M*A*S*H - The TV Series

I started watching M*A*S*H in the mid 1970’s, somewhere around the end of series 2. Frank Blake was still in charge, or so he thought, and Trapper John McIntyre was Hawkeye’s best buddy.

I was immediately hooked. I loved the dry humour and all the characters. Every one of them was strong. I also liked that it was realistic in that, amongst the jokes serious issues were addressed.

When Henry Blake left I really didn't think they would be able to replace him. I loved the relationship he and Radar had. Yet Colonel Potter more than took on the challenge. It was also the same feeling when Trapper left. I thought the relationship and chemistry Hawkeye and Trapper had come across as very genuine. I didn’t think anyone could take his place. Again I was proven wrong. B.J. Hunnicutt became a more than adequate replacement and his relationship with Hawkeye was just as strong.

Major Burns was a fantastic character (brilliantly acted by Larry Linville). I enjoyed watching him try to out-wit Hawkeye and B.J. and failing every time. When he left and Charles Winchester III arrived I knew from the previous changes that this would be fine, and it was. I missed Frank but Charles took us in another direction.

My favourite character of them all has to be Colonel Flagg, played by Edward Winter. He should have had a series of his own. It was brilliant watching and listening to him. He had some of the best gags.

"You think you're real smart. But you're not smart; you're dumb, very dumb. But you've met your match in me."

"Nobody can get the truth out of me because even I don't know what it is. I keep myself in a constant state of utter confusion."

I loved it that Major Burns looked up to him too. The character only appeared six times (or 7 if you count his role as Captain Halloran) and stole the show each time. Perhaps that’s why they limited his appearances. Sadly Edward Winter passed away in 2001 aged 63.

The TV series lasted longer than the war it was set in and the finale was a brilliant way to bow out. Tying up all the loose ends and still adding twists, like Klinger actually staying after spending his whole time in service trying to get home. Fantastic.

I like that the UK shows did not have the laughter track. I find laughter tracks demeaning. Surely it’s better left to the viewer to decide if something is funny or not?

M*A*S*H was a wonderful series and one that still stands up today.