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M*A*S*H

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M*A*S*H (1972–1983) follows the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War, blending dark comedy with anti-war drama. Key storylines include the tenure of Colonel Sherman Potter, the rivalry between Hawkeye and Frank Burns (later Charles Winchester), and the series finale 'Goodbye, Farewell and Amen'.

Chronological Storyline (41 Milestones)

Sep 17, 1972 CE

Series Premiere: M*A*S*H

The pilot episode introduces Captain Hawkeye Pierce, Trapper John McIntyre, Henry Blake, Radar O'Reilly, Hot Lips Houlihan, and Frank Burns at the 4077th MASH unit. #TV #Classic #Comedy )

Oct 8, 1972 CE

Sometimes You Hear the Bullet

The first episode to kill off a recurring character, Captain Baker, setting the tone for the series' blend of humor and tragedy. #Drama #War

Nov 12, 1972 CE

Sticky Wicket

Radar's pet mouse causes chaos in the operating room, highlighting the unit's coping mechanisms through absurdity. #Comedy #Radar

Feb 4, 1973 CE

The Novocaine Mutiny

Frank Burns attempts to take command during a crisis, exposing his incompetence and cowardice. #FrankBurns #Comedy

Feb 18, 1973 CE

The Trial of Henry Blake

Henry Blake faces court-martial for incompetence, but the charges are dropped, underscoring the absurdity of military bureaucracy. #HenryBlake #Drama

The Trial of Henry Blake
The Trial of Henry Blake
By CBS Television - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by We hope using CommonsHelper. (Original text : eBay item photo front photo back), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16354650
Sep 15, 1973 CE

Season 2 Premiere: Divided We Stand

The season opens with a new nurse, Lt. Ginger Bayliss, and continued tension between the surgeons and Frank Burns. #SeasonPremiere

Season 2 Premiere: Divided We Stand
Season 2 Premiere: Divided We Stand
By CBS Television - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by We hope using CommonsHelper. (Original text : eBay item photo front photo back), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15921594
Oct 13, 1973 CE

5 O'Clock Charlie

A lone enemy bomber attacks the 4077th daily, becoming a routine that the staff treats with dark humor. #War #Comedy

Jan 19, 1974 CE

The Smell of Music

Hawkeye temporarily loses his sense of smell after an explosion, leading to a memorable musical sequence. #Hawkeye #Musical

Feb 16, 1974 CE

Deal Me Out

A high-stakes poker game with a visiting general reveals the officers' personalities and bonds. #Poker #Comedy

Mar 2, 1974 CE

Hot Lips and Empty Arms

Margaret Houlihan's loneliness and vulnerability are explored after her husband is deployed. #Margaret #CharacterDevelopment

Sep 10, 1974 CE

Season 3 Premiere: The General Flipped at Dawn

A visiting general has a nervous breakdown, forcing the unit to cover for him. #General #Comedy

Nov 5, 1974 CE

The Bus

Colonel Sherman Potter makes his first appearance, temporarily taking command and later becoming the permanent commander. #ColonelPotter #Introduction )

Jan 14, 1975 CE

The Consultant

A psychiatrist visits the 4077th, leading to introspective moments for the doctors. #Psychiatry #Drama )

Mar 18, 1975 CE

Abyssinia, Henry

Henry Blake is discharged and tragically killed when his plane is shot down, one of the most iconic and emotional episodes. #HenryBlake #Death #Emotional

Mar 25, 1975 CE

The Best of Enemies

Trapper John McIntyre leaves the 4077th, ending his partnership with Hawkeye. #Trapper #Departure )

Sep 10, 1975 CE

Season 4 Premiere: Welcome to Korea

Introduces B.J. Hunnicutt and Charles Emerson Winchester III as replacements for Trapper and Frank Burns. #NewCharacters #SeasonPremiere )

Oct 7, 1975 CE

Change of Command

Colonel Potter officially becomes the permanent commanding officer, bringing order and wisdom to the unit. #ColonelPotter #Command )

Nov 4, 1975 CE

Dear Dad... Again

Hawkeye writes another letter to his father, reflecting on the toll of the war. #Hawkeye #Letters

Nov 18, 1975 CE

The Late Captain Pierce

Hawkeye is mistakenly reported dead, leading to a poignant exploration of legacy. #Hawkeye #Drama

Jan 13, 1976 CE

The Interview

A war correspondent interviews the 4077th staff, providing a unique documentary-style look at their lives. #Interview #Meta )

Apr 13, 1976 CE

Frank Burns' Exit

Frank Burns is transferred to a psychiatric facility after a breakdown, ending his long-running rivalry with Hawkeye. #FrankBurns #Departure

Dec 14, 1976 CE

The Yalu Brick Road

Hawkeye and B.J. take a perilous journey to visit a Korean village, bonding over shared experiences. #Adventure #Hawkeye #BJ

Dec 28, 1976 CE

The Christmas Episode

The 4077th celebrates Christmas, blending festive cheer with the harsh realities of war. #Christmas #Holiday

Mar 22, 1977 CE

The Party

The 4077th throws a party to celebrate the end of the war, but the ceaseification is delayed. #Party #WarEnd )

Sep 20, 1977 CE

Season 6 Premiere: Fade Out, Fade In

Margaret Houlihan marries Lieutenant Colonel Donald Penobscot, but the marriage soon sours. #Margaret #Marriage )

Oct 18, 1977 CE

The M*A*S*H Olympics

The unit holds its own Olympics, showcasing their competitive spirit and humor. #Olympics #Comedy

Jan 17, 1978 CE

The War in the Air

A Chinese pilot is treated at the 4077th, sparking debates about the nature of the enemy. #Enemy #Humanity

The War in the Air
The War in the Air
By Illustration by A. C. Michael of Pall Mall Magazine - https://www.flickr.com/photos/57440551@N03/15637200965, PD-US, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20717169
Mar 21, 1978 CE

The Grim Reaper

A macabre figure seems to follow the unit, testing their resolve as the war drags on. #Death #Drama )

Sep 18, 1978 CE

Season 7 Premiere: Commander Pierce

Hawkeye is appointed acting commander when Potter is away, revealing his leadership style. #Hawkeye #Command

Jan 15, 1979 CE

The Billfold Syndrome

B.J. loses his wallet, and the search exposes the unit's trust and camaraderie. #BJ #Comedy

Sep 17, 1979 CE

Season 8 Premiere: Too Many Cooks

A new nurse, Kellye Yamato, joins the unit, leading to cultural clashes. #NewCharacter )

Jan 14, 1980 CE

Rally Round the Flagg, Boys

CIA agent Colonel Flagg returns, stirring up paranoia and dark humor. #Flagg #CIA

Mar 1, 1980 CE

The Tears of a Clown

Hawkeye struggles with burnout and cracks under the pressure of the war. #Hawkeye #MentalHealth )

Sep 22, 1980 CE

Season 9 Premiere: The Best of Both Worlds

Radar O'Reilly gets married and considers leaving the 4077th, hinting at his eventual departure. #Radar #Marriage )

Feb 17, 1981 CE

The Tooth Shall Set You Free

Hawkeye's dental problems lead to a painful and hilarious predicament. #Hawkeye #Comedy

Mar 16, 1981 CE

The Jolly Roger

The unit puts on a pirate show to boost morale, highlighting their creativity and camaraderie. #Pirate #Musical )

Sep 28, 1981 CE

Season 10 Premiere: That's Show Biz

A USO show visits the 4077th, providing a temporary escape from the war. #USO #Entertainment )

Jan 4, 1982 CE

Bombshells

New female officers challenge the unit's gender dynamics. #Gender #Drama )

Feb 15, 1982 CE

Sons and Bowlers

B.J. bonds with a local Korean boy, reflecting on fatherhood and loss. #BJ #Fatherhood

Sep 27, 1982 CE

Season 11 Premiere: Hey, Look Me Over

The final season begins with the unit dealing with new challenges and a sense of closure. #FinalSeason

Feb 28, 1983 CE

Goodbye, Farewell and Amen

The 2.5-hour series finale ends the war and the 4077th's journey, with Hawkeye, B.J., and the others finally going home. The episode resolves major character arcs and remains one of the most-watched TV finales. #Finale #Goodbye #Emotional