Ep 8. Private Finance

In the episode "Private Finance" of the eighth season of M*A*S*H, Hawkeye and B.J. desperately try to find a way to pay for a much-needed X-ray machine. With the hospital's budget being cut and the necessary funds not being available, they take it upon themselves to come up with the money by any means necessary. Their first attempt is to sell a damaged jeep to a black market dealer, but things don't go quite according to plan.

Meanwhile, Colonel Potter is dealing with his own financial troubles as his wife back home is running into unexpected expenses. He receives a notice that their home may be foreclosed on and fears the worst. Despite his worries, he agrees to lend B.J. and Hawkeye the money they need to purchase the X-ray machine.

As the episode progresses, the pair of surgeons become increasingly desperate to come up with the funds. They consider a variety of options, including pool hustling and even selling their own blood. Throughout their antics, they attempt to keep their activities hidden from the rest of the camp, knowing that they could get in trouble for putting themselves in danger.

In the end, the makeshift financing scheme falls apart, and Hawkeye and B.J. find themselves back at square one. But when they finally reveal their struggles to the rest of the camp, they're surprised by the outpouring of support from their colleagues. They receive donations from many individuals, eventually raising enough to purchase the X-ray machine they need.

While "Private Finance" is a humorous episode of M*A*S*H, it also touches on some serious themes surrounding the healthcare industry. It highlights the importance of medical equipment and the absurd lengths hospital staff must go to obtain the necessary resources to provide proper care. Ultimately, the episode is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the hospital staff and their willingness to band together in the face of adversity.