My Favorite M*A*S*H, Season 5, Episodes

A while back, I discussed some of my favorite M*A*S*H, Season 4, episodes. Today, I'd like to talk about Season 5 (1976-77). Just as the previous season brought changes to the 4077th, so too does this season. For instance, Maj. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan (Loretta Swit) gets engaged to and subsequently weds fiance Lt. Col. Donald Penobscot. As a result, former lover Maj. Frank Burns (Larry Linville) goes AWOL and ultimately returns to his wife and "cozy little malpractice" in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. That said, I will now list and explain what I feel to be the show's Season 5 highlights.

Disc 1:

"Out of Sight, Out of Mind (#5.3)" (Original Air Date: 10/5/76)-- Hawkeye (Alan Alda) is temporarily blinded while repairing a "temperamental kerosene stove." During this time, he must rely on his other senses, mainly hearing. Very poignant episode.

"Dear Sigmund (#5.7)" (Original Air Date: 11/9/76)-- In this Emmy Award-winning episode, camp shrink Dr. Sidney Freedman (Allan Arbus) makes often humorous observations about 4077th personnel-- like "Anger turned sideways is Hawkeye." and "Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell) is an enigma in size-13 shoes."-- and reports his findings and observations in a letter to Sigmund Freud. I like when Dr. Freedman studies "Ferret Face" Burns, who is upset that his wife is becoming "liberated" through campaigning on behalf of local political candidates with the Ft. Wayne Republican Club. LOL! He also finds Father Mulcahy (William Christopher) and Hot Lips to be highly fascinating.

Disc 2:

"Hawk's Nightmare (#5.13)" (Original Air Date: 12/21/76)-- Dr. Freedman makes an urgent house call to the 4077th after Hawkeye begins having nightmares and sleepwalking as a result of being overworked amid the backdrop of war. I love what Freedman says to Hawk about his situation: "If you were really crazy, you'd sleep like a baby."

"The Most Unforgettable Characters (#5.14)" (Original Air Date: 1/4/77)-- It's Ole Ferret Face's b'day, and Hawkeye and B.J. decide to give him a "present" in the form of a fake fight between the two best buds. Also, Radar (Gary Burghoff) enrolls in a writing school with questionable credentials.

Disc 3:

"Hanky Panky (#5.18)" (Original Air Date: 2/1/77)-- B.J. comforts an attractive nurse who's just received a "Dear Jane" letter from her husband. Afterward, the devoted family man is plagued with massive guilt over his perceived infidelity. The dialogue between Farrell and co-star Alda is lively and entertaining and provides further insight into B.J.'s character and personality.

"Margaret's Marriage (#5.24)" (Original Air Date: 3/15/77)-- In this fifth-season finale, Hot Lips ties the knot with her handsome lieutenant colonel. Of course, the requisite hilarity ensues. This time, Hawk and Beege get Donald plastered (literally!) prior to the ill-fated nuptials. (Larry Linville officially signed off as Maj. Burns at the conclusion of Season 5 and was replaced in Season 6 by snooty Massachusetts General Hospital Chief of Thoracic Surgery Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III (David Ogden Stiers).)