M*A*S*H Season 3 Episode 9 Alcoholics Unanimous

In the season 3 episode 9 of M*A*S*H, titled "Alcoholics Unanimous," the doctors and staff of the 4077th must confront their own issues with alcoholism when an alcoholic patient is admitted to the hospital.

The episode begins with Hawkeye and Trapper enjoying a few drinks in their tent, but their merriment is interrupted when a drunk soldier is brought into the hospital ward. The doctors quickly realize that the patient, Private Boone, is an alcoholic who has been discharged from the hospital several times before.

As they treat Boone's physical symptoms, the doctors begin to see their own struggles with alcohol reflected in his behavior. Hawkeye admits that he has been drinking more lately, and Trapper reveals that he has always used alcohol to cope with stress. Meanwhile, Frank Burns denies that he has a problem, insisting that he only drinks socially.

To help Private Boone and themselves, the doctors decide to form a support group for alcoholics. They invite a psychologist, Dr. Freedman, to facilitate the group and offer guidance. The first meeting is tense, with the doctors arguing and bickering over their personal problems. However, as they continue to meet and talk over their issues, they begin to form a bond and support each other in their journey towards sobriety.

Throughout the episode, there are also several subplots that deal with the effects of alcohol on the people around the alcoholics. Nurse Kellye is hurt when she discovers that her boyfriend, one of the doctors, is an alcoholic. A soldier, Private Palmer, becomes angry and violent when he is not allowed to drink while recovering from surgery. These storylines explore the ways in which alcoholism can harm relationships and strain hospital resources.

Overall, "Alcoholics Unanimous" is a powerful and poignant episode that tackles the difficult subject of addiction with sensitivity and humor. The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Alan Alda as Hawkeye, who is able to balance the dramatic moments with comedic flair. The episode provides a nuanced portrayal of alcoholism, showing that it affects people from all walks of life and that recovery is possible with the help of others.