M*A*S*H was a hit series of the 70's. Yes there was some over liberal messages of the 70's which would be predictable for today's audience. However, M*A*S*H had some strong messages about the horrors of war, which hits a nerve. Issues like P T S D, military mistakes and the usual bureaucratic problems where mixed with humor. Frank Burns (with today's bullying standards the show would have to self edit) is the usual jerk everyone knows, and is the brunt of many joke/stunts. When someone deserves it the audience laughs. Hawkeye, Trapper etc make a great funny tandem. What makes Hawk likable is the caring side of the character. Outbursts, and sometimes bad behavior is forgiven due to the wit and softer side of the Hawk the flawed protagonist. In a long series new characters add life as old ones are shredded. Radar leaves and the never to done in today T V Clinger who is a cross dresser to leave the army is introduce, and Burns is replaced by Winchester. The new characters had their arches. Winchester Mr arrogant becomes friends eventually with Hawkeye etc and more comic relief of the doctors escapades is stress relief for the horrors of wars. Some memorable episode include the huge bonfire, the dream episode, and the Flag character episodes. Trouble is after 5 or 6 season the series became less and less funny. Running out of material and character development M*A*S*H became a has been show like Saturday Night live is today. I love M*A*S*H as a kid, but today I notice the show does not age well: Predictable/preachy etc. Over the 13 years experience I give
M*A*S*H a 7.
