MASH page 7

 MASH page 7 by ric gustafson

After two new cast members had settled into the show, another curveball was thrown at MASH. In 1976 After the end of the 4th season, producer Larry Gelbart told everyone he was leaving the show. For his last episode, the episode was titled ' The Interview'. It was done in black and white like a documentary. It was a two part episode. The interviewer in the episode was Clete Roberts. Roberts was an actual war correspondent during the Korean War.

A year later, producer Gene Reynolds told everyone he was leaving the show. He was going to create a new show called ' Lou Grant'.

In order to have a hit show, you need a great cast. There was only one main female cast member. Actress Loretta Swit was chosen to play Margaret Houlihan. In the beginning of the show, Houlihan was given the nickname ' Hot Lips'. She was the head nurse for the 4077th MASH. She was crazy about the high ranking surgeon and second in command Major Frank Burns. She was feared and sometimes ridiculed by her staff. 

Two major events happened for Houlihan in Season 5. In an episode titled ' The Nurses', true feelings of Houlihan's and the nurses finally came out. In the end, Houlihan finally earns the nurses respect and loyalty. In another Season 5 episode, Houlihan marries Donald Penobscott.

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Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric