Ep 22. Potter's Retirement

In the season 6 finale of the iconic medical drama series M*A*S*H, titled "Potter's Retirement," the beloved commanding officer of the 4077th, Colonel Sherman T. Potter (Harry Morgan), announces his decision to retire from the army and return to civilian life. The news of Potter's impending departure spreads like wildfire among the staff, causing mixed emotions and reactions in the camp.

As Potter starts to wrap up his last few days at the M*A*S*H unit, he finds himself bombarded with farewell parties, gifts, and heartfelt messages from his subordinates and friends, who try to show their appreciation and gratitude for his leadership, humor, and kindness over the years. However, Potter struggles to reconcile his conflicting feelings of excitement and nostalgia as he realizes that he will soon leave behind a life-changing experience that shaped his identity and values.

Meanwhile, the doctors and nurses face their own challenges as they cope with Potter's departure and the uncertainty of the future. Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and B.J. (Mike Farrell) ponder their own paths and aspirations, while Klinger (Jamie Farr) is torn between staying in the army or following Potter's example and pursuing his dreams of becoming a civilian. At the same time, the medical team faces a crisis when a patient with a severe head injury requires immediate surgery, but the operating room is flooded due to heavy rain, causing tension and chaos among the staff.

As the clock ticks closer to Potter's final hour, the characters try to make the most out of their remaining moments with the outgoing colonel. They share memories, jokes, and poignant conversations that reflect their growth, humanity, and camaraderie, and pay tribute to the man who brought them together and inspired them to do their best. By the end of the episode, the viewers are left with a blend of emotions: sadness for Potter's departure, gratitude for the memories and lessons he left behind, and hope for the future of the 4077th.

Overall, "Potter's Retirement" is a bittersweet and poignant conclusion to the sixth season of M*A*S*H. It showcases the show's trademark mix of humor, drama, and social commentary, while paying tribute to one of its most beloved characters, Colonel Potter. The episode highlights the importance of leadership, friendship, and human connection in a time of war and chaos, and reminds us of the sacrifices and challenges that soldiers and medical personnel face every day. Whether you are a fan of the show or just discovering it for the first time, "Potter's Retirement" is an episode that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the meaning of life and death, love and loss, and the bonds that unite us all.