Ep 21. Temporary Duty

During the Korean War, the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) operates in the heart of the conflict, providing medical care to wounded soldiers. In season 6 episode 21 of the popular series, titled Temporary Duty, the MASH unit receives new personnel, including a nurse and a doctor, much to the dismay of the regular staff.

As the episode begins, Hawkeye and B.J. are discussing paperwork when they are interrupted by the arrival of three new medical officers. The first is a Major Bowman, an experienced surgeon who is highly respected by his colleagues. The second is a Captain Chandler, a nurse who is new to Korea and eager to prove herself. Finally, there is a Major Morris, who is much less respected than Bowman and has a reputation for being disorganized and inefficient.

As the newcomers settle in, the regular staff of the MASH unit begins to feel threatened and defensive. This is especially true of Hawkeye and B.J., who feel like their established routines and procedures are being disrupted by the new arrivals. Meanwhile, Major Morris's sloppiness and lack of attention to detail cause a number of problems for the unit, including an incident where an important piece of medical equipment goes missing.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between the regular staff and the newcomers, particularly Bowman and Morris. Meanwhile, Chandler finds herself the subject of unwanted attention from the male members of the unit, who make unprofessional advances towards her. Despite these difficulties, the MASH unit continues to operate, and the medical personnel work tirelessly to save the lives of soldiers who are brought in with various injuries.

One of the most notable aspects of Temporary Duty is the way it explores the conflicts that can arise when new personnel are introduced into a tightly-knit group. The regular staff of the MASH unit have formed close bonds with one another, and they are understandably wary of outsiders who may disrupt the delicate balance they have established. However, as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the new arrivals have valuable skills and ideas that can benefit the unit as a whole.

In addition to its examination of interpersonal dynamics, Temporary Duty also provides a detailed look at the day-to-day workings of a military medical unit during wartime. We see the challenges that the doctors and nurses face as they work to treat a high volume of patients with limited resources. We also see the impact that the war has on the soldiers who are injured and brought to the MASH unit, many of whom are young and scared and unsure if they will survive.

Overall, Temporary Duty is a compelling and thought-provoking episode of M*A*S*H that highlights both the difficulties and the rewards of working in a high-pressure medical environment. With its excellent writing, nuanced performances, and commitment to portraying the realities of war with honesty and sensitivity, this episode is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the series as a whole.