Ep 2. Identity Crisis
- TVPG
- November 2, 1981
- 24 min
-
7.6 (495)
The show M*A*S*H season 10 episode 2 titled "Identity Crisis" follows the doctors and staff in the 4077th as they deal with a number of issues ranging from an influx of patients to personal struggles.
The episode begins with an injured soldier, Private Rich, being brought into the camp. As the medical team begins to treat him, it is clear that his injuries are severe and he requires immediate surgery. Throughout the episode, the doctors and nurses work tirelessly to save his life, but as the surgery progresses, they begin to realize that something isn't right. The patient's blood type is AB negative, which is a rare type that is difficult to find in the field. As the team struggles to obtain the necessary blood, tensions begin to rise and the doctors and nurses must confront their own biases and prejudices.
Meanwhile, Colonel Potter is dealing with his own personal struggles. He has been experiencing memory lapses and blackouts, which he initially dismisses as stress-related. However, as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Potter's condition is more serious than he initially thought. He begins to doubt his abilities as a leader and surgeon, which leads to a crisis of confidence.
As the doctors and nurses continue to work on Private Rich, they begin to realize that his identity is unknown. He has no dog tags or identification on him, which makes it difficult to contact his family or obtain his medical history. As the team struggles to identify him, they are forced to confront the cold reality of war and the many unknowns that come with it.
Throughout the episode, the staff grapples with their own personal and professional identities. Major Winchester struggles with his own ego and gets into a heated argument with Hawkeye over his attitude towards the patients. Meanwhile, Margaret deals with the fallout from her failed engagement and begins to reevaluate her priorities in life.
Overall, "Identity Crisis" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that explores the many complexities of war and the toll it takes on those who serve. Through the struggles of the medical team, the audience is given a glimpse into the challenges of treating injured soldiers in the field, as well as the personal and emotional toll it takes on those who care for them.