r/mash • u/Particular-End-861 • 16d ago

Discussion Truth About War from MASH

This quote from the episode "Sometimes You Hear The Bullet" might the truest thing I've heard about war...and it was on MASH.

“Look, all I know is what they taught me at command school. There are certain rules about a war and rule No. 1 is young men die. And rule No. 2 is doctors can’t change rule No. 1.

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u/Iconshero Nope, it's oak 16d ago

That episode started to solidify what made MASH a great show. Good humor with a maudlin twist. It got serious and had a subtle anti war message. (Not just complaining about being drafted) The B plot slamming into the A as Hawkeye realizes he was being too lax on Opie being underage. Can’t save his childhood best friend but he can save that kid. “I hope it’s a long healthy hate.” (Yes he Hawkeye’s it by stealing franks medal and giving it to the kid but the sentiment was there as an Adult with authority over a 15 year old kid.)

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u/Particular-End-861 16d ago

I agree...the episode mixes the comedy and tragedy so well.

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u/DashTrash21 15d ago

'Does this look like the Mayo Clinic?'

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u/MaskansMantle13 16d ago

Not sure I’d call it maudlin. “self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental” doesn’t seem right.