As a kid of the ’80s, I always had MAS*H playing in the background. The hilarious moments, the touching scenes, and the unforgettable characters made it a staple in my household. This iconic show, known for its sharp writing, emotional depth, and witty satire, quickly became a beloved cultural touchstone.
But did you know that behind the scenes, MAS*H had its fair share of mistakes and bloopers? Let’s dive into the untold stories that flew under the radar of its loyal fans.
The Hepatitis Episode: A Twist of Fate
In season five, William Christopher, who played Father Mulcahy, faced a serious bout of hepatitis. This illness almost led to his departure from the show. However, Alan Alda, being the stand-up guy he is, wrote an entire episode cleverly incorporating Christopher’s illness into Mulcahy’s storyline. It was a testament to friendship and a brilliant solution to keep Father Mulcahy in the mix.
Frank Burns’ Tumor Prophecy
In a rather eerie coincidence, Larry Linville, the actor who portrayed Frank Burns, mentioned in an episode that he had a pea-sized tumor under his sternum. Years later, Linville actually passed away due to a malignant tumor in that exact location. Sometimes life imitates art in the most unexpected and slightly spooky ways.
Klinger: From One-Episode Wonder to Fan Favorite
Jamie Farr’s character, Klinger, was originally intended to appear in just one episode. However, his portrayal of Klinger was so charming and hilarious that the audience fell in love with him. As a result, Farr became a regular on the show, adding a unique dynamic to the MAS*H ensemble.
Authenticity in Action: Jamie Farr’s Military Dog Tags
Did you know that the dog tags Jamie Farr wore on the show were actually his real military dog tags from his time in the service? Farr brought an extra layer of authenticity to his role by using his own personal military information, including his name and serial number. It’s the little details like these that made MAS*H so special.
Military Mistakes: The Bell Huey UH-1 Helicopter
While MAS*H was set during the Korean War, there were a few military accuracy slip-ups. In one episode, a Bell Huey UH-1 helicopter, which didn’t even exist during the Korean War, appeared in Henry Blake’s office. These little mistakes may not have bothered fans back then, but looking back, it’s interesting to see the historical inconsistencies.
The Shocking Death of Lieutenant Colonel Blake
The death of Lieutenant Colonel Blake was one of the most talked-about moments in TV history. McLean Stevenson, the actor who portrayed Blake, decided to leave the show in 1975, and the writers decided to give his character a tragic ending. This unexpected and dramatic turn was unheard of at the time, but it made a powerful statement about the brutal realities of war.
A Pact Among Producers
After the backlash from Lieutenant Colonel Blake’s death, the show’s writers and producers made a pact. They agreed that if any actor decided to leave MAS*H in the future, they would avoid giving their character such a tragic send-off. This decision changed how character departures were handled on the show, ensuring a more positive and less shocking outcome.
Radar’s Hidden Secret
Gary Burghoff, who portrayed Radar, had a little-known feature that he cleverly hid on the show. He was born with a condition called Poland syndrome, which caused his chest muscle to be underdeveloped and led to webbed fingers. To keep the focus on his acting, he strategically concealed his left hand during scenes.
Radar’s Farewell: A Bittersweet Goodbye
Gary Burghoff appeared in every episode for the first three seasons, but due to the demanding schedule, he reduced his appearances in later seasons. Radar’s departure from the show was explained in a two-part farewell episode, where his character was discharged from the army. Burghoff’s decision to prioritize his family life led to an emotional goodbye.
The Legacy of MASH: Emotional, Dramatic, and Impactful
Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye, made history by winning Emmys for acting, writing, and directing for the same series. His talent for blending humor and character-driven storytelling was truly remarkable. MASH* evolved from a fantastic comedy in the early seasons to an outstanding blend of drama and comedy, making it an unforgettable journey for both the actors and the audience.
The Iconic Duo: Hawkeye and Margaret
The relationship between Hawkeye and Margaret Houlihan, played by Alan Alda and Loretta Swit, added a fascinating layer to the show’s shift in tone. Their dynamic evolved from mutual respect to a deeper emotional bond. The episode “Comrades in Arms” marked a pivotal moment for their characters, as they shared a passionate night together. It was a turning point that spoke to the totality of MASH* and showcased the show’s ability to evoke tears, laughter, and survival.
The Impact of Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan
Loretta Swit’s portrayal of Margaret Houlihan deserved respect beyond the infamous nickname of “Hot Lips.” Swit took it upon herself to show the depth of Margaret’s character, proving that she was so much more than a body part. Her perseverance paid off, leading to a shift in how Margaret was portrayed on the show.
The Transformation of Loretta Swit
Throughout the show’s run, some fans speculated about Loretta Swit’s appearance and whether she had undergone plastic surgery. While Swit has never addressed this directly, observant fans have noticed subtle changes that could indicate some cosmetic alterations. However, whether this transformation began during MASH* remains a topic of speculation.
The Longest Kiss in TV History
In the series finale, Hawkeye bids farewell to Margaret with an awkward and lengthy kiss. This moment became one of the longest kisses in television history, leaving their colleagues feeling a bit uncomfortable. Alan Alda, who directed the episode, and Loretta Swit were the only two main cast members to be part of both the series premiere and finale. Their lasting bond symbolized the special connection that spanned the entire show.
If you’re a fan of MASH*, share this article with your friends and family. Let’s spark some fun conversations and reminisce about the unforgettable characters that made us laugh and cry. It’s time to spread the nostalgia together!
