Ep 10. Hawkeye Get Your Gun

Hawkeye Pierce, the irreverent and quick-witted surgeon of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH), finds himself at odds with the military hierarchy in season 5 episode 10, titled "Hawkeye Get Your Gun."

The episode begins with a rousing game of poker between the members of the MASH unit. Hawkeye, who boasts an impressive winning streak, jokes with his comrades and swaps stories about their time in Korea. However, the jovial atmosphere is disrupted when a frustrated Colonel Potter enters the tent, demanding that Hawkeye turn over a firearm that he has been hiding.

The gun in question is a small pistol that Hawkeye has been carrying for protection. He had originally acquired it from a wounded patient who didn't want to be caught with it by their military superiors. Despite the danger of carrying it around, Hawkeye insists that having the gun makes him feel safer in the volatile war zone.

Colonel Potter, however, has a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized firearms on base. He orders Hawkeye to hand over the gun, but Hawkeye refuses, citing his right to protect himself. An intense back-and-forth between the two men ensues as they debate the ethics of carrying a weapon and the true nature of the war they are fighting.

Hawkeye's stance on the gun reflects his overall anti-war sentiment and his belief that the military establishment does not truly care about the well-being of the soldiers. He sees the gun as a necessary precaution in a violent and unpredictable environment, and resists the idea that he should simply trust in the military's ability to protect him.

As the tension between Hawkeye and Colonel Potter escalates, their colleagues are caught in the middle. Radar, the unit's youngest member, expresses concern that Hawkeye's insubordination could lead to him being shipped back home or even court-martialed. Meanwhile, Major Houlihan, the strict and by-the-book head nurse, is firmly on Colonel Potter's side and urges Hawkeye to comply with the rules.

Despite the mounting pressure from his peers, Hawkeye remains defiant. He refuses to give up the gun and even goes so far as to brandish it in front of Colonel Potter. This finally prompts an ultimatum from Colonel Potter: either Hawkeye surrenders the gun or he will be relieved of his duties and sent home.

The tense standoff ultimately results in a surprising twist that changes the dynamic of the entire episode. Without giving too much away, "Hawkeye Get Your Gun" showcases the complexities of war and the blurred lines between following orders and standing up for what is right.

Throughout the episode, the performances of the ensemble cast are top-notch. Alan Alda as Hawkeye brings his trademark wit and biting sarcasm to the role, while Harry Morgan as Colonel Potter exudes a quiet strength and sense of authority. Loretta Swit as Major Houlihan provides a grounded foil to Hawkeye's antics, and Gary Burghoff as Radar brings a youthful innocence that reflects the toll that war takes on even the youngest soldiers.

Overall, "Hawkeye Get Your Gun" is a standout episode of M*A*S*H that highlights the emotional and ethical challenges faced by those on the front lines of war. With its sharp writing, nuanced performances, and poignant message, it remains a standout installment of the beloved series.