Ep 2. Peace On Us

In the seventh season's second episode of M*A*S*H titled "Peace On Us," the 4077th is eagerly waiting for the ceasefire announcement to end the Korean War. The episode unfolds with the preparations of the camp as everyone hopes for this moment to come, but with hours pass, the ceasefire still hasn't been announced.

As the tension grows, the characters face their own set of issues with the possibility of peace. Hawkeye, played by Alan Alda, is nervous about what he will do after the war ends as he's become accustomed to the lifestyle of the camp. Meanwhile, BJ (Mike Farrell) shares similar sentiments of fear and anxiety over the future and his responsibilities at home.

The atmosphere is a mix of excitement, relief, and apprehension for everyone. The medical staff is busy preparing for the influx of wounded soldiers that they anticipate will arrive after the ceasefire. As they do so, they talk amongst themselves of their experiences during the war and their dreams of the future.

In one emotional scene, Father Mulcahy, played by William Christopher, mines his feelings for the tragedy of war, and one must think he even realized the revolutionary transformation in the military chaplaincy.

As the episode progresses, the camp is left paralyzed by the waiting game. Hawkeye and BJ have a humbling moment where they discuss the futility of the violence, and this conversation leads to a heartwarming moment between two sworn enemies who bond over an act of kindness.

Throughout the episode, the stories become increasingly more rooted in the peace that the characters long for. A subplot follows a group of soldiers who are forced to reconcile and share a confined space, and their apprehension soon melts as they come together to celebrate and find peace in finally ending the war.

The waiting game continues as the ceasefire announcement remains in the air. Yet, as time passes, the characters become more introspective and hopeful. They begin to feel more confident about their future and start drifting away from the warlike mentality that exhausted them.

Near the end of the episode, the ceasefire finally comes, and it brings with it a sense of closure and relief. And as the episode comes to a close, the characters can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they'll soon be heading home.

The seventh season's second episode, "Peace On Us," is a poignant and profound reflection on the power of peace in a time of war. It doesn't shy away from the harsh reality of violence or the challenges of rebuilding life after the war. Instead, it presents a thoughtful and endearing account of how ordinary people can find strength and hope in the most challenging of situations.