Ah, M*A*S*H. A beloved show that feels like a cultural institution. We laughed, cried, and learned questionable medical ethics from Hawkeye. Behind the operating room doors were Hollywood dramas, especially when actors decided to leave. Let’s explore the key departures from the 4077th, starting with Major Frank Burns.
Frank Burns: The End of a Punching Bag… I Mean, Era
Larry Linville, who played Frank Burns, left M*A*S*H six years before the final chopper left. Why leave a hit show? Linville felt Frank had run its course. The series evolved into serious wartime narratives. Meanwhile, Frank stayed static, showcasing his one-dimensional personality.
Linville enjoyed his role but sought deeper characters. He didn’t regret leaving. Imagine that! Not a single wish for “what if?” He got along well with the cast. Alan Alda described Linville as “one of the nicest people.” Off-screen friendships can enhance cast dynamics in long filming hours.
The writers had fun with Frank’s exit. He goes to Tokyo to find Margaret on her honeymoon. Predictably, things went awry. Frank began to unravel, highlighting his unique personality traits. This amusing descent made for a fitting but slightly pathetic farewell for Frank Burns.
Interestingly, Linville was friends with Gary Burghoff, who played Radar. Even characters that seemed opposite on screen can be friends off camera. It showcases the art of acting, after all.
When the Choppers Keep Coming, But the Actors Don’t: Other M*A*S*H Exits
Frank Burns wasn’t alone in leaving. M*A*S*H experienced many cast changes during its 11-season run. Let’s explore some notable departures.
Henry Blake: From Colonel to… NBC?
McLean Stevenson, who portrayed Colonel Henry Blake, also left early in the series, during season three. His reasons differed from Linville’s. Stevenson expected a more prominent role for Colonel Blake. When that didn’t happen and NBC offered a big paycheck, he jumped ship. More money and screen time? It’s hard to blame him.
However, Stevenson’s departure came with regret. He wished he hadn’t left M*A*S*H, despite the iconic death scene for Colonel Blake. The show’s creators made a bold move by killing him off, making Blake’s departure truly poignant and memorable.
Interestingly, there were behind-the-scenes tensions too. Stevenson stated he got along with most of the cast, but his relationship with Gary Burghoff was strained. They often shared screen time, which made the tension difficult to overlook in a beloved show.
Trapper John: Sideline Surgeon? No Thanks.
Wayne Rogers, the original Trapper John McIntyre, also left early. His departure occurred after the third season as well. Rogers felt sidelined by Alan Alda’s dominant Hawkeye character. Rogers wanted Trapper John to be more than just a sidekick. He craved equal billing.
Contractual issues played a significant role in Rogers’ decision too. He claimed assumptions of better conditions fell through. This story echoes many Hollywood tales about broken promises. Beyond finances, he wished to explore diverse roles as an actor.
Despite disagreements leading to Rogers’ exit, he remained close friends with Alda for decades. Their bond remained strong even with Hollywood drama around them.
Radar O’Reilly: Burnout and Family Time
Gary Burghoff, the sweet and intuitive Radar O’Reilly, lasted longer than others, staying until 1979 after season seven. His reasons were about burnout and wanting more family time. Seven seasons of Radar took its toll, even on cheerful characters.
Radar’s exit included a two-part farewell episode called “Goodbye Radar.” This gave fans closure and allowed Burghoff to say goodbye. It was a touching way to acknowledge Radar’s significance.
Hawkeye Pierce: The Indispensable One
Lastly, we have Alan Alda, Hawkeye himself. He was the heart of M*A*S*H, appearing in every episode. He became synonymous with the series.
By 1980, Alda was the highest-paid TV actor at $5.6 million per season. Alda’s commitment was crucial to the show’s success. He was irreplaceable in the series.
Camaraderie, Clashes, and Controversies: Life in the 4077th
While departures are part of TV life, what was daily life like on the M*A*S*H set? Were there just laughs, or were there squabbles too? The truth is often complex.
Overall, the M*A*S*H cast enjoyed camaraderie and chemistry on and off-screen.
This influenced the show’s dynamic. It added to its appeal. Yet, it was not always harmonious. Like any workplace, especially one under pressure, there were disagreements. Clashing personalities emerged. It is human nature. Long hours with passionate individuals cause sparks to fly.
On the bright side, many friendships developed. Mike Farrell (B.J. Hunnicutt) and Alan Alda grew close. Their chemistry was strong, on and off screen. It made their friendship real. Loretta Swit (Margaret Houlihan) and Jamie Farr (Klinger) also bonded deeply. Swit called their relationship “very, very close.” Such connections are lovely.
Odds and Ends: Spicy Episodes and Saying Goodbye
As we end this M*A*S*H journey, a few details are worth sharing.
M*A*S*H had its share of controversy. One episode, “Hawkeye On the Double,” pushed limits for CBS executives. It was deemed “too spicy.” This meant it had a risque joke or two. “Spicy” by 1970s standards. Times have changed indeed.
Why did M*A*S*H conclude after 11 seasons? Alda cited creative exhaustion. They felt they were “running out of steam.” Eleven seasons is long. Keeping quality for that time is hard. Ending on a high note is better than decline. M*A*S*H left with a bang.
One last close call to mention: Loretta Swit almost left M*A*S*H in season 8. She appeared in the pilot for “Cagney & Lacey.” Imagine M*A*S*H without Major Houlihan. Thankfully, Swit stayed, and “Cagney & Lacey” succeeded with a different lead. A near miss for the 4077th.
There you have it, a look into departures, relationships, and behind-the-scenes of M*A*S*H. It was not always smooth, but the show’s legacy shines. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear a helicopter and the sound of someone making a martini.
