Ep 11. Germ Warfare
- TVPG
- December 10, 1972
- 25 min
-
7.8 (737)
In M*A*S*H season 1 episode 11, titled "Germ Warfare," the medical personnel at the 4077th are on high alert when they believe that the North Koreans may be waging germ warfare against them.
The episode opens with Hawkeye and Trapper John discussing the recent surge of patients coming in with odd, mysterious symptoms. They suspect that the North Koreans may be experimenting with germ warfare, causing them to develop a cure. They manage to get their hands on a Korean prisoner of war and use him as a guinea pig to test their theories.
Meanwhile, Colonel Blake receives orders from General Hammond to send one of his doctors to Tokyo, where they are conducting research on germ warfare. He selects Major Frank Burns for the task, much to the chagrin of the rest of the staff who believe he is unfit for the job.
As the search for a cure continues, suspicions begin to rise as the symptoms start to spread to others and the situation becomes dire. Tensions mount, and the stress of the situation begins to take a toll on the doctors. Hawkeye and Trapper John attempt to keep their spirits up with some lighthearted shenanigans, including an impromptu performance of "Hava Nagila" in the operating room.
The episode culminates in a dramatic race against time as the doctors race to find a cure before it's too late. With the help of a brilliant idea from Hawkeye, they finally manage to develop the cure, and the patients begin to recover. The episode ends with a sense of relief and the realization that their work in the M*A*S*H unit is never easy, but it's always worth it.
"Germ Warfare" is a powerful and engaging episode that highlights the challenges and triumphs of life in a combat hospital. Through the use of humor, drama, and suspense, it showcases the incredible dedication and skill of the medical personnel while also addressing the realities of war and its devastating impact on everyone involved. It's a must-watch for fans of the series and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve.