MASH

One of the most beloved TV sitcoms of all time, M*A*S*H follows the antics and exploits of a team of doctors and support staff stationed at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in Korea during the Korean War of 1950–53. With its unique combination of comedy and wartime drama, M*A*S*H managed to make audiences laugh and cry. It was both incredibly popular and critically acclaimed, picking up 14 Emmy Awards during its 11-year run on CBS (from 1972 to 1983). The series finale remains the most-watched scripted episode in U.S. television history, viewed by an incredible 60.2% of American households. M*A*S*H introduced us to a collection of colorful characters. Over its 11 seasons, we grew to love Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce (Alan Alda), Captain Trapper John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers), and Captain B.J. Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell). For a situation comedy, the characters were surprisingly complex, demonstrating real growth from one season to the next. The setting, meanwhile, gave M*A*S*H extra depth. The series took place during the Korean War, but first aired during the Vietnam War. The writers and producers had to tread carefully with their antiwar message — they were allowed to comment on war, but not directly protest against it. Still, the message was clear to viewers. As Hawkeye said, “War isn't hell. War is war, and hell is hell. And of the two, war is a lot worse.” Here are some of the most classic lines from M*A*S*H, ranging from straight-out gags to surreal remarks, to the more heartfelt lines that gave the series its special, lasting appeal.yeremiah@aol.com Yeremiah Hardt