MASH’s Long Run Led to Accidental Repetition of the Same Episode by Showrunners

MASH, a beloved television classic, captivated audiences for over a decade, spanning 11 successful seasons. During this time, the show’s creators occasionally found themselves unintentionally recycling storylines. While MASH remained a dominant presence on TV until its conclusion, it was, interestingly, at the behest of its cast that the series was wrapped up to avoid becoming stale.

The tendency to revisit similar narratives was evident in notable episodes. A prime example is the contentious moment in the season 5 episode where BJ cheats on his wife, which mirrors the storyline featured in season 8’s “War Co-Respondent,”albeit with BJ showing restraint in the latter. Season 7’s “Preventative Medicine”introduces a gripping confrontation between BJ and Hawkeye, who challenge a commander known for his high casualty rates, leading to a morally complex decision involving unnecessary surgery.

The Unintentional Remake: MASH’s “Preventative Medicine”and Season 3’s “White Gold”

Writers’ Revelation: A Late Realization of Recycling

BJ argues with Hawkeye over surgery in MASH season 7 episode Preventative Medicine

“Preventative Medicine”presents an ethical challenge central to its narrative: Is surgical intervention justified if it potentially saves lives? This dark turn, crafted by writer Ken Levine, struck a chord within the series. However, it was only after watching a rerun of season 3’s “White Gold”that the writing team discovered their episode inadvertently mirrored an earlier plot. Levine recounted this shock in his blog, where he expressed his distress over the oversight.

I was mortified to think we’d repeat a story on our watch. That’s why that episode always bothers me. Many fans think ours is better than the first. I don’t care. (I also don’t agree. Nothing we ever wrote was as good as what Larry Gelbart wrote.) But what amazes me to this day is that numerous people on the staff and crew were at MASH during the production of “White Gold.” NOBODY, not ONE PERSON said “Hey, didn’t we already do this story?”

In retrospect, it is surprising that no one within the MASH team recognized the similarities in storyline between “Preventative Medicine”and “White Gold.”Despite the involvement of prominent cast members like Alan Alda behind the scenes, these parallels went unnoticed. Nonetheless, Levine’s candid reflection reinforces the notion that “Preventative Medicine”stands out as an exceptional episode, arguably surpassing “White Gold”in depth and thematic exploration.

Contrasting Themes: “White Gold”and “Preventative Medicine”

MASH’s Evolution: A Shift After Season 3

The transformation of MASH from its early seasons to later ones is notable, particularly marked by the death of Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) in season 3, which signaled the show’s evolution into a pioneering dramedy. The dichotomy between “White Gold”and “Preventative Medicine”exemplifies this shift. “White Gold”is characterized by its light-hearted approach, featuring Hawkeye and Trapper’s comedic antics against a corrupt Colonel aimed at pilfering penicillin, culminating in a ridiculous plot twist where they remove his appendix for laughs.

In stark contrast, “Preventative Medicine,”while still offering moments of levity, approaches moral dilemmas with a sobering perspective. The portrayal of a dangerous commander, detested even by his own troops, provides a serious backdrop for BJ and Hawkeye’s ethical conflict. BJ’s firm stance against unnecessary surgery reflects the show’s deeper narrative ambitions, leading to a shared sense of disillusionment as they are called to assist more wounded soldiers immediately after the surgery.

Every MASH TV Series	Release Year
MASH	1972-1983
AfterMASH	1983-1985
WALTE*R	1984

Ultimately, “Preventative Medicine”engages with the series’ overarching themes of ethics and morality in a way that “White Gold”does not. Despite its more comedic premise, “White Gold”lacks the exploration of moral complexities. Watching both episodes sequentially reveals how MASH’s creative direction transformed under varying showrunners, resulting in uniquely distinct storytelling.

Real-Life Conflict Enters the Dialogue of MASH’s “Preventative Medicine”

Mike Farrell’s Discontent with the Episode’s First Draft

One significant variance in the narrative of “White Gold”compared to “Preventative Medicine”is the character dynamics. In “White Gold,”Trapper eagerly participates in the rogue surgery plot. However, BJ’s refusal to partake in a similar scheme in “Preventative Medicine”was not present in the original script draft, where they were set to perform the operation collaboratively. Actor Mike Farrell contested this scenario, leading to an intriguing debate with Alda during a script reading that added depth to the episode’s narrative.

Ultimately, Alda and Farrell decided to integrate their real-life argument into the dialogue of the episode itself, enhancing its authenticity. This decision proved pivotal, as it maintained BJ’s integrity and character consistency. In the conclusion of “Preventative Medicine,”both characters find themselves grappling with the consequences of their choices, leaving them pondering whether their actions truly served any purpose as they rush off to handle additional casualties.

Source: By Ken Levine

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