M A S H

M*A*S*H (TV Series)

M*A*S*H is an American television series that aired on CBS from 1972 to 1983. The series is a medical drama-comedy set during the Korean War and follows the staff of a mobile army surgical hospital (M*A*S*H) as they navigate the challenges of war, medicine, and personal relationships.

Overview

M*A*S*H is based on the 1970 feature film of the same name, which in turn was based on the 1968 novel "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors" by Richard Hooker. The series was developed by Larry Gelbart and produced by 20th Century Fox Television.

The show is renowned for its blend of comedy and drama, often addressing serious issues such as the horrors of war, the ethics of medical practice, and the personal struggles of its characters. It is considered one of the greatest television series of all time.

Plot

The series is set during the Korean War and follows the staff of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. The main characters include:

• Hawkeye Pierce - A talented and irreverent surgeon, known for his wit and disdain for military protocol.
• Trapper John McIntyre - Hawkeye's best friend and fellow surgeon, known for his mischievous antics.
• Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan - The head nurse, known for her strict adherence to rules and her romantic entanglements.
• Frank Burns - A surgeon who is often the butt of jokes due to his incompetence and sycophantic behavior.
• Radar O'Reilly - The company clerk, known for his ability to anticipate the needs of his superiors.
• Colonel Henry Blake - The commanding officer, known for his laid-back leadership style.

Themes

M*A*S*H explores a variety of themes, including:

• The futility of war - The series often highlights the senselessness and tragedy of war.
• Medical ethics - The doctors frequently face ethical dilemmas in their practice.
• Camaraderie and friendship - The bonds between the characters are central to the series.
• Humor as a coping mechanism - The use of humor to deal with the stress of war is a recurring theme.

Cultural Impact

M*A*S*H had a significant impact on American culture and television. It was one of the first shows to blend comedy and drama in a way that addressed serious social issues. The series finale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," remains one of the most-watched television episodes in history.

Also see

• Korean War
• Medical drama
• Sitcom
• Larry Gelbart
• 20th Century Fox Television