Ep 1. Bug Out
- TVPG
- September 21, 1976
- 25 min
-
8.4 (616)
In the season 5 premiere of M*A*S*H, titled "Bug Out," chaos ensues as the 4077th must evacuate their camp due to an impending enemy attack. The episode opens with the arrival of a new commanding officer, Colonel Sherman T. Potter (Harry Morgan), who wastes no time in getting the camp in shape. However, moments later, an urgent message arrives: the camp is in danger and everyone must leave immediately.
As the entire team rushes to pack up and prepare to leave, tensions run high. Radar (Gary Burghoff) struggles to keep track of everyone's belongings, while Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and BJ (Mike Farrell) try to figure out a way to keep the camp's patients safe during the evacuation. Meanwhile, Frank Burns (Larry Linville) is his usual petty and cowardly self, trying to weasel his way out of the situation.
The chaos of the evacuation is made even worse when the team discovers that their new location is a flimsy, rundown building that's completely ill-suited for their needs. Hawkeye and BJ work tirelessly to make do with what they have, but it quickly becomes clear that it's not enough. The patients are uncomfortable and nervous, and the team itself is exhausted and demoralized.
As the episode progresses, the team faces one setback after another. Supplies go missing, patients get sicker, and morale continues to plummet. However, despite all of this, the team manages to hold on to their sense of humor and camaraderie. They lean on each other for support, finding moments of levity amidst the chaos.
Despite all of their efforts, though, things continue to fall apart. The team's makeshift hospital begins to fall apart, and they're forced to move to a new location once again. By this point, everyone is exhausted and fed up with the constant upheaval. Hawkeye and BJ in particular are struggling under the weight of the responsibility they've shouldered.
However, even as things look bleak, the team refuses to give up. They continue to work together and do everything they can to keep their patients safe. And in the end, they manage to come up with a solution that helps them weather the storm.
"Bug Out" is a riveting and emotionally charged episode that highlights the best and worst of the human spirit. It's a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. With its mix of drama and humor, it's a standout installment in the M*A*S*H canon, and a must-watch for fans of the series.