Ep 24. The Interview

The show M*A*S*H aired from 1972 to 1983 and is a critically acclaimed American television series set during the Korean War. The show follows the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital and its doctors and nurses as they deal with the realities of war, both medical and personal. Season 4 episode 24, titled The Interview, is an episode that focuses on the characters being interviewed by a visiting news correspondent.

As the episode starts, the cast members of M*A*S*H are seen getting ready for an interview with a reporter, Clete Roberts, who is visiting their camp. The various characters are shown getting dressed and preparing for the interview, with some joking around and others expressing their nervousness at being in the spotlight. Hawkeye, played by Alan Alda, is shown preparing his remarks with Trapper, played by Wayne Rogers, and Klinger, played by Jamie Farr.

Once the interview starts, the various characters are interviewed individually about their experiences in the war and their thoughts on the conflict. The reporter asks them about their feelings on being in the war, their opinions on the political situation, and their thoughts on the impact of the war on the civilians. The characters are all honest and forthright in their responses, expressing their frustration with the war and the toll it has taken on their mental health and emotional well-being.

Throughout the interview, there are moments of levity, as the characters make jokes and share anecdotes about their time in the hospital. However, there are also moments of deep sadness and reflection, as each character expresses their feelings of loss and despair in the face of the never-ending conflict.

As the episode progresses, the reporter turns his attention to the doctors and nurses themselves, asking them about the challenges they face on a daily basis in their efforts to save lives amid the chaos of war. The characters respond with a mixture of pride and sadness, expressing their commitment to helping their patients but also acknowledging the toll the war has taken on them personally.

Despite the heavy subject matter, The Interview is a fascinating look at the lives of the characters in M*A*S*H and the realities of being in a war zone. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and the profound impact of war on both the individuals and the society as a whole.

In conclusion, The Interview is a standout episode of M*A*S*H that explores the experiences of the characters in the context of the Korean War. It is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that raises important questions about war, conflict, and the human toll of violence.