Ep 11. Dear Comrade

Dear Comrade is an emotional episode from season 7 of the iconic show M*A*S*H. The episode takes place during the Korean War at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital and tells the story of Colonel Potter and his relationship with an old war friend, Colonel Edward Gray.

As the episode begins, Colonel Potter receives a letter from Colonel Gray, who is stationed in the area and has requested to see his old friend. Potter is delighted to hear from Gray and eagerly awaits his arrival. When Gray finally arrives at the base, Potter is shocked by his appearance. Gray has been completely broken down by the war and is now a shadow of his former self.

Despite Gray's condition, Potter is determined to help his friend in any way he can. He arranges for Gray to be treated by a dentist and even invites him to stay at the base for a few days. However, as time goes on, Potter begins to realize that Gray's condition is much worse than he had initially thought. Gray is suffering from severe mental health issues as a result of his experiences in the war, and is unable to shake the memories of all the horrific things he has seen.

As the episode progresses, we see the strain that Gray's condition is placing on Potter, as he struggles to know how to help his friend. The other members of the M*A*S*H unit try to lend a hand as well, including Hawkeye, who takes Gray on a tour of the camp in an effort to get him to open up. But despite their best efforts, Gray's condition continues to deteriorate, and Potter is faced with the heartbreaking realization that he may never be able to truly help his friend.

The episode is particularly poignant because it tackles a very serious issue that was not often discussed at the time. The mental health of soldiers was not given the attention it deserved, and many people suffered in silence as a result. Dear Comrade sheds light on this important issue and offers a reminder that no one is immune to the emotional toll of war.

In terms of the overall style of the show, Dear Comrade is a standout example of the touching and powerful storytelling that M*A*S*H is famous for. While the show is often remembered for its comedic moments, it also has a knack for digging deep into important issues and eliciting genuine emotional responses from viewers. This episode is no exception, and its themes of loyalty, friendship, and the horrors of war are sure to stick with viewers long after the credits roll.

Overall, Dear Comrade is a must-watch episode of M*A*S*H for fans of the show and newcomers alike. Its powerful storytelling and important themes make it a standout example of the show's ability to tackle serious issues with heart and grace.