Exploring the Alternate Happy Ending for Henry Blake in MASH: Cher’s Unexpected Involvement

The shocking demise of Henry Blake, portrayed by McLean Stevenson, in MASH stands as a landmark event in television history. Airing from 1972 to 1983, MASH elegantly blended comedy and drama while challenging the norms of its time, notably by depicting significant character deaths. The third season’s finale, titled “Abyssinia, Henry, ”famously showcased the 4077TH’s commanding officer leaving for home – only for the viewers to learn of his tragic fate when his plane was shot down.

No Alternate Happy Ending for Henry Blake in MASH

Rumors of a Cheerful Conclusion for Blake Are False

Despite the overwhelming success of MASH, McLean Stevenson decided to leave the show, becoming one of its first cast members to exit. At the time, there were rumors and talks about him potentially replacing Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. As he sought to pursue new opportunities, Stevenson felt it was essential to shift from ensemble work to take center stage in his own series.

The script presented to the cast contained the climactic farewell scene for Blake, where he was set to depart from the camp. However, the heart-wrenching twist came with the surprise final page unveiled by showrunner Larry Gelbart during the filming’s wrap-up. It revealed Radar, played by Gary Burghoff, heartbreakingly announcing Blake’s death, capturing the shocked reactions of the cast, who were completely unprepared for this development.

Even as speculation swirled around the possibility of a different, joyous ending for Blake, it was clear that the intention all along was for the commanding officer’s story to conclude with tragedy. Following the broadcast, MASH received more than 1, 000 complaints from upset viewers, and Stevenson himself was reportedly troubled by the fate of his character, leaving instead of participating in the planned celebratory wrap party.

Cher “Resurrects”Henry Blake One Month After His Death on MASH

Cher’s Skit May Have Sparked Happy Ending Rumors

McLean Stevenson as Blake on the Cher show

A peculiar chapter in this narrative unfolded in May 1975 when Stevenson appeared as a guest on Cher’s variety show. In a comedic skit, the actress introduced Stevenson, who appeared as Blake in a rowboat and cheerfully declared, “Hey guys, I’m OK! I’m OK!”This light-hearted moment may have misled audiences into thinking there was an alternate reality where Blake survived.

This skit, which aired only once, has since been confused by many as a segment from The Carol Burnett Show, potentially contributing to the notion that a brighter fate for Blake existed. It sheds light on how quickly rumors can take root in popular culture, sometimes outpacing the original narrative.

CBS’s Reaction to Henry Blake’s Death on MASH

CBS Expressed Concerns Over the Decision to Kill Blake

CBS was initially apprehensive about the decision to eliminate Blake from the show. They recognized the potential backlash and made it known that the show’s producers had to negotiate significantly to get the network’s approval for this bold move. Gelbart mentioned that the network had contingency plans in place should the audience react strongly against the episode.

The show was always divided into three acts followed by a tag. Any strong negative reactions could lead CBS to consider not rebroadcasting the episode with that final scene included.

As anticipated, Blake’s unexpected death did incite outrage among viewers. Nevertheless, many praised the show for taking a daring approach by killing off a major character, underscoring the realities of war: good people can meet tragic ends. Unlike the faceless soldiers who often died in the show, Blake was a character audiences had come to know intimately, making his death all the more poignant.

This episode was emblematic of the legacy of MASH, with its season 3 finale marking Wayne Rogers’ last appearance as Trapper, who left the series at the end of that season. Some broadcasts later chose not to air the scene of Blake’s death, leading to the impression that a happy ending might have been possible, yet his fate continued to be acknowledged in subsequent episodes, solidifying the impact of his character’s tragic departure.

For further exploration of this iconic television moment, refer to sources such as the Evening Independent and interviews with Gelbart.

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