Ep 10. The Yalu Brick Road

The Yalu Brick Road is the tenth episode of the eighth season of the popular American medical drama-comedy TV series M*A*S*H. This episode originally aired on November 26, 1979, on CBS and was directed by Charles S. Dubin.

In this episode, the 4077th receives a new long-awaited peace proposal and the entire camp is buzzing with excitement. However, when the peace talks are abruptly halted and rumors of a Chinese attack spread across the camp, everyone becomes nervous. With the sound of gunfire in the distance, Hawkeye, Klinger, and B.J. set out to investigate the situation and make their way to the peace talks location.

Along the way, they come across a group of South Korean refugees, who are stranded and unable to continue their journey due to the bombing. Hawkeye, Klinger, and B.J. decide to help them, but it's no easy task. The only way to cross the treacherous terrain is through a minefield. Despite the danger, they push on, and with the help of the South Korean refugees, they make it across the minefield.

As they approach the peace talks location, they discover that the situation is much more complicated than they initially thought. The Chinese have set up a roadblock, and the peace talks have come to a standstill. Hawkeye, Klinger, and B.J. devise a plan to bypass the roadblock, but their efforts are thwarted when they are captured by the Chinese.

The three soldiers are taken hostage and held in a makeshift cell. To pass the time, they sing the famous song from The Wizard of Oz, "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" but change it to "Follow the Yalu Brick Road" in reference to the Yalu River, which marks the border between North Korea and China.

Meanwhile, back at the 4077th, Colonel Potter and Margaret are left to deal with the fallout of the situation. With no word from Hawkeye, Klinger, and B.J., and rumors of their capture spreading, tension in the camp rises. With the help of Father Mulcahy, they try to keep everyone calm and focused on the task at hand, but it's no easy feat.

As the hours tick by, Hawkeye, Klinger, and B.J. try to think of a way to escape their captors and get back to the 4077th. With the help of a fellow prisoner, they hatch a plan and execute it flawlessly. They slip out of their cell and make their way to a nearby river where they come across a friendly Chinese officer who helps them get back to camp.

The episode ends with Hawkeye, Klinger, and B.J. returning to the 4077th to a hero's welcome. Although the peace talks didn't go as planned, the soldiers are relieved to be back in camp and away from the danger. The events of this episode served as a reminder of the harsh realities of war and showcased the bravery and courage of the soldiers who fought in it.

Overall, The Yalu Brick Road was a poignant episode that captured the essence of M*A*S*H's unique blend of humor, drama, and social commentary. It was a testament to the talents of the cast and crew who brought the series to life and a reminder of the impact that this iconic show had on American television.