Ep 7. In Love and War

In Love and War is the seventh episode of the sixth season of M*A*S*H. This episode is a dramatic blend of comedy and romance. The episode opens with a casual chat between Margaret (Loretta Swit) and Hawkeye (Alan Alda) which quickly turns into a heated argument that results in a small wager. The bet is that Hawkeye can get anyone to fall in love with him and Margaret being the competitive woman that she is, accepts the challenge. Hawkeye decides to take on this challenge as he is often up for an entertaining banter that could potentially ruffle Margaret's feathers again.

In the meantime, Condon, a friend of Hawkeye, is brought in for a major abdominal wound. Throughout the episode, Hawkeye finds himself being attracted to Condon's nurse, Louise, played by Sherry Steffens. After some playful banter back and forth, Hawkeye and Louise begin spending more time together in and out of the hospital. This provides an excellent opportunity for the show to introduce levity into what is otherwise a far more serious episode. From there, the comedy takes on a darker tone as Hawkeye realizes that his own ego and competitiveness have blinded him to the fact that he is playing with Louise's feelings, which ultimately leads to a climax with a gut-wrenching moment.

This episode provides the opportunity for different characters to shine, particularly with the humorous dialogue writing and the banter exchange between Margaret and Hawkeye. The rest of the cast also showcases their talent with their brief appearances as they check in and provide their medical services to Condon. The interaction between Condon and Hawkeye is an excellent example of how, in the midst of sorrow and pain, humor and laughter can still bring solace to the wounded soul. The writers clearly put a lot of thought into this script, as they managed to find a balance between humor and pathos, two elements that M*A*S*H has always excelled at portraying.

Overall, In Love and War is a thoughtful and well-written episode that explores more complex themes than some of the show's earlier, more straightforward episodes. It's an interesting episode that leaves a lasting impact on fans, showing that M*A*S*H was not just a quirky comedy, but a carefully crafted drama that tackled serious issues like love, war, and human connection. This particular episode is an excellent introduction to the series for newcomers or a return to a beloved classic for fans, as it showcases the show's ability to handle drama and suspense without losing its inherent charm and humor. M*A*S*H has a well-deserved place in television history, and In Love and War is an excellent example of why that is.