Ep 14. The Most Unforgettable Characters

In the fifth season of the hit television show M*A*S*H, viewers are introduced to episode 14 titled “The Most Unforgettable Characters”. This episode revolved around the characters in the show and what makes them remarkable and unforgettable.

As the episode begins, the main characters are waiting for General Addison Collins to arrive on their base. Being one of the most prominent generals of the army, Charles was desperately trying to impress him with his surgical skills and intelligence. Everyone was trying their best to get into the good graces of the General.

As General Collins arrives, the medical team is even more nervous as they are introduced to his aide Colonel Buzz Brighton. Brighton’s presence on the base was enough to make everyone uneasy, especially when he pointed out how peculiar the M*A*S*H crew was.

At this point, Colonel Potter comes in with a file full of paperwork that is needed for the General's inspection. To everybody’s surprise, the General comments on Potter’s exceptional handwriting, causing Potter to blush with embarrassment. The General’s love for Potter’s penmanship briefly brings calm and joy to the medical team.

However, this brief moment of happiness doesn't last long. After meeting with everyone, General Collins appointed Colonel Brighton to find and report on the most memorable and unforgettable characters of the M*A*S*H 4077th. Buzz begins his search by following the team's daily activities as they care for wounded soldiers.

He first comes across Radar O'Reilly, observing his impeccable skills and gifts for picking up changes in the weather and understanding army protocols. As he continues his search, Brighton learns of Margaret Houlihan's character and admires her strength of work ethic as well as her desire to outdo everybody.

Finding out about Klinger’s antics was amusing for Buzz but it was the respect and love everyone had for him that really caught his attention. Buzz was truly impressed by the wide range of skills and diversity possessed by everyone.

Brighton's sojourn highlights the serious and lighter aspects of the team's daily life. Sorrowful moments when a young soldier loses a leg, medicine shortages, the pain of soldiers who have lost their sense of taste or have temporary speech impediments. To the levity of the Hawkeye and Trapper jokes and pranks required to relieve the serious tensions of every day LUX.

As the episode progresses, Buzz begins to have a change of heart. He starts to see the team’s exceptionalism and after realizing they are not trying to impress him or anyone, he sees them as a unique and admirable group.

In the end, Buzz presents his report on the memorable characters of the 4077th. It is in this moment that it is revealed that Collins requested to see the report and share his thoughts. The General's interpretation of Brighton’s report is that the M*A*S*H team is a group of mischievous people who blend both tragedy and comedy and that their unique qualities were good for both soldiers and morale. Collins concludes his speech by saying “may God bless the M*A*S*H 4077th.”

In conclusion, M*A*S*H was a hit TV show because it presented a different perspective on the traditional war show. The team's camaraderie, its humanity, and their roles beyond the demonstration of military praise made it distinct and exceptional. This episode focuses on the unique characters who viewers have followed and grown to love over the years. The episode showcases the consistent and exceptional abilities of the team and their ability to bring humor to the serious tones of the army.

The Most Unforgettable Characters episode was one of the most memorable, illustrating the different ways the 4077th was unique and one-of-a-kind in the world of the military. Humor that touches the heart, intimate moments of heroes, together with the excitement of classic comedy. There is no doubt that this episode has become one of the most iconic moments that continues with the tradition of M*A*S*H.