Ep 7. L.I.P.

The episode "L.I.P." of M*A*S*H season 2 opens with Hawkeye and Trapper performing a routine operation on a soldier who was shot in the leg. However, things take a turn for the worse when the soldier dies on the operating table due to a pulmonary embolism. This causes Hawkeye and Trapper to question their medical abilities and their ability to save lives.

Meanwhile, Frank and Margaret are in the midst of a heated argument about an upcoming inspection from General Clayton. Frank is determined to impress the General, while Margaret is more focused on the health and well-being of the patients. This leads to a clash of ideologies and tensions rise between the two.

As Hawkeye and Trapper struggle with their guilt over the death of the soldier, they begin to doubt their abilities and question whether or not they are cut out for their jobs. This is further compounded when another patient, Private Weston, comes in with a rare condition called Lycanthropy Insipidus Psychosis, or L.I.P. for short. Private Weston believes he is turning into a werewolf and is convinced that he needs to be treated with a silver bullet. Hawkeye and Trapper are initially skeptical of his claims, but as they observe his behavior and symptoms, they begin to realize that there is something seriously wrong with him.

Meanwhile, Frank is more preoccupied with impressing General Clayton than he is with the health of his patients. He is seen handing out cigars and making sure that everything is in order for the inspection, even going as far as to pressure Margaret into making the patients look presentable. Margaret, on the other hand, is more focused on treating Private Weston and ensuring that he receives the proper medical attention.

As the episode progresses, Hawkeye and Trapper become increasingly desperate to find a cure for Private Weston's condition. They consult various medical textbooks and even try to contact medical professionals outside of the base, but to no avail. Margaret, however, is able to make a breakthrough in treating Private Weston's condition. She discovers that it can be treated by injecting him with a certain type of mold found in bread.

Hawkeye and Trapper are initially skeptical of Margaret's treatment plan, but they soon see the positive effects that it has on Private Weston. His condition improves and he is no longer convinced that he is a werewolf. This success restores Hawkeye and Trapper's confidence in their abilities as doctors.

The episode ends with General Clayton arriving for his inspection, with both Frank and Margaret eagerly waiting to impress him. Hawkeye and Trapper are preoccupied with treating their patients and are not concerned about the inspection. However, when General Clayton sees how well they are treating the soldiers, he is thoroughly impressed and commends them for their efforts.

Overall, "L.I.P." is a compelling and thought-provoking episode of M*A*S*H. It explores themes of guilt, self-doubt, and the importance of putting the patients' health above all else. The episode also showcases the contrasting ideologies of Frank and Margaret, who prioritize impressing their superiors over helping their patients, and Hawkeye and Trapper, who are more focused on treating their patients and doing what is best for them. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder of the dedication and hard work of medical professionals in times of war.