Ep 18. Operation Noselift

In the M*A*S*H season 2 episode 18, titled "Operation Noselift", the characters of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital are faced with a unique challenge. The episode begins with Hawkeye (played by Alan Alda) receiving a letter from his father, telling him that his mother is getting a facelift. This news prompts Frank (played by Larry Linville) to suggest that the same procedure could improve the appearance of a Korean soldier with a large nose, who is under their care.

Initially, Hawkeye and Trapper (played by Wayne Rogers) are uninterested in the idea, but they eventually come around when they realize the positive impact it could have on the soldier's life. They enlist the help of the hospital's plastic surgeon, Dr. Hwang (played by Mako), who agrees to perform the procedure.

However, when Frank learns that the operation will be done for free, he becomes enraged. He believes that the soldier should pay for the procedure himself, and accuses Hawkeye and Trapper of wasting the army's resources. A heated argument ensues, and the situation becomes even more complicated when Colonel Blake (played by McLean Stevenson) gets involved.

As the episode unfolds, tensions rise and the characters are forced to confront their own values and beliefs. The question of whether or not the army should fund cosmetic surgery for their patients becomes a central theme, as does the idea of cultural sensitivity and respect.

Throughout the episode, the humor and lightheartedness that M*A*S*H is known for is present, but there are also poignant moments that remind viewers of the realities of war. The characters are faced with life and death situations every day, and "Operation Noselift" highlights the importance of finding moments of joy and humanity amid the chaos.

In the end, the fate of the Korean soldier's nose is decided in a surprising way, and the characters are left to grapple with the ethical implications of their choices. Overall, "Operation Noselift" is a thought-provoking and entertaining episode of M*A*S*H that showcases the show's ability to balance humor and heart.