10 Episodes Of MASH You Can Skip Completely

While there are plenty of brilliant episodes of MASH, there are some that viewers can skip altogether. The funniest episodes of MASH aren’t just memorable for their humor, they are also stand-outs because of their intriguing stories, relatable character development, and general enjoyment, too. Unfortunately, there are some installments of the show that fail to place high on audiences’ must-watch lists.

These episodes are considered worthy of skipping for several reasons. Some feature stories that are simply boring or nonsensical, gags or jokes that fall flat, or stray too far from MASH’s usual format. Sadly, even MASH’s complicated timeline cannot excuse these episodes being so unpopular with viewers. There are many incredible episodes throughout all 11 seasons of MASH, but some stories are completely skipped by many when rewatching the show.

10

“Edwina”

Season 1, Episode 13

While not everything about MASH is out-of-touch nowadays, the episode “Edwina” is one of the reasons that the sitcom aged poorly. This episode introduces Arlene Golonka as the titular character, a nurse who has terrible luck with dating, which leaves the men to draw straws over who takes her out. Edwina is depicted as a spinster for being single in her late twenties, a total klutz, and generally unattractive. It’s painful to watch Edwina’s potential suitors cringe over her, especially because of Margaret and the other nurses’ blackmail and refusal to go out with anyone until she does.

Loretta Swit smiling as Margaret in the MASH finale

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While the premise is a product of its time, it’s simply hard to watch nowadays. Even in the name of physical comedy, it’s difficult to find the idea that Edwina is single because of her clumsiness funny, and after a few gags, it gets boring. There is a plot to this episode, but nothing really culminates from it, and after a disastrous date with Hawkeye, Edwina leaves the unit exactly as she started. Although one of the harsh realities of MASH is the way women are perceived, this episode relies far too much on sitcom tropes.

9

“Henry In Love”

Season 2, Episode 16

Radar looking awkward behind Nancy and Henry in the MASH episode "Henry in Love."

The controversial nature of “Henry in Love” is hard enough to watch, but this isn’t the only issue with this episode. It’s a shock when MASH’s Henry Blake, a married man, suddenly announces he has fallen in love with an ex-cheerleader who is half his age. Henry’s behavior is simply cringey, and although his midlife crisis is played for laughs, dying his hair to impress young Nancy comes across as desperate. Nancy is also painful to watch, and from her general provocativeness, cliché characterization, and the cheerleading routine, there are few redeeming qualities about her.

MASH -Henry Blake saluting with Cher from the 1970s

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The fallout of Henry’s death in MASH paints him as a hero and good man, and even though one instance doesn’t define him, it’s clear that many forget about the way he acts in this episode. While infidelity is rather normalized in MASH, it feels pretty out-of-character for Henry to be this unfaithful, especially to the point that he is happy to throw his marriage away for Nancy. What’s even more disappointing, however, is that Henry’s sudden love affair isn’t as destined as he believes, seeing as Nancy quickly throws herself at Hawkeye when the opportunity presents itself.

8

“Hawkeye”

Season 4, Episode 18

Alan Alda as Hawkeye ranting and covered in blood in the MASH episode "Hawkeye."

Alan Alda’s Hawkeye takes center stage in season 4’s “Hawkeye.” After stealing a jeep and crashing outside a local Korean family’s home, Hawkeye monologues for an entire episode to a group of people who can’t understand him, just so he can try to stave off a concussion he fears will kill him. While there are some interesting things about this episode, like how Alda is the only main cast member, and he has to carry the story from start to finish, it gets old quickly when rewatching MASH.

“Hawkeye” is an intriguing watch the first time around, but upon its third or fourth revisit, it’s apparent that the episode is actually rather boring because of the lack of action and story progression.

“Hawkeye” provides some interesting further backstory to the character, but it doesn’t really expand on anything audiences aren’t already aware of. Hawkeye’s monologue isn’t terrible, but he switches back and forth between topics in such quick succession at times that it’s too hard to follow, or viewers simply tune out. “Hawkeye” is an intriguing watch the first time around, but upon its third or fourth revisit, it’s apparent that the episode is actually rather boring because of the lack of action and story progression.

7

“In Love And War”

Season 6, Episode 7

Hawkeye and Kyung lying in bed together in the MASH episode "In Love and War."

Although Kyung Soon in the season 6 episode “In Love and War” is far from Hawkeye’s first love interest in MASH, she is one of his stranger partners. This episode focuses on Hawkeye falling in love with Kyung, a local Korean villager, despite Potter warning him against it. Although it’s not unusual for Hawkeye to fight back against the orders and advice of his higher-ups, it’s frustrating to see him develop feelings for someone he doesn’t really have anything in common with. MASH tries to push an enemies-to-lovers storyline in this episode, but it falls flat.

Many take issue with “In Love and War” because of Hawkeye’s attitude and actions. It’s oddly out of character for Hawkeye to suddenly care about Kyung’s mother only after learning more about her, especially as his main motivation is always his patients, regardless of the context. Once Kyung leaves, his concern for the Korean locals suddenly disappears, too, which is annoying. Hawkeye appears to let his sex drive lead over his morals, and even with the war impacting his outlook on life, it’s hard to believe he falls so deeply in love with her in such a short time.

6

“The Smell Of Music”

Season 6, Episode 15

Hawkeye and B.J angrily watching Charles play the french horn in the MASH episode "The Smell of Music."

Season 6’s “The Smell of Music” is another episode that is initially comical, but it’s an installment that is only appealing once, and it’s not that funny upon rewatching it. This episode follows Hawkeye and B.J.’s attempts to get Charles to stop playing his French horn, and so in protest, they refuse to shower until the noise ceases. While this is a rather standard sitcom premise, it also gets so ridiculous that it borders on unrealistic.

Those who do revisit this episode typically find that upon each rewatch, it’s clearer than ever that Hawkeye and B.J. are the insufferable ones and that Charles is in the right. However, while he does have somewhat of a redemption towards the end, it’s wild that Charles isn’t the bigger person and put a stop to their silly ploy in the first place. Although this stubbornness is normal for a sitcom storyline, considering the context and setting of MASH, it seems overly unnecessary and a strange plot to lead with when there’s so many other things to focus on.

5

“Our Finest Hour” (Parts 1 & 2)

Season 7, Episode 4

An archival clip of Radar in the MASH episode "Our Finest Hour."

“Our Finest Hour” is the only episode of MASH to feature the show’s entire cast, but this is only because it is a one-hour clip show edition. While this is an intriguing watch to anyone who hasn’t seen it before, this episode isn’t exactly rewatchable. The main issue is that this episode is essentially an expansion of MASH’s “The Interview,” but with a lack of original material. There are some new clips, but the episode is mainly made up of archival footage that audiences are already familiar with, so it’s no surprise it’s considered one of the show’s weaker installments

“Our Finest Hour” isn’t a terrible watch, but it’s more of a history lesson than a sitcom episode. It takes the existing MASH stories and re-edits them in a 1950s-style documentary, providing context on the Korean War and its real-life harrowing events. Without “The Interview,” it’s possible that “Our Finest Hour” would be more successful, but considering how quickly MASH attempts to reuse this format, it simply falls flat.

4

“Dreams”

Season 8, Episode 22

Alan Alda as Hawkeye looking shocked and Margaret (Loretta Swit) in a bloody wedding dress in MASH season 8's "Dreams."

“Dreams” is MASH’s most divisive episode, but regardless of whether audiences love it or hate it, it’s definitely one that can be skipped. As the characters battle to keep many injured soldiers alive, they all become sleep-deprived and start experiencing some rather haunting dreams that drags up their deepest, darkest fears and anxieties. MASH attempts to delve into the horror genre with this episode, but it doesn’t fit very well, and haunting dreams of the likes of Margaret and Hawkeye feel out of place for a sitcom.

It’s also a little disappointing that out of all the things Margaret worries about deep down, her fears are reduced to her marital status, even if the bloody dying soldiers are implemented into this metaphor.

While it’s a refreshing change of pace to see MASH lean into the psychological side of things, it fails to include enough humor to keep audiences reassured. Even though “Dreams” is one of Alan Alda’s favorite MASH episodes, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the jump from the show’s standard format is glaringly obvious, and not in a positive way. It’s also a little disappointing that out of all the things Margaret worries about deep down, her fears are reduced to her marital status, even if the bloody dying soldiers are implemented into this metaphor.

3

“Bless You Hawkeye”

Season 9, Episode 17

A sick Alan Alda as Hawkeye lying in bed in the MASH episode "Bless You Hawkeye."

The storyline in “Bless You Hawkeye” is simple and silly. MASH is so popular because of how well it balances humor and seriousness, but a plot that focuses on Hawkeye’s inability to stop sneezing leans too far in one direction. Hawkeye’s scream-sneeze is so over-the-top and cringey, and every time he does it, the gag becomes more and more unbearable. In fact, many viewers skip this episode purely because of how annoying Alda’s fake sneezes are. However, this isn’t the only issue.

Hawkeye’s general demeanor is off in this episode, and not all of it can be blamed on his nose. All of Hawkeye’s physical comedy is extreme, significantly more than usual. This is especially notable in the climax, and when he flips out and cries over his childhood memories, it doesn’t feel realistic whatsoever. “Bless You Hawkeye” isn’t a bad story, at least it’s not the worst, but many find it painful to rewatch it because of the episode’s titular character.

2

“That’s Show Biz” (Parts 1 & 2)

Season 10, Episode 1

Klinger looking awkward while standing next to a smiling Fast Freddie Nichols in MASH's "That's Show Biz."

“That’s Show Biz,” which is often split into two parts for syndication, is another MASH installment viewers tend to skip. The episode focuses on a touring USO show visiting the unit and one of their showgirls suddenly needing emergency surgery. Many are often confused why “That’s Show Biz” is dragged out across an hour, mainly because the plot doesn’t need that much coverage time. The story is generally dull, the subplots don’t save it either, and the fact it is expanded so much ruins the pacing.

One reason why “That’s Show Biz” is typically considered one of the worst episodes of MASH is that the suggested romance between Hawkeye and showgirl Marina feels forced, and it’s strange that the womanizer isn’t interested in her. MASH is usually hilarious, but the USO’s comedian is painful to watch, the episode’s jokes are quite corny, and the overly layered characterizations of the guest characters add little to the story. “That’s Show Biz” could work better as a single installment, but as a two-parter, it simply doesn’t work.

1

“Communication Breakdown”

Season 10, Episode 6

Charles talking to Father Mulcahy as he reads a paper in the MASH episode "Communication Breakdown."

Season 10’s “Communication Breakdown” is another episode that is enjoyable enough on the first watch, but quickly becomes old. This episode follows Charles, who, after being sent newspapers from home following a local shortage, upsets the rest of the camp when he refuses to share them. It’s easy to make Charles the villain at first, especially when he reacts badly to one of his newspapers being taken, but his behavior is actually justifiable to some degree.

Considering the lack of individual possessions those in the army have while serving, it’s irritating that the others steal and hide what limited items Charles has, simply because he takes a stand. While miscommunication is a standard sitcom trope, MASH does nothing new with it in this episode, and audiences are instead frustrated by the pettiness. Unfortunately, the subplot about the two brothers isn’t enough to distract from how irritating and unoriginal the main storyline is.