Ep 14. Mail Call, Again

In M*A*S*H season 4 episode 14, titled "Mail Call, Again," the members of the 4077th receive their much-anticipated mail, but this time it comes with some surprising revelations. Radar, who is in charge of sorting out the mail, discovers that he has been selected to receive a discharge, given his mother's failing health. Meanwhile, Hawkeye and Trapper receive a letter from one of their colleagues, Dr. "Painless" Pole, who has decided to take drastic measures to end his life.

The episode begins with Radar eagerly waiting for the daily mail delivery. He is surprised to find out that he has received a letter from his mother, which contains some worrying news about her health. Upon reading the letter, Radar informs his commanding officers that he needs to be discharged to go take care of his mother. The news comes as a shock, as Radar is an integral part of the team and has been with them for a long time. However, Colonel Potter reluctantly agrees to grant him the discharge.

Meanwhile, Hawkeye and Trapper receive a letter from their friend and colleague, Dr. "Painless" Pole. The letter reveals that Pole has decided to commit suicide, given that he can no longer handle the pressures and horror of war. Shocked and saddened by the news, Hawkeye and Trapper try to persuade Pole to change his mind, but it seems that he has made up his mind. They then decide to take drastic measures to prevent Pole from taking his own life.

In addition to these two storylines, the episode also explores the other members of the team's personal lives, as they receive letters from their loved ones back home. For instance, Father Mulcahy receives a letter from his sister, who is pregnant, while Klinger receives a letter from his wife, who is threatening to file for divorce if he doesn't come back home soon. This adds a personal touch to the episode and highlights the effects of war on the personal lives of those involved.

Overall, "Mail Call, Again" is a touching and poignant episode that explores the personal lives of the members of the 4077th and the impact of war on their mental and emotional wellbeing. It showcases the importance of staying connected with their loved ones back home and the value of having a support system during difficult times. The episode also highlights the harsh realities of war and the toll it takes on those who are directly involved. It is a must-watch for anyone who is a fan of the show and wants to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their personal struggles.