Ep 21. Sticky Wicket

In the season 1 episode 21 of M*A*S*H titled "Sticky Wicket," the doctors and nurses of the 4077th are faced with a shortage of medical supplies. As a result, they have to get creative and use unconventional methods to treat their patients.

The episode starts out with the arrival of a new patient, Private Palmer, who has an infected hand. However, due to the shortage of antibiotics, the doctors are unable to treat him with the standard medicine. Dr. Hawkeye Pierce, played by Alan Alda, comes up with a creative solution and uses honey to dress Private Palmer's wound. While this may seem like an odd choice, honey is actually a natural antibiotic and has been used for centuries to treat various medical conditions.

Meanwhile, in the camp, the nurses are organizing a charity auction to raise money for medical supplies. The soldiers donate a variety of items including clothing, books, and even a motorcycle. However, the highlight of the auction is a cake that Corporal Klinger, played by Jamie Farr, has baked. The cake is decorated with a risqué design, which causes quite a stir among the soldiers.

As the auction gets underway, all of the items are quickly snatched up by the highest bidders. However, when it comes time to auction off the motorcycle, things take a turn for the worse. The soldiers begin bidding against each other, driving the price up to an exorbitant amount. Eventually, one soldier ends up with the motorcycle, but he is unable to pay for it. This causes a rift among the troops and tensions rise in the camp.

Throughout the episode, there are also several comedic moments between the characters. Hawkeye and his friend Trapper John, played by Wayne Rogers, play a game of cricket in the middle of the camp, much to the confusion of their fellow soldiers. Meanwhile, Corporal Klinger continues his attempts to get a medical discharge by dressing in women's clothing.

"Sticky Wicket" is a classic episode of M*A*S*H that perfectly showcases the show's unique blend of humor and drama. The shortage of medical supplies highlights the realities of war and the challenges that medical personnel face in treating wounded soldiers. However, the creative solutions that the doctors come up with show the ingenuity and resourcefulness that is required in such a high-pressure environment.

At the same time, the comedic moments in the episode provide some much-needed levity. The auction scene, in particular, is a highlight, with the soldiers' competitive bidding and Corporal Klinger's outrageous cake stealing the show. The cricket game between Hawkeye and Trapper John is also a memorable moment that adds to the episode's overall charm.

Overall, "Sticky Wicket" is a must-see episode of M*A*S*H that encapsulates everything that makes the show great. With its mix of drama, humor, and heart, it is a perfect example of why the show remains a beloved classic even decades after it first aired.