Ep 1. Commander Pierce

In season 7 episode 1 of M*A*S*H, titled "Commander Pierce," the doctors and nurses of the 4077th are left reeling after the sudden departure of Colonel Potter. Now, with no clear leader in sight, Hawkeye steps up to fill the void, taking on the role of commanding officer.

As the episode begins, we see the various members of the camp struggling to adjust to their new reality. Klinger, for one, is worried about what will happen to him if the new CO decides to enforce regulations on dress code and behavior. Meanwhile, BJ is worried about how the new leader will handle his relationship with his wife back home.

Despite these concerns, Hawkeye is determined to make the best of the situation. He takes charge of morning rounds, delegates responsibilities to his fellow doctors, and even comes up with a plan to improve morale at the camp.

But as the day wears on, Hawkeye begins to feel the strain of his new role. He is constantly interrupted by the demands of the army bureaucracy, and he finds himself struggling to balance his duties as a doctor with his responsibilities as a CO.

As the episode progresses, we see the various challenges that Hawkeye faces as he tries to lead the camp. He must deal with a difficult patient who refuses to take his medication, as well as a visiting senator who is more interested in promoting himself than in helping the war effort.

Throughout it all, Hawkeye remains determined to do his best. He works tirelessly to keep the camp running smoothly, and he even comes up with a clever scheme to get the senator to focus on the needs of the wounded soldiers.

In the end, Hawkeye's efforts pay off. He is able to improve morale at the camp, ensure that his patients receive the best possible care, and even impress the visiting senator with his ingenuity and resourcefulness.

"Commander Pierce" is a compelling episode that offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by the doctors and nurses of the 4077th. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that they make every day to care for our wounded soldiers, and it is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in times of war.