Ep 21. Smilin' Jack

During the Korean War, the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, or M*A*S*H, was a bustling hive of activity where doctors, nurses, and support staff worked tirelessly to save the lives of wounded soldiers. Season 4 episode 21 of the show, titled "Smilin' Jack," centers around the arrival of an old friend of Hawkeye's, who stirs up trouble at the camp.

The episode begins with a helicopter carrying supplies for the M*A*S*H unit crashing nearby. Hawkeye and B.J. go to investigate and are surprised to find that the pilot is a man named Jack Scully, whom Hawkeye knew from his civilian life as a car salesman. When Hawkeye asks what Jack is doing in Korea, Jack reveals that he has joined the army as a helicopter pilot and is now stationed in the area.

Hawkeye is excited to see his old friend and invites him back to camp for dinner. However, Jack's arrival is not entirely welcome, as his constant joking and showboating rubs some of the other staff members the wrong way. He also causes trouble by flirting with Margaret and setting off a rivalry between Hawkeye and B.J. over who can win a bet with him.

As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Jack's constant smile and carefree attitude are hiding deeper issues. He confides in Hawkeye that he is struggling with the stress of combat and the guilt of surviving when so many of his fellow pilots have died. He also reveals that he has been using alcohol to cope, which has only made things worse.

Hawkeye is sympathetic to Jack's problems and tries to get him the help he needs by talking to the camp psychiatrist, Major Freedman. However, Jack is resistant to the idea of seeing a "shrink" and instead decides to take matters into his own hands by going on a dangerous reconnaissance mission to prove himself.

The final act of the episode centers around the aftermath of this mission, as Hawkeye and B.J. scramble to save Jack's life after his helicopter is shot down. The tension is high as they work frantically to stabilize him and get him back to the M*A*S*H unit for further treatment.

In the end, Jack survives and is transferred to a psychiatric hospital for further care. The episode ends with Hawkeye and B.J. reflecting on the toll that war takes on people, even those with a seemingly unbreakable smile like Smilin' Jack.

Overall, "Smilin' Jack" is a poignant exploration of the mental health struggles faced by soldiers during wartime. It also touches on the theme of friendship and the ways in which it can be tested by the stress of war. The episode is filled with memorable moments, from Jack's outrageous antics to the tense action sequences of the reconnaissance mission. It's a standout episode in a series known for its blend of humor and heartache, and one that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers.