MAS*H
Summary
MASHevolved a lot throughout its other seasons , but one original character had to go to fully fill in its transformation . This definitive sitcom had to drop the bad language and gore of Robert Altman ’s 1970 film , but it still became one of the most grown - up show on television . MASHran for 11 seasonsin total , which saw it escape from off the traditional situation comedy format to become a aesculapian dramatic event that bump to be funny . It also break the mold in many ways , such askilling off a major theatrical role like Henry Blake .
MASH’smixture of laughter and drama was groundbreaking for the time , though CBS was ab initio against the move towards a more spectacular tone . In plus to the series evolving , the independent characters changed over fourth dimension too . Loretta Swit ’s Margaret " Hot Lips " Houlihantransformed from the humorless , one - note villain of former years to more of a fleshed - out persona . Alan Alda ’s Hawkeye may have remain a eminent - energy goofball , but his abject horror at the war and the mental bell it train was allow for to play out onscreen .
Several cay MASH actor exited the show at the peak of its popularity , with reasons ranging from awe of typecasting to originative difference .
MASH Had To Lose Major Frank Burns To Complete Its Dramedy Transformation
Larry Linville’s “Ferret Face” was incapable of changing with the show
By the timeMASH’sfifth season range around , its tragicomic tone of voice had largely been set . authoritative episodes like " Abyssinia , Henry " or " The Interview " had air , and it was n’t afraid to get saturnine when the story need it . One key character who did n’t evolve in any meaningful way was Larry Linville ’s Major Burns , the ranking operating surgeon of the 4077th .
Burns was , by design , a hateful character ; a overblown , fearful and hypocritical human who despite his spiritual list , carry out an extended extramarital amour with Margaret . Despite his claims otherwise , he was n’t that great of a sawbones either .
He was such a cartoonish creation thatbyMASHseason 5 , Burns did n’t fit in with the more ground sensitiveness of the serial publication . commit his sheer wealthiness of faults , it was hard to think of ways he could even be redeemed , or made to finger like a normal human being . Burns was a great comic transparency for Hawkeye , Trapper and carbon monoxide gas , but he felt out of topographic point in later seasons . ForMASHto finish its dramedy transformation , he needed to go .
Custom image by Yailin Chacon
Frank was also known by his nickname " Ferret Face . "
The actor had grown tired of the unlikable Major Burns
When Linville first signal on , he agreed to a five - season declaration . By the ending ofMASH’sfifth year he was offered another two seasons , but the actor decided to scorn thisand move on to other projects . Given Frank ’s own stubborn resistance to change , it would have been tricky to develop the part in any meaningful room either .
Linville felt he had taken the weaselly Frank Burns as far as he could , and wanted to play dissimilar kinds of parts .
Frank Burns did n’t get a goodbye plot line onMASHand just disappeared between time of year 5 and 6of the show . According to writerKen Levine on his blog , there was a concentrated effort to invite Linville back for a special episode to open up season 6 . This was to give the character a proper parting , but despite being offered a lot of money , Linville passed . Levine claims this was also because the actor was go through a bitter divorcement at the time , and did n’t require his ex-wife - married woman to get half his fee .
MASH is a drama-comedy series set during the Korean War, centering on the lives of the staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital as they navigate the challenges of wartime medical service with humor and resilience.*
Frank Burns' MASH Exit Was Surprisingly Emotional
The Major was humanized right before his farewell
MASHgave little glimpses into Frank ’s human race , but he was often represent as the buffoon . His matter with Margaret was a recurring story throughout theearly years , though when his wife eventually found out and demanded a divorcement , their love affair was doomed . Margaret ’s betrothal in the episode of the same name rule out any luck of a balancing between her and Burns , which saw Frank unravel throughout season 5 .
Frank ’s last episode was the serial publication 5 coda " Margaret ’s Marriage , " where Margaret hook up with Lt . Col . Donald Penobscott ( Beeson Carroll ) . When they wing off for their honeymoon , Burns look on the helicopter leave-taking and sadly bids Margaret farewell .
It ’s then bring out in season 6 ’s first episode that Burns go missing in Seoul due to heartache over Margaret , and after some wild incidents , was arrested by MPs . Instead of being sent back to the 4077th , it was decided to send Burns back to America . In the same episode , his replacement Charles Emerson Winchester III ( David Ogden Stiers ) arrived and remained part of the cast untilMASH’sfinale .
Watch MASH on Hulu
origin : Ken Levine ’s web log
MAS*H is a drama - comedy series position during the Korean War , centering on the lives of the staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital as they navigate the challenges of wartime medical service of process with mood and resilience .
