Back in January, I decided to watch the classic television series MASH from beginning to end. In March I decided to create a Top 5 MASH episodes – so far list as I reached the midway point of the series. As I am now wrapping up the final season of the show, I thought it only fitting to create another Top 5 list – this covering the second-half of the series.
From my previous top 5 list:
At this point, it goes without saying that MASH is still one of the most beloved show in television history. Of course, it was based on the 1970 movie of the same title; which, itself, was based on a 1968 novel. The show was set during the Korean War, which “only” lasted 3 years. However the series ran for 11 seasons - a testament to its popularity. MASH walked several different proverbial tightropes - lampooning war and military life while also depicting the enormity of both. Keep in mind, the US involvement in Vietnam war was winding down when MASH premiered in 1972. It was a part of the era of “tv relevancy” - when network television shows began directly addressing issues of the day. MASH was no exception. While it it ridiculed war, MASH tackled topics like death, politics, racism, sexism and homophobia head-on.
Like any great, long-running creative endeavor, the showrunners on MASH decided to push the boundaries of the series as it went on. Later episodes would take a more serious tone, while still keeping the humor in place. In some cases – like the episodes I list here – they experimented with the very nature of how stories are presented in the 30 minute episodic format.
Here are my top 5 episodes from the second half of MASH.
Point of View – season 7, episode 11
This is one of MASH‘s more experimental approaches to storytelling. The episode is shot in first person point-of-view of a wounded soldier at the 4077. Video gamers would see this first-person perspective popularized in games from the late 90- early 2000s.
Life Time – season 8, episode 11
Hawkeye & the staff of the 4077 have 20 minutes to save a wounded soldier’s life. This episode takes place in real-time; a storytelling approach popularized over 20 years later by the series 24. Have I mentioned how far ahead of it’s time MASH was?
Dreams – Season 8, episode 22
As the members of the 4077 try to sleep during a rush of casualties. their dreams dreams turn into nightmares, as the realities of war invade their thoughts. This episode rattled me a bit, like the movie Johnny Got His Gun.
Death Takes a Holiday – Season 9, episode 5
As Korean orphans attend a Christmas party at the 4077, Hawkeye & BJ try to keep a mortally wounded soldier alive long enough that he won’t die on Christmas.
Follies of the Living, Concerns of the Dead – season 10, episode 10
When Klinger falls ill, he communicates with a recently-deceased GI who struggling to come to terms with his own death.
Honorable Mention: Goodbye, Farewell and Amen – Season 11, episode 16
I would be remiss if I did not include the series finale. This episode deals with the end of the Korean War; as members of the 4077 break camp, say goodbye and prepare to go home. 41 years after, the MASH finale is STILL the most-watched scripted television episode of all time. Given the changes in television viewing over the last 4 decades, this record isn’t going anywhere.
If you are a fan of classic television, war stories, comedy, drama or even “dramedies” I cannot recommend MASH enough. It is no accident that – over 40 years since its finale – MASH is STILL one of the most popular, most endearing televisions show of all-time.
MASH is currently streaming on Hulu.
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The article “Rob’s Top 5 MASH Episodes Part 2: The Other Half” first appeared on Rebuilding Rob.
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