As a MAS*H fan, I love its sharp writing and emotional depth. The show became a cultural icon, with its 1983 finale drawing half the U.S. audience. Set during the Korean War, it balanced humor and heart.
Behind the scenes, William Christopher’s hepatitis was written into the show to keep Father Mulcahy. Larry Linville, who played Frank Burns, eerily mentioned a tumor before dying from one. Jamie Farr, originally a one-episode character, became Klinger and wore his real military dog tags.
The show had military mistakes, like a 1950s-era helicopter in a 1950s setting. The death of Colonel Blake in 1975 led producers to avoid dramatic character exits in the future. Gary Burghoff, who played Radar, hid his Poland syndrome condition and left for family reasons.
