Tuttle

This is one of the Best episodes of MASH. Hilarious and very well written!

This episode is a perfect example of how a comedic focused series with dramatic undertones should be written and acted out. An extremely witty storyline that provides perfect characterization to all of the series regulars. That character depth that is provided here is what's often missing in comedies. Any comedic tv writer should watch this episode to understand how to write a comedy.

The MASH episode "Tuttle" is a masterclass in blending humor with humanity, delivering one of the series' most memorable and endearing tales. The story centers around the invention of a fictional officer, Captain Tuttle, conjured up by Hawkeye to reroute supplies and pay to a local orphanage. What begins as a simple prank spirals hilariously out of control as the entire camp-and eventually the military hierarchy-buys into the myth of this selfless and elusive hero. The writers skillfully escalate the absurdity while maintaining a tight, believable narrative thread, allowing viewers to laugh while being swept up in the story's clever twists.

What makes "Tuttle" truly special is how it underscores the show's core values beneath the laughter. Hawkeye and Trapper's mischief, though deceptive, is rooted in a deep compassion for the vulnerable, particularly the Korean orphans often overlooked in the chaos of war. As more characters join in on the lie, their motivations begin to reflect a collective yearning for hope and decency amidst the grim realities of their environment. Even Radar's innocent complicity and Frank Burns' predictable outrage add layers to the episode's moral complexity without losing the comedic tone.

By the time the camp stages Tuttle's tragic "death" with full military honors, the viewer is left grinning through a lump in the throat. The episode's final moments, with Hawkeye delivering a heartfelt eulogy to a man who never existed in the first place, perfectly captures MASHs unique ability to satirize bureaucracy while honoring genuine kindness. "Tuttle" is not only laugh-out-loud funny-it's a touching reminder that sometimes, the best way to make a difference is through a little imagination and a lot of heart.

This is one of the cleverest episodes. When Hawkeye and Trapper smuggle penicillin to the local orphanage, they tell the nuns that a Captain Tuttle is to be given credit for it. Naturally, there is no Captain Tuttle. And, naturally, this person suddenly becomes real in the minds of all the camp. Because of his "kindness" and our boys' intervention, using records Radar is able to manipulate, he becomes a real person. Margaret immediately falls for him and Frank gets jealous. People who don't know who he is remember meeting him. What is great about this is the double entendre comments made by people concerning their knowledge. The problem is, of course, that at some point he is going to have to be present at something and the ruse will be exposed. The way this is all handled is outstanding writing.

The first season of MASH struggles to find the right tone, and writers don't have the character history to rely on in making seriously emotional episodes. There are some very effective ones in the first season, even episodes before this one. But this is the episode where everything works perfectly for the first time. Aside from the very careful wordplay, there's an absurdist undercurrent. A fairly simple premise is built on, and spirals into a bigger production. It's wonderfully satisfying.

My favorite thing is a single, strange joke that Radar has, regarding his imaginary friend. One of the strangest things that the show ever did.