The opening scene of "For Want Of A Boot" consisted of Captain Pierce wanting a new pair of boots. Captains Pierce and McIntyre have a discussion in "The Swamp" to find out whom would supply Them new boots. In the opening clip of this episode, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake was going on report for being a farcical administrator at the 4077th ... specifically for not doing his job in relation to the nursing duties. The two of them would venture into Major Houlihan's tent to reconsider sending the report to General Mitchell ... if they gave in to a surprise birthday party for Major Burns in the mess tent.
The trek for finding new boots would begin immediately. Sergant Zale wanted his gums taken care of in Dr. Futterman's tent after his vacation. Dr. Futterman wanted to obtain a three-day pass to Tokyo. Corporal Klinger wanted Majors Burns and Houlihan to sign his Section Eight papers to obtain a discharge from the Army. Nurse Murphy wanted Corporal O'Reilly in her tent to plug in the hair dryer. Everything was in place ... or so it seem!!
At the birthday party, Majors Burns and Houilhan would obviously balk at signing Corporal Klinger's discharge papers. Nurse Murphy acted disappointed and shocked at Corporal O'Reilly's (lack of) appearance in her tent at the assigned time. Major Houlihan would then send her report to General Mitchell for Lieutenant Colonel Blake's court martial. Blake would rip Dr. Futterman's three-day pass to Tokyo. And finally, the snowball effect would (obviously) bite Dr. Futterman and Sergeant Zale in the rear ... for which Captain Pierce would not obtain his boots. A 16 out of 10!! Tons of spontaneity and wit!! Enjoy!! A++!! The zaniest M*A*S*H episode ever during its eleven-year run ... especially from the 1973-1974 Television Season.
