Ep 15. The Smell of Music

In the season 6 episode 15 of M*A*S*H titled "The Smell of Music," the characters of the 4077th mobile army surgical hospital are dealing with boredom and the monotony of their daily routine in the middle of the Korean War.

The episode begins with Hawkeye and B.J. playing a game of racquetball to pass the time. However, they soon grow tired of playing the game and decide to hold an impromptu concert in the middle of the hospital compound to entertain themselves and their fellow soldiers.

The makeshift band consists of various members of the 4077th, including Hawkeye, B.J., Potter, Klinger, and Winchester. Each member of the band contributes their musical talent, with Hawkeye on the guitar, B.J. on the drums, Potter on the harmonica, Klinger on the accordion, and Winchester on the French horn.

As they begin to play, the soldiers and nurses of the hospital gather around to listen and dance to the music. Despite the makeshift instruments and lack of formal training, the band creates an atmosphere of joy and excitement, bringing a much-needed break from the chaos of the war.

However, their happiness is soon interrupted by incoming wounded soldiers. The band quickly breaks up and the doctors and nurses rush to care for the casualties, reminding them of the gravity of their situation and the importance of their work.

Despite the chaos of war, the episode promotes the importance of finding joy and creativity in difficult situations. The band's impromptu concert shows that even in the midst of war, music and creativity can bring people together and help them find a moment of respite from the harsh reality of war.

"The Smell of Music" is a heartwarming and lighthearted episode of M*A*S*H that showcases the strength of the human spirit in trying times.