If you’re a fan of MASH*, like I am, you probably think you’ve seen it all.
It is well known for its sharp writing, emotional depth, and clever satire.
The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon and an enduring staple of American television.
But behind the scenes, MASH* wasn’t without its share of mistakes.
A lot anachronisms, and continuity errors—many of which went unnoticed by its devoted fans.
As a child of the ’80s, MASH* was often on in the background.
Its iconic theme song marking my bedtime. I rarely made it past the opening credits back then, but years later, I gave the series another shot—and fell in love with it. Revisiting it now, I’ve noticed some little-known mistakes and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that make watching the show even more enjoyable.
Hidden Bloopers and Fascinating Facts
A Real-Life Brush with Hepatitis
During Season 5, William Christopher, who played Father Mulcahy, contracted hepatitis. The illness was so severe that producers considered writing him out of the show. However, Alan Alda stepped in and wrote an entire episode, Hepatitis, incorporating Christopher’s condition into the storyline. This creative solution not only kept Christopher on the show but highlighted Alda’s dedication to his castmates, especially knowing Christopher needed a steady job to support his family.
Frank Burns’ Eerie Tumor Prophecy
In the Hepatitis episode, Frank Burns (played by Larry Linville) casually mentions having a “pea-sized tumor under my sternum.” Strangely enough, years later, Linville passed away from a malignant tumor in the same area. This chilling coincidence remains one of the most haunting connections between art and life in the series.
Klinger: From One-Episode Role to Fan Favorite
Jamie Farr’s portrayal of Max Klinger, the lovable cross-dresser, was initially intended for just one episode. Yet his comedic charm and unique character made him a fan favorite, and he was promoted to a regular cast member.
Authentic Dog Tags
Those dog tags Jamie Farr wore? They were his real ones, issued during his own military service before he became an actor. They featured his actual name, serial number, and religious affiliation, adding an authentic touch to his portrayal.
Military Mistakes and Timeline Blunders
The Helicopter That Didn’t Exist
In the Season 2 episode For the Good of the Outfit, a Bell Huey UH-1 helicopter is shown in Henry Blake’s office. The problem? The Huey didn’t make its first flight until 1956, three years after the Korean War ended.
Inaccurate Haircuts
While Colonel Potter and Major Winchester’s hairstyles fit the military regulations of the 1950s, many of the other characters sported styles that were far too modern for the time period.
Wikipedia Commons
Radar’s Rare Condition
Gary Burghoff, who played Radar O’Reilly, was born with Poland Syndrome, which causes underdeveloped chest muscles and webbed fingers. He worked hard to conceal his left hand on-screen, often holding a clipboard or keeping it in his pocket.
Memorable Departures
The Shocking Death of Lieutenant Colonel Blake
McLean Stevenson’s departure from the show in 1975 was marked by one of TV’s most shocking moments: his character, Lt. Col. Blake, dies in a plane crash after being discharged. This abrupt and emotional send-off was a bold statement about the harsh realities of war but sparked an intense backlash from fans.
In response, producers vowed never to kill off another character in such a tragic way again, a promise they upheld for the rest of the series.
Radar’s Emotional Farewell
Radar O’Reilly’s departure in Season 7 was a bittersweet moment for fans. Actor Gary Burghoff chose to leave due to the demanding schedule and its impact on his family life. His character’s farewell episode, Goodbye Radar, remains one of the series’ most memorable and emotional moments.
Fun and Fascinating Trivia
Hawkeye’s Ever-Changing Backstory
At the start of the series, Hawkeye Pierce is from Vermont, with a married sister and a nephew. Later, he’s from Crabapple Cove, Maine, and becomes an only child with a widowed father. Despite the inconsistencies, Alan Alda embraced the changes, appreciating how they allowed the character to grow.
Alda’s Emmy-Winning Talent
Alan Alda made history as the first person to win Emmys for acting, writing, and directing on the same series. His wit shone through in moments like his self-referential quip in Comrades in Arms: “Don’t blame me, I didn’t write this stuff”—a line he actually wrote himself.
Loretta Swit’s Glamorous Nails
Loretta Swit, who played Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, was known for her long nails, which weren’t exactly practical for a wartime nurse. While they added a touch of glamour, they were definitely an anachronism for her role.
Why Swit Disliked the Nickname “Hot Lips”
Swit wasn’t fond of her character’s infamous nickname, explaining: “It felt like an insult. She was a major in the U.S. Army and deserved respect.”
Hawkeye and Margaret’s Complex Relationship
Over the seasons, the relationship between Hawkeye and Margaret evolved from playful banter to a deeper emotional connection. Their pivotal moment came in the two-part episode Comrades in Arms, where they share a passionate night after being stranded together.
Reflecting on her role, Loretta Swit revealed that she actively worked to phase out the “Hot Lips” nickname for her character, Major Margaret Houlihan.
“I think my persistence probably became quite annoying,” she admitted. “But I felt it was important for the women out there supporting our country. I kept telling the writers, ‘She’s so much more than this.’”
Loretta Swit and Plastic Surgery Speculations
In recent years, fans have speculated about Loretta Swit undergoing plastic surgery, pointing out noticeable changes in her appearance. Although Swit has never publicly addressed these rumors, discussions have circulated, even suggesting the transformation might have started during her MASH* years.
One Reddit user, bettinafairchild, shared an intriguing observation:
“I’ve seen all MASH* episodes a zillion times, but I just watched it in chronological order for the first time and noticed things I’d never picked up on before. For example, Loretta Swit seems to have had plastic surgery in the middle of Season 6. She gets a cleft chin, which is a very distinct change, and at some point, maybe around Season 9, it looks like she had a nose job.”
Though purely speculative, these comments have sparked curiosity among fans of the show.
The Longest Kiss in TV History
MASH* was known for its emotional moments, but the series finale delivered one of its most memorable scenes: one of the longest kisses in television history.
In a callback to the emotional depth of Comrades in Arms, Hawkeye shares a lengthy, awkward farewell kiss with Margaret. The moment is so prolonged that it visibly unsettles their colleagues.
Swit fondly reflected on the iconic scene: “It’s the longest kiss in television history,” she said.
Alan Alda, who directed the finale, and Swit were the only two main cast members to appear in both the premiere and finale, a testament to their shared journey throughout the series.
Swit recalled Alda’s heartfelt gesture after filming the final episode:
“Alan wrote me a note about how wonderful it was to have the opportunity to fulfill Margaret’s character arc and see her grow meaningfully. The finale was really about tying everyone together and satisfying the audience, who all had their favorite characters.”
