This is a really good episode as Radar types up a weekly report. This is yet another way to string together a series of somewhat unrelated events. First of all, a North Koren patient, frightened and brainwashed, gets a scalpel and stabs a couple people (minor injuries), but most significantly knocks over the last pint of AB Negative blood and interrupts Trapper's efforts to save a patient (he later dies). Trapper is conflicted. While this is going on, Hawkeye falls in love with a beautiful nurse and jumps to the conclusion that she feels the same way. Next, we have Frank and Margaret making about their fiftieth foray into Henry's office to ask him to get rid of Max Klinger, who they call a pervert. Henry calls in psychiatrist Milton Friedman (in later episodes, his first name is Sidney) to evaluate the hairy Lebanese. Friedman is willing to let him leave the army, but the discharge would say "transvestite" and "homosexual." One interesting thing that has actually happened before is that Trapper is more grounded and serious than Hawkeye who is so full of himself he fails to see what his friend is going through. Good writing.
5 Reviews
Radar's episode
safenoe11 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Radar is the focus of Radar's Report rather naturally of course, and he gives an account of what's going one, but I not in a Rashomon way, but it would have been ideal if it was. Kellye Nakahara makes another appearance as Lt. Kellye Yamato, RN, and sadly she passed away only recently. I'm finding myself reflecting more on the early years of M*A*S*H after becoming a fan of the podcast M*A*S*H Matters, hosted by superfan and acclaimed theater performer Ryan Patrick and Jeff Maxwell, very famous for his role as Igor in M*A*S*H. Anyway, Kellye was a guest on the podcast and it was a very entertaining interview.
A week in the life
lonnieanixt10 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Many of the early episodes of MASH came with a clever framing device, one episode had the show wrapped around a USO show, another dealt with the characters writing letter home, in this episode the Show is framed round Radar's weekly report, and what a week it was.
If ever there was going to be a week that Hawkeye and Mcintyre would remember it was this particular week. Hawkeye found love-the head over heels variety, and Mcintyre was deeply affected by the loss of a patient.
This episode also featured one of the true times the OR staff was in true danger. a wounded enemy soldier gets free and grabs a scalpel and easily could have killed anyone in the OR, in the midst of his rampage he contaminates the operating field of Mcintyres patient and interferes with the operation, the poor soldier who had already been wounded, finds himself the victim of another enemy attack at a time when he was most vulnerable.
Both Hawkeye and Mcintyre get their hearts broken in different ways. Mcintyres's patient dies do to complications from the fight in the OR and Hawkeye falls in love with a visiting female Doctor, whose talents and bravery as well as beauty makes her a perfect choice for wifey and future mother of his future children,or so he believes but the women is only interested in fun,she looks at Hawkeye the way Hawkeye looks at all the nurses he dallies with-just a bit of fun to get through the Horror and juxtaposed tedious nature of war, she is not interested in Pierces proposal of marriage, she is too wise to get involved in wartime love affairs.
The pivotal moment of this episode and maybe the series itself comes when Mcintyre pays a late night visit to the recuperating enemy soldier who killed his patient. Mcintyre stares at the man's IV, knowing it wouldn't take much to end his life and avenge the young American soldier who will not be returning home, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, the whole thing is so unfair and Mcintyre is searching for a way to make sense of the insanity by righting the scales of justice, as Mcintyre contemplates his decision , Pierce walks in and talks to Trapper, he says to Mcintyre" This is not what we're about." this is the perfect thing to say and it brings Mcintyre to his senses.
While all this happening, Klinger gets schooled by Psychiatrist Sydney Freedman, a character who will become a semi-regular on the show, as the war begins to affect many of the characters mental states as the War drags on and the death and dying mounts Freedman will become very necessary .Here he has been called to examine Klinger to see if he is section eight material.
Klinger wears a dress, but what exactly is his sexual leanings, all that is clarified in this episode, Freedman has Klinger figured out from the get go, and has the perfect solution to the problem, he will grant Klinger his wish and grant him a section Eight but only if Klinger will sign a document that states that klinger is a Transvestite and a Homosexual, this document will go on Klingers permanent record and follow Klinger for the rest of his life, " From now on, you go through life in High heels" Klinger balks at this and is insulted, he just wants out of the war, he is neither a Homosexual nor a transvestite, just as Mcintyre is not a murderer and Hawkeye is not marriage material. all of the characters have growing to do, Mcintyre must learn to deal with the death of his patients or the guilt will chase him out of the medical profession, Pierce must grow up and begin to get his personal life under control, he cannot exist long as a perpetual playboy, and Klinger must come to accept that he is stuck in Korea for a very long time to come. As the series plays out all the characters will grow and come to grip with the madness around them as well as the responsibilities that life demands of them.In that regard this episode can be regarded as a growing moment for all involved.
The war will take much more from them then it is possible to win back in a thousand lifetimes war has no redeeming factors, except the deep personal relationships that grow and develop and are tested and made strong through the valor and daily heroism of the soldiers themselves-and that includes the men and women who do their damnedest to patch them up.
If ever there was going to be a week that Hawkeye and Mcintyre would remember it was this particular week. Hawkeye found love-the head over heels variety, and Mcintyre was deeply affected by the loss of a patient.
This episode also featured one of the true times the OR staff was in true danger. a wounded enemy soldier gets free and grabs a scalpel and easily could have killed anyone in the OR, in the midst of his rampage he contaminates the operating field of Mcintyres patient and interferes with the operation, the poor soldier who had already been wounded, finds himself the victim of another enemy attack at a time when he was most vulnerable.
Both Hawkeye and Mcintyre get their hearts broken in different ways. Mcintyres's patient dies do to complications from the fight in the OR and Hawkeye falls in love with a visiting female Doctor, whose talents and bravery as well as beauty makes her a perfect choice for wifey and future mother of his future children,or so he believes but the women is only interested in fun,she looks at Hawkeye the way Hawkeye looks at all the nurses he dallies with-just a bit of fun to get through the Horror and juxtaposed tedious nature of war, she is not interested in Pierces proposal of marriage, she is too wise to get involved in wartime love affairs.
The pivotal moment of this episode and maybe the series itself comes when Mcintyre pays a late night visit to the recuperating enemy soldier who killed his patient. Mcintyre stares at the man's IV, knowing it wouldn't take much to end his life and avenge the young American soldier who will not be returning home, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, the whole thing is so unfair and Mcintyre is searching for a way to make sense of the insanity by righting the scales of justice, as Mcintyre contemplates his decision , Pierce walks in and talks to Trapper, he says to Mcintyre" This is not what we're about." this is the perfect thing to say and it brings Mcintyre to his senses.
While all this happening, Klinger gets schooled by Psychiatrist Sydney Freedman, a character who will become a semi-regular on the show, as the war begins to affect many of the characters mental states as the War drags on and the death and dying mounts Freedman will become very necessary .Here he has been called to examine Klinger to see if he is section eight material.
Klinger wears a dress, but what exactly is his sexual leanings, all that is clarified in this episode, Freedman has Klinger figured out from the get go, and has the perfect solution to the problem, he will grant Klinger his wish and grant him a section Eight but only if Klinger will sign a document that states that klinger is a Transvestite and a Homosexual, this document will go on Klingers permanent record and follow Klinger for the rest of his life, " From now on, you go through life in High heels" Klinger balks at this and is insulted, he just wants out of the war, he is neither a Homosexual nor a transvestite, just as Mcintyre is not a murderer and Hawkeye is not marriage material. all of the characters have growing to do, Mcintyre must learn to deal with the death of his patients or the guilt will chase him out of the medical profession, Pierce must grow up and begin to get his personal life under control, he cannot exist long as a perpetual playboy, and Klinger must come to accept that he is stuck in Korea for a very long time to come. As the series plays out all the characters will grow and come to grip with the madness around them as well as the responsibilities that life demands of them.In that regard this episode can be regarded as a growing moment for all involved.
The war will take much more from them then it is possible to win back in a thousand lifetimes war has no redeeming factors, except the deep personal relationships that grow and develop and are tested and made strong through the valor and daily heroism of the soldiers themselves-and that includes the men and women who do their damnedest to patch them up.
Corporal O'Reilly's Factual Report!!
ellisel10 January 2008
The start of "Radar's Report" began with his typical task of typing his documentation on the typewriter. His report included any and all casualty statistics on the week of October 15,1952 through October 22, 1952. He momentarily glanced away from his typewriter and used his adding machine. The adding machine started printing out numbers by accident -- much to Corporal O'Reilly's dismay. In his report, a Chinese Communist prisoner was on the operating table for surgery to remove a bullet in his rear. Captain Pierce was ready to operate on his patient ... or so it seemed to him.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Erica Johnson introduced herself to Captain Benjamin Pierce. The surgeons were ready to the soldier to sleep during surgery. Little did they know he grabbed a scalpel to terrorize the unit. He wounded an orderly during surgery. Hong Chow -- in terror -- then destroyed an I.V. unit containing AB Negative Blood ... thus obviously contaminating the whole field. Lieutenant Erica Johnson became wounded in the struggle. Only Corporal Klinger was the one person to save the day in surgery ... despite his 39 dollar dress being damaged with the scalpel.
Captain McIntyre was adamantly upset about the prisoner lousing up his patient after the surgery. Meanwhile, Corporal Klinger was using Major Houlihan's hair dryer and shampoo in her tent. Obviously, Major Burns and Major Houlihan had one thing in mind: kicking Klinger out of the Army. Lieutant Colonel Henry Blake acted indifferent about Coporal Klinger's mental status; they were planning to resolve the matter by contacting Major Freedman about Klinger's circumstances. By the same token, O'Reilly told McIntyre that his patient was in serious danger after post-operative surgery.
In the latter half of the episode, Major Freedman evaluated Corporal Klinger in Blake's office. After careful review, he told Klinger that he was a transvestite and a homosexual ... for which the report would be on his permanent record. Klinger just wanted his Section 8. He was in a no-win situation with Freedman.
Captain McIntyre was heading to Pre-operation room for surgery. He and another nurse were ready to have surgery on his patient. Major Houlihan intervened quickly. The Chinese soldier received an I.V. transfusion. He was resting well in the V.I.P tent. McIntyre was shocked but reassured that the patient was recovering well. In the end, a life was saved through the transfusion.
Lieutenant Johnson entered "The Swamp" at the end of the episode. Captain Pierce had just finished shaving. He was about to realize that she would be reassigned to another unit. Even so, Corporal O'Reilly had just finished typing his report with a smile. A Fat 10.4!! Enjoyful And Surprising!!
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Erica Johnson introduced herself to Captain Benjamin Pierce. The surgeons were ready to the soldier to sleep during surgery. Little did they know he grabbed a scalpel to terrorize the unit. He wounded an orderly during surgery. Hong Chow -- in terror -- then destroyed an I.V. unit containing AB Negative Blood ... thus obviously contaminating the whole field. Lieutenant Erica Johnson became wounded in the struggle. Only Corporal Klinger was the one person to save the day in surgery ... despite his 39 dollar dress being damaged with the scalpel.
Captain McIntyre was adamantly upset about the prisoner lousing up his patient after the surgery. Meanwhile, Corporal Klinger was using Major Houlihan's hair dryer and shampoo in her tent. Obviously, Major Burns and Major Houlihan had one thing in mind: kicking Klinger out of the Army. Lieutant Colonel Henry Blake acted indifferent about Coporal Klinger's mental status; they were planning to resolve the matter by contacting Major Freedman about Klinger's circumstances. By the same token, O'Reilly told McIntyre that his patient was in serious danger after post-operative surgery.
In the latter half of the episode, Major Freedman evaluated Corporal Klinger in Blake's office. After careful review, he told Klinger that he was a transvestite and a homosexual ... for which the report would be on his permanent record. Klinger just wanted his Section 8. He was in a no-win situation with Freedman.
Captain McIntyre was heading to Pre-operation room for surgery. He and another nurse were ready to have surgery on his patient. Major Houlihan intervened quickly. The Chinese soldier received an I.V. transfusion. He was resting well in the V.I.P tent. McIntyre was shocked but reassured that the patient was recovering well. In the end, a life was saved through the transfusion.
Lieutenant Johnson entered "The Swamp" at the end of the episode. Captain Pierce had just finished shaving. He was about to realize that she would be reassigned to another unit. Even so, Corporal O'Reilly had just finished typing his report with a smile. A Fat 10.4!! Enjoyful And Surprising!!
The one where Radar writes about what's going on
jarrodmcdonald-111 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In two episodes that aired during the show's first season, Hawkeye wrote home to his father to describe goings on at the 4077th M*A*S*H. Now, it is Radar's turn to write about what's happening. Obviously, the writers liked the gimmick of having a character chronicle things that were occurring. As I have said before, these types of episodes are fairly easy to construct, because they can be less linear in nature. Usually we have a series of vignettes playing out, while one character is chronicling the action with voice-over narration. We see a variety of random situations that include all the major and recurring characters.
Here, the episode begins with Radar typing a weekly activity report and personnel record. Never mind the fact that he's never been shown to do this before, and we are already 27 weeks into the show's storylines. As Radar types, we learn this reporting period covers October 17th through October 21st, 1951. Incidentally, if you google 'what day of the week was October 17, 1951' you will find out that it was a Wednesday, meaning Radar is writing about activities from Wednesday to Sunday. Not sure why he's not including Monday and Tuesday.
The first vignette involves an incident that occurred on the 17th in the O. R. involving a Chinese communist soldier (Derick Shimatsu). We see Hawkeye operating, assisted by a Lieutenant Erika Johnson (Joan Van Ark). Right away, Hawkeye makes a sexist remark that we are supposed to find funny and that women in the audience are not supposed to mind.
At the same time Frank objects to having to save the lives of communists. Father Mulcahy is around, trying to facilitate peace. The well-meaning priest believes that the word 'bungchow' means peace and friendship, which he keeps repeating. But as Radar informs us, it really means 'your daughter's pregnancy brings much joy to our village.'
The communist soldier is not interested in any gesture of peace. He hops off the table, grabs a knife and starts brandishing it. There are some good reaction shots in this scene, showing the panic, especially when the soldier destroys a vat of blood then slices at Erika's arm. Eventually he is subdued when Klinger comes in. The soldier cuts the strap off Klinger's bra, and an outraged Klinger aims his rifle, causing the man to drop the knife. Truly a great scene that deftly blends the horror of war with medical drama and comedy.
After this tense incident is over, we see Hawkeye's attempts at romancing Erika, but he backs off when he realizes she wears a ring. Later he learns she is not actually married and doesn't believe in getting married (a possible jab at feminists). Meanwhile, Frank and Margaret feel Klinger is a menace to the morale and discipline of the camp, and they want Henry to get rid of him. Of course, Klinger would be happy to get a section eight discharge. Though Henry doesn't have any specific problem with Klinger, he is forced to bring in a psychiatrist to evaluate him.
In the next part of the story we have comments from Radar's report about Friday October 19th. He says the number of incoming wounded has decreased. The Chinese guy is making a post-op recovery, while Trapper is worried about the patient he was operating on when the Chinese guy went berserk. We also learn that Erika is still involved with Hawkeye. And a major named Milton Freedman shows up at the camp to meet with Klinger.
Interestingly, Milton Freedman the shrink is played by Allan Arbus in the first of his twelve appearances on the show. The next time he appears, the character's first name will be changed to Sidney. After examining Klinger, Freedman determines that Klinger is a transvestite and homosexual. Knowing this isn't actually true, Klinger cannot go along with getting a section eight on these terms.
The episode's next dramatic situation occurs when Trapper's patient dies unexpectedly, and he tries to deal with the fact that the Chinese soldier lived and is doing well. In a moment of tremendous personal conflict, he considers killing the Chinese guy. But this is prevented when Hawkeye comes upon the scene and tells him 'that's not what we are about.' The reactions on Wayne Rogers' face are excellent. As I have said before, I think Rogers was better at drama than he was at comedy, and a scene like this is pure gold. In fact, the whole episode is gold. One of the best.
Here, the episode begins with Radar typing a weekly activity report and personnel record. Never mind the fact that he's never been shown to do this before, and we are already 27 weeks into the show's storylines. As Radar types, we learn this reporting period covers October 17th through October 21st, 1951. Incidentally, if you google 'what day of the week was October 17, 1951' you will find out that it was a Wednesday, meaning Radar is writing about activities from Wednesday to Sunday. Not sure why he's not including Monday and Tuesday.
The first vignette involves an incident that occurred on the 17th in the O. R. involving a Chinese communist soldier (Derick Shimatsu). We see Hawkeye operating, assisted by a Lieutenant Erika Johnson (Joan Van Ark). Right away, Hawkeye makes a sexist remark that we are supposed to find funny and that women in the audience are not supposed to mind.
At the same time Frank objects to having to save the lives of communists. Father Mulcahy is around, trying to facilitate peace. The well-meaning priest believes that the word 'bungchow' means peace and friendship, which he keeps repeating. But as Radar informs us, it really means 'your daughter's pregnancy brings much joy to our village.'
The communist soldier is not interested in any gesture of peace. He hops off the table, grabs a knife and starts brandishing it. There are some good reaction shots in this scene, showing the panic, especially when the soldier destroys a vat of blood then slices at Erika's arm. Eventually he is subdued when Klinger comes in. The soldier cuts the strap off Klinger's bra, and an outraged Klinger aims his rifle, causing the man to drop the knife. Truly a great scene that deftly blends the horror of war with medical drama and comedy.
After this tense incident is over, we see Hawkeye's attempts at romancing Erika, but he backs off when he realizes she wears a ring. Later he learns she is not actually married and doesn't believe in getting married (a possible jab at feminists). Meanwhile, Frank and Margaret feel Klinger is a menace to the morale and discipline of the camp, and they want Henry to get rid of him. Of course, Klinger would be happy to get a section eight discharge. Though Henry doesn't have any specific problem with Klinger, he is forced to bring in a psychiatrist to evaluate him.
In the next part of the story we have comments from Radar's report about Friday October 19th. He says the number of incoming wounded has decreased. The Chinese guy is making a post-op recovery, while Trapper is worried about the patient he was operating on when the Chinese guy went berserk. We also learn that Erika is still involved with Hawkeye. And a major named Milton Freedman shows up at the camp to meet with Klinger.
Interestingly, Milton Freedman the shrink is played by Allan Arbus in the first of his twelve appearances on the show. The next time he appears, the character's first name will be changed to Sidney. After examining Klinger, Freedman determines that Klinger is a transvestite and homosexual. Knowing this isn't actually true, Klinger cannot go along with getting a section eight on these terms.
The episode's next dramatic situation occurs when Trapper's patient dies unexpectedly, and he tries to deal with the fact that the Chinese soldier lived and is doing well. In a moment of tremendous personal conflict, he considers killing the Chinese guy. But this is prevented when Hawkeye comes upon the scene and tells him 'that's not what we are about.' The reactions on Wayne Rogers' face are excellent. As I have said before, I think Rogers was better at drama than he was at comedy, and a scene like this is pure gold. In fact, the whole episode is gold. One of the best.
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