Ep 6. The Light That Failed

The Light That Failed is the sixth episode of the sixth season of the American television series M*A*S*H. It first aired on October 22, 1977, on CBS. The episode tells the story of how Father Mulcahy finds a wounded soldier, Private Weston, and brings him back to the 4077th MASH unit. However, the patient seems to have lost his eyesight, and no amount of medical treatment seems to be able to restore his vision. This becomes a psychological issue for the patient, who is a photographer, and for the doctors and nurses caring for him.

Private Weston's injury seems to have blinded him, but the doctor on duty, Captain Pierce, is unable to explain why this has happened. The initial diagnosis is that it could be a case of retinal detachment, but further examination proves otherwise. Captain Pierce performs various tests, but to no avail. Private Weston becomes depressed and resigned to his fate, refusing to accept that he has lost his sight permanently.

Father Mulcahy tries to comfort the soldier, who confides in him about his hobby of photography, which he believes he has lost forever now that he can no longer see. Mulcahy tries to find ways of making the patient happy, even if it means risking his own sanity. During one of his visits, Father Mulcahy decides to describe all the things he sees around him to the patient. The patient, in turn, asks Father Mulcahy to describe some of his old photographs to him. Father Mulcahy agrees and begins to describe the photos in detail. This helps the patient to remember his old life, and even though he cannot see the photos, he begins to take an interest in life again.

Meanwhile, the doctors are trying to come up with new ways of treating the patient. They try various tests, including the use of a special light, but all to no avail. Private Weston becomes more and more depressed and refuses to see anyone. The doctors finally decide to recommend that he be sent to Tokyo for further treatment, but before he leaves, Father Mulcahy has a heart-to-heart conversation with him and tries to help him overcome his depression.

The episode ends with Private Weston leaving for Tokyo with Father Mulcahy accompanying him. He is still unable to see, but his spirits have lifted, and he feels better having someone to talk to. The staff at the MASH unit is sad to see him go, but they are happy to know that they have given him all the love and support he needed during his stay at the hospital.

Overall, The Light That Failed is a touching episode that deals with a serious issue. The loss of one's sight is something that can be very depressing and debilitating, and the episode does a great job of showing how people cope with this and how they can find hope in the darkest of situations. The show's writers and actors should be commended for their sensitive portrayal of Private Weston and his struggles, and for depicting the compassion and empathy shown by the staff of the MASH unit towards their patients.