Ep 13. Captain's Outrageous

Captain's Outrageous is the 13th episode of the 8th season of the iconic American sitcom, M*A*S*H. Set against the backdrop of the Korean War, the episode centers around the misadventures of the hospital's staff as they try to save a wounded Marine captain.

The episode begins with the staff at the Mash 4077 unit discussing their plans for the upcoming weekend. Major Margaret Houlihan and Major Charles Winchester both go on a medical conference. Corporal Klinger goes to the dentist, and the rest of the staff hopes to unwind.

However, their plans are interrupted by the arrival of a wounded Marine captain. Captain Roy Dupree is a flamboyant, outlandish fellow, who, despite being injured, is full of energy and life. As the staff attends to his injuries, they soon realize that Dupree's personality is not the only thing that is outrageous.

Dupree has a medical condition that causes him to have an unusually high level of adrenaline in his system. As a result, his body is unable to regulate energy, leading to his erratic behavior. The medical staff must work around the clock to stabilize Dupree's condition before he succumbs to his injuries.

Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce, the hospital's chief surgeon, takes it upon himself to keep Dupree entertained while he recovers. However, the two doctors' personalities clash initially, with Hawkeye unable to understand Dupree's exuberance.

Things take a turn for the worse when Dupree's condition worsens, and he becomes agitated and aggressive. The staff realizes that Dupree needs a change in his routine to calm him down and allow his body to recover.

To this end, Hawkeye decides that a trip to the nearby Seoul would do Dupree good. He arranges for a jeep and a driver and takes Dupree on a wild ride through the city. The tour ends with the duo visiting a local nightclub where they enjoy some drinks and live music. Dupree is seen having a great time, and his behavior improves considerably.

Back at the hospital, the medical staff is anxious about Dupree's return, fearing what the adrenaline surge from the outing might do to his body. However, to their surprise, Dupree's condition stabilizes, and he makes a speedy recovery.

The episode ends with Dupree expressing his gratitude to Hawkeye for the wild ride through Seoul. As the medical staff sends Dupree off with his fellow Marines, the episode concludes with a heartfelt conversation between Hawkeye and Danny Concannon, one of the reporters covering the war, about the disastrous effects of war on soldiers and civilians alike.

Overall, Captain's Outrageous is a lighthearted yet poignant episode that highlights the struggles of medical professionals working in the grueling conditions of war. It showcases the camaraderie that develops among them, their ability to come together to overcome the toughest of challenges, and the lengths they go to provide comfort and care even in the most dire of circumstances.