SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25 Min.
First televised on CBS on February 23, 1974, Alan Alda directs the first of MASH’s occasional “Mail Call” episodes. Mail day brings assorted odds-and-ends to the 4077th. Prescribing some deserved ‘humility therapy,’ Hawkeye baits Frank’s greed re: an imaginary stock tip. Savoring Frank’s get-rich-quick scheme, “Hot Lips” gloats that she’ll be the next Mrs. Burns soon enough. Exasperated by his own home mail, Henry is further harassed by Klinger’s latest ploy. “Radar” calls upon Hawkeye for pen-pal advice. Poignantly missing his young daughters, a drunken Trapper contemplates going AWOL.
Note: Hawkeye is seen receiving an oversized sweater from his sister back home. The series later depicts him as an only child.
Capt. “Hawkeye” Pierce: Alan Alda
Capt. “Trapper John” McIntyre: Wayne Rogers
Lt. Col. Henry Blake: McLean Stevenson
Cpl. “Radar” O’Reilly: Gary Burghoff
Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: Loretta Swit
Major Frank Burns: Larry Linville
(Lt.) Father Francis Mulcahy: William Christopher
Cpl. Maxwell Klinger: Jamie Farr
REVIEW:
Standard-issue TV concept … inspired execution! Aside from Henry & Klinger’s first conversation overextending its hilarious gag, “Mail Call” is an early MASH gem. Each of the story’s tangents, with scripted precision, nail their intended targets. In particular, the comedic chemistry between “Hot Lips” and a sniveling Frank epitomizes their conceited on/off affair. Though Father Mulcahy gets too little to do, his spot-on facial reaction to a depressed Trapper’s retort of “Wait until you have children, Father,” is a delight. The same applies to “Radar” and Frank’s befuddling chat discussing time zones.
As for the episode’s best scene, that honor goes to Henry & Klinger. Their LOL dialogue re: Klinger’s dubious home correspondence file was smartly edited down a bit for subsequent clip episodes. If one wants some vintage MASH laughs tinged by the right dosage of poignancy, “Mail Call” ensures first-class delivery.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
