Ep 14. The Tooth Shall Set You Free

In season 10 episode 14 of M*A*S*H titled "The Tooth Shall Set You Free," the staff of the 4077th is surprised when their old friend and commanding officer General Bartford Hamilton Steele arrives at the camp. However, they quickly realize that he has not changed since they last saw him, as he is still as obnoxious and self-centered as ever.

General Steele announces that he is in the area to evaluate the 4077th and determine if they are capable of handling an influx of wounded soldiers. Hawkeye and the rest of the staff are not thrilled about this news and worry that the general's presence will only make things more difficult for them.

Meanwhile, a soldier named Private Martinson arrives at the camp with a severe toothache. Soon, other soldiers begin to arrive with similar tooth-related complaints. Hawkeye and B.J. realize that the soldiers have been using the same toothbrush, and they try to convince them to stop sharing it. However, the soldiers are reluctant to give up their prized possession, which they believe has brought them good luck on the battlefield.

As the evaluation continues, General Steele becomes increasingly demanding and unreasonable. He orders the staff to carry out various pointless tasks and constantly berates them for not being prepared for the potential influx of patients. Hawkeye and B.J. try to reason with him, but to no avail.

Martinson's toothache worsens, and Hawkeye and B.J. decide that they must extract the tooth before it causes a more serious infection. However, they quickly realize that they do not have the necessary equipment for the procedure. They turn to General Steele for help, but he refuses to provide any assistance.

Desperate, Hawkeye and B.J. come up with a plan to sneak across enemy lines and obtain the necessary supplies from a nearby Korean dentist. They recruit Captain Pierce to help them, and the three of them set out on a dangerous mission. Meanwhile, back at the camp, General Steele continues to make life difficult for the staff, forcing them to carry out a series of bizarre and useless tasks.

As the evaluation draws to a close, General Steele decides to throw a surprise party to celebrate the staff's hard work. However, the party quickly descends into chaos as the soldiers all begin fighting over the toothbrush. Eventually, Hawkeye and B.J. return from their mission with the necessary equipment and are able to extract Martinson's tooth.

In the end, General Steele grudgingly admits that the 4077th is capable of handling an influx of patients, and he leaves the camp. The soldiers realize the error of their ways and vow to stop sharing the toothbrush. Hawkeye, B.J., and the rest of the staff breathe a sigh of relief as they return to their normal routines, grateful to have survived another bizarre and unpredictable day in the midst of war.