Ep 4. Lt. Radar O'Reilly

In season 5 episode 4 of M*A*S*H, titled "Lt. Radar O'Reilly," the focus is on the beloved character of Radar. As the episode begins, Radar receives news that his Uncle Ed has passed away back in Iowa. Feeling an obligation to his family, Radar asks for a leave of absence to attend the funeral. However, he soon discovers that the Army won't grant him leave due to a shortage of personnel at the 4077th.

Despite being devastated by this news, Radar continues on with his daily duties, trying to keep his mind occupied. He develops a newfound interest in astronomy and spends his evenings gazing at the stars through a telescope borrowed from Father Mulcahy. In the meantime, he gets to work on helping his fellow soldiers.

One of the duties that Radar takes on is training a group of new recruits who have just arrived at the camp. When one of the soldiers, a young and inexperienced man named Carter, starts to struggle with the overwhelming nature of his job, Radar steps in to offer him support.

As the episode progresses, Radar becomes increasingly disillusioned with the military and the unfair treatment of its soldiers. He is deeply affected by the fact that the Army won't allow him to attend his uncle's funeral, and he's also bothered by the fact that the soldiers' pay is so low while upper-level officers enjoy far more comfortable lifestyles.

Despite his growing frustration, Radar continues to put on a brave face and act as a role model for the other soldiers at the camp. He remains dedicated to his work and eager to help wherever he can.

Ultimately, "Lt. Radar O'Reilly" is an episode about the sacrifices that soldiers are forced to make in service to their country. The loss of Radar's uncle is a reminder of the importance of family, and the Army's refusal to grant him leave highlights the often harsh and unfeeling nature of military bureaucracy.

At the same time, the episode is a celebration of the courage and dedication that Radar embodies. Even when faced with adversity, he remains committed to his work and to his fellow soldiers. In the end, it's impossible not to feel moved by the sacrifices that Radar and countless other soldiers have made in service to their country.