Ep 17. Der Tag

In the M*A*S*H season 4 episode 17, titled "Der Tag," the staff at the 4077th Medical Unit are preparing for a German-themed celebration, which they have dubbed "Der Tag." The party consists of various German traditions and food, including German sausages, beer, and pretzels.

Throughout the episode, the staff members are seen preparing for the party while also treating wounded soldiers. The tension and trauma of their duties are juxtaposed against the cheery atmosphere and light-hearted fun of the party preparations.

As the party begins, the staff members start to let loose and enjoy themselves, but tensions soon arise. Colonel Potter's wife calls, informing him that she won't be able to attend the party due to an emergency, causing him to become upset. Meanwhile, Major Houlihan becomes upset when her former flame appears at the party, and Hawkeye becomes frustrated with the lack of discipline shown by some of his fellow party-goers.

As the night wears on, the party starts to devolve into chaos. Hawkeye and BJ come across a drunken soldier stuck in a tree who had fallen while attempting to steal a pretzel. Klinger gets into a fight with a fellow soldier, and Colonel Potter becomes more and more agitated at the lack of decorum.

As the party ends and the staff members start to sober up, they are left to deal with the aftermath. Through the chaos, they are able to find moments of friendship and camaraderie, even amidst the seriousness of their work.

Overall, "Der Tag" is a poignant episode that highlights the tension between the staff's roles as medical professionals and their need for levity and a release from the stress of their jobs. It shows the ups and downs of life in a warzone, and how even in the midst of chaos, moments of connection are possible.