonel likes tomato juice sends Radar doing everything he can to make sure he gets it.

Episode 16 - Dear Ma
Radar writes a letter home to his ma, detailing the latest foot inspection and Colonel Potter's wife's premonition.

Episode 17 - Der Tag
An attempt to include Frank is their group and ultimately be nice to him, backfires somewhat when an innocent practical joke ends up with Frank being taken to the front line.

Episode 18 - Hawkeye
Going solo, Hawkeye has an accident with a Jeep. After being rescued by a South Korean family he fears he may succumb to concussion and so talks endlessly to them despite them not understanding a word he says.

Episode 19 - Some 38th Parallels
Whilst Frank is auctioning off the 4077th's garbage a patient that Radar has taken a special interest in dies and he becomes distraught. No-ones problems though are as big as Hawkeye who has impotency problems.

***Nurse: It can happen to anyone
Hawkeye: So let it, let it happen to anyone. Just don't let it happen to me***

Episode 20 - The Novocaine Mutiny
Hawkeye finds himself being charged for mutiny whilst under Frank's command.
'''***Judge: I have no doubt that Captain Pierce is a prankster and thoroughly unmilitary but the records indicate that he's a topflight surgeon. Lord knows I wouldn't want to lead a company of Pierre's into battle but I'd sure as hell want him around when that battle was over***'''

Episode 21 - Smilin' Jack
Lt Jack Mitchells is a top pilot but when Colonel Potter suspects that he may have diabetes he tasks Hawkeye and B.J to uncover the truth and if necessary ground him.

Episode 22 - The More I See You
When a nurse that Hawkeye used to live with turns up at the 4077th now married, Hawkeye's heartbreak is beyond belief.

Episode 23 - Deluge
When the Chinese army enter the war all hopes of a speedy resolution are shattered.

Episode 24 - The Interview
A documentary film is being made at the 4077th MASH unit and everyone is beign interviewed for it.

***Presenter: Now the people of this MASH are doing the work that they do best but that they'd rather not be doing at all, in a place they'd rather not be***

My Favourites

Despite the fact that all of the episodes contained within this series truly are fantastic I do have my favourites.

My favourite episode of the series is definitely Episode 18 'Hawkeye'. This is my favourite because it places a character we have come to love and admire outside of the camp and somewhat out of his comfort zone due to him being the injured party. I thought the shooting of this episode was brilliant and Alan Alda certainly needs commending as more over 20 minutes he alone keeps the audience entertained.

***Hawkeye: This is delicious, where did you get the meat. Wait, where's the dog… [dog is heard barking]… this is delicious. ***

My next favourite episode is Episode 6 'The Bus' simply because it places the group outside of their normal surroundings and as with most comedies this is often when the most humour is generated. It is also one of the first episodes were Colonel potter really seems like a member of the team.

***Col. Potter: Where are we?
Radar: Been wanting to talk to you about that Sir, where we are mostly at the moment is lost***

This series is a fantastic one in many, many ways. There are many episodes as well as single scenes that stay in your lasting memory but also there are a lot of very memorable speeches that not only sum up the series but could be applied to a lot of different people in a lot of different conflicts and this is something that makes the series what it is.

Closing Comment

I shall end this review simply with a quote from episode one of this series. The quote is said by Hawkeye when explaining to Hunnicutt what life at 4077th MASH is going to be like and it sums up perfectly everything about the show as a whole.

***Hawkeye: Crazy thing is, hell though it is, I think I feel closer to the people in this hospital than I've ever been to anyone in my life…or expect to***