Ep 8. The Moon is Not Blue

In the eleventh season of the popular American TV show M*A*S*H, episode eight is titled "The Moon is Not Blue". This episode aired on November 22, 1982, and centers on the usual group of doctors and nurses stationed at the M*A*S*H 4077th in Korea.

The episode begins with Charles, the sophisticated and highly educated surgeon, telling the other surgeons about a play he had seen in Tokyo during his recent R&R trip. The play, titled "The Moon is Blue," is a romantic comedy that features an unconventional heroine who is not afraid to pursue love and pleasure. However, Charles is disappointed to learn that the army censored the play's script, downplaying the heroine's rebellious and sexual nature. As a result, he feels that the army is trying to infantilize and control its soldiers, denying them access to free speech and artistic expression.

Throughout the episode, Charles becomes increasingly obsessed with the idea of seeing the uncensored version of the play, believing it to be his right as an American citizen. He even goes so far as to order the uncensored script to be delivered to the camp, despite the risks of getting caught and reprimanded by the army. Meanwhile, the other characters deal with their own personal and medical issues, ranging from Klinger's attempts to contact his family to Hawkeye's encounters with a beautiful nurse.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise as Charles becomes more and more reckless in his pursuit of the play. He convinces Klinger to help him stage a secret performance of the play, using the camp's makeshift theater and costumes to recreate the original Tokyo production. While the other soldiers are initially hesitant to participate, they eventually give in to the lure of artistic freedom and rebellion, joining Charles and Klinger in their subversive act.

Ultimately, the play is a success, drawing a large crowd of soldiers and offering them a taste of the forbidden fruit of free expression. However, their joy is short-lived, as the army discovers the illegal performance and threatens the doctors and nurses with severe consequences. In the aftermath of the incident, Charles is forced to confront the reality of his actions and the limits of his power as a soldier in a war zone. Meanwhile, the other characters grapple with the emotional and physical toll of their work and the uncertain future that awaits them.

Overall, "The Moon is Not Blue" is a thought-provoking and engaging episode that explores the themes of censorship, freedom of speech, and rebellion. It offers a glimpse into the complex and often contradictory world of military life, where soldiers must balance their personal desires and beliefs with their duty to their country and their comrades. With its mix of humor, drama, and social commentary, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring popularity and relevance of M*A*S*H, a show that continues to captivate and inspire audiences over thirty years after its original airing.