Credit should be given to Father Mulcahy, as he is the one who first spoke to Colonel Potter, telling him that Radar was no Radar when he first got the job.
That’s very true. And that’s another testament to Potter’s leadership. He was able to listen to the men and women in his command, regardless of their position, and give their thoughts audience. And he was able to admit when he was wrong and then took action to correct the mistake. So many small problems because catastrophic ones simply because of pigheadedness and ego. Potter was always willing to listen and learn.
@@Dan-uv5lw Maybe you should watch the entire episode before trying to sound so certain. "Period of Adjustment", 179th episode, "...Potter is convinced to ease off Klinger after a discussion with Father Mulcahy, who points out that Radar had similar, if not worse, struggles during his early days as company clerk, and it took patience and a guiding hand from Col. Blake to help him get settled into the job..."
One of my favorite Potter episodes was when Sophie, his mare ran off. Later she is brought back by the young korean woman who does the camps laundry. Astride Sophie, in a dusty and faded military uniform proudly sits her elderly father. It is revealed that once he had been a great Calvary officer in the past, but now he is a forgotten old man. Although it tears at his heart, Potter gifts Sophie to him and the pair leave. The next day, the woman returns alone with Sophie and reports that her father passed away during the night, and with tears in her eyes she thanks Potter for giving him back the honor and dignity he once possessed for his final hours.
@@slotuck Potter knew his time as an old and forgotten soldier was coming and treated the old man with the respect he would wish to be given. Living his values, always.
@@Fuerst_von_und_zu_B.I totally agree which reminds me of the fact that even though I never knew my grandfather who fought in World War II and survived, just the stories I've heard about him make me feel like I know him.
He'd have been aware of the circumstances of Blake's departure, certainly, and it would have quickly become clear how well-loved Blake had been. I think the biggest challenge for Potter must have been adapting to the 4077th eccentricity, given that he was regular Army and Blake was anything but.
He had to have been briefed about Blake and what happened to him. They never showed it in particular, but a career officer like Potter would have to become good and reading people. Potter was regular Army, but he knew that Blake and the majority of the 4077 staff were not. It makes sense that there would have been a distance between them. Potter had a fatherly (or grandfatherly) quality about him. A truly by-the-book commander (which they initially took him to be) would not have fit in very well. Potter was a doctor first, I think, and an officer second.
Rule #1 Good men die Rule #2 “Doc” can’t save them all. Rule #3 “Doc” will go through hell to break rules 1&2. An old Army medic who earned the title “Doc”
I was a mid- and then upper- level manager at a large chemical plant for 30 years. Colonel potter was literally my management roll model. "Never let the rules get in the way of doing the right thing".
Henry Morgan's 'Sherman Potter' was the kind of officer our military needs more of. We have always had too many 'managers' in our services and never enough leaders who care for and about the troops they lead.
@@jp-mc2bp So did I. I had the good fortune to have a couple of ship's Captains who I would have been proud to stand beside if it became our mission to sail into Hell to kick some ass.
Harry Morgan. but you can thank the liberals of this world for turning men into pussies. they want it ALL touchy feely. There is a time to be tough and a time to be soft. a good LEADER knows when.
That was sound fatherly advice. Men don't need to be smacked on the back of the head. They need to be encouraged. Then you'll truly see what they are capable of.
It is definitely true that Colonel Potter was a father figure to just about everyone at the 4077 . He was tough but but fair and very wise and had a heart of gold
HERE is The TRUE Savior YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF” From the Ancient Semitic Scroll: "Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3) Ancient Semitic Direct Translation Yad - "Behold The Hand" He - "Behold the Breath" Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
This is my all time favorite TV series for just that reason.... an excellent blend of comedy and drama. It poked fun at the insanity of war, while at the same time, respecting it for the danger to humankind that it is... and I say that as a former soldier.... *not* a combat veteran, just a former soldier.
Most definitely! I cant really describe how cool and different it really is when replacement characters reference past characters they never met. Its like a whole other level of heart the show brings us
I was a child growing up with the show. As an adult I have to say that they did an amazing job at humanizing the cast. Col Blake showed so much care for being a family man. (Besides his infidelity) And when he died, it really sunk in that his kids and wife would never see him again. Col Potter was the replacement we needed after Blake left
@@ShadrachASMR the show was exceptional all the way around. And when cast members left they did a good job showing the impact on the cast. Did you ever hear that the actor for Col Blake left because of a dispute for pay? I dont remember the details but the producers were so outraged that they killed Blake so he would never get the chance to come back? Correct me if I am wrong but it seems logical. I never wanted Blake to leave, and to think his departure would impact all the characters so heavily I wouldnt want it any other way. It showcased the raw emotions of war
JustWasted3HoursHere Depends on how quick witted you are For instance my mom was telling me not to drink the spiked punch in the fridge because my parents were testing drinks. The conversation went as such. Mom: Dont drink the punch in the fridge Me: alcoholic Mom: yes Me: no i was calling you that She was laughing to much to reply
@@TheGameMage_ Then my kids definitely inherited our quick wit! When my younger daughter was 8, we were hanging at the firehouse one day (I’m a volunteer) and she accidentally let fly with a cuss word. Being a mom, I good-naturedly called her out on it and asked her “Where’d you grow up, a pool hall?” Without missing a beat, she looked at me seriously and said “No, firehouse!” I don’t know who was laughing harder, me or the guys!
Remember the "GOODBYE" written with stones, during the final scene? Of course you do. As do I. I was 18 years old. And I knew nothing was ever going to be the same again.
Believe it or not, commanding officers like this DO exist... I recently retired after 20+ years in the Active Army & National Guard. Towards the end of my career, I got myself into a bit of hot water. Thankfully, I had an excellent commanding officer (O-6) & sergeant major that went to bat for me based on my previous record, which was spotless. It was odd. I'd been in for 18 years & was a seasoned NCO. When I had the "sit-down" with The Boss & the SGM, my mind flashed to my parents. Lol. It was like, "Sergeant, you made a mistake. But, you're a member of our unit / family & a good soldier. We aren't gonna punish you unjustly (kick me out of the military & deny my retirement), just know we are disappointed. Never do it again". And that was that. I've known leaders that would go out of their way to maximize punishments & heap on the humiliation simply because they could.
Indeed they do exist and in my 20 years in the US Air Force I had the honor of working for at least three. Also had to work for a few of the others, but at least the organization was large enough that the shit didn't usually make it down past the senior NCOs; at least most of them.
"I've known leaders that would go out of their way to maximize punishments & heap on the humiliation simply because they could." Agreed. I'm a former combat arms officer, and after I read this I was instantly taken back many years ago... Thought of two officers who were exactly this, and another diametrically opposite. So many folks have no idea the games/the "system" that rules the Army/military. I had opportunities to absolutely devastate a soldiers career, even their life by their own actions, but if a way could be found to use it as a lesson, a way to better the soldier/unit, an otherwise good soldier who just messed up I tried... Saw some real aholes with Army commissions, who no doubt enjoyed a 'power trip', enjoyed humiliating soldiers. Always remembered, praise in public, punish in private if you want to have and keep mens respect.
It's a sick thing when a soldier with 20 years of service could be denied retirement (I mean unless we are talking some serious, gross and deliberate fuck-up!!).
Most moving MASH scene of all for me: While the docs are performing surgery, Radar comes on the PA to announce that Col. Blake's helicopter has been shot down not long after his sendoff from the unit. "There were no survivors," Radar says solemnly as the scene shows the masked faces of the surgeons, who have to keep on operating despite the devastating news they just received. The docs don't say a word as the scene fades in silence but for the sounds of the procedures; of doctors saving lives. Simply one of the greatest scenes in television history, IMHO.
I am a retired vet, The Royal Navy UK, and a retired cop. The Met. Police, Scotland Yard area, almost dying making an arrest, I ruptured, and lost so much blood, then, my job. I was a medic., saving lives with The St. Johns Ambulance Brigade, UK. I got a police commendation for saving a life at a road traffic accident, one of many.
@@daveaspen6775 Thanks for your service. I was a medical corpsman in the National Guard, but was never activated. I would have been in a MASH unit had I been.
One of many lifes I have saved. I DON'T EVER WANT PRAISE!!!! THIS IS WHAT OUR BROTHERHOOD DOES! I loved MASH, I cried at this scene, too many memories. Take care Randy. The sad one that haunts me today, from the 80's, was a hit and run, a little boy, about 8 years old, before I was a copper, a so-called police officer, wouldn't let me treat him. I keep seeing his lifeless body in the road. I see this view EVERY DAY!
@@daveaspen6775 Thank you for sharing such a personal experience, David. I hope you can eventually be free of the pain of that. Stay a sensitive soul. All the best from Randy in Iowa, U.S.A.
I liked the scene where the hospital is being shelled by artillery (not sure which side) and Colonel Potter is on the floor next to one of the patients who is visibly frightened. Colonel Potter asks "Are you scared son?" The patient, still frightened, manages to reply "No Sir." Colonel Potter, knowing the kid is frightened says "If you had any common sense you would be", letting the kid know that they're all scared, and it's OK to be scared. Again, a leadership lesson. Remember the episode where the doctors were answering letters from kids? Winchester didn't want to do it, and when he was forced, he wrote back letters that sounded like they were written by Ebenezer Scrooge or the Grinch,,,until he opened one letter where a child had included a red maple leaf with their letter. It brought back memories of Boston and New England and moved him to write the most touching letter any of the doctors had written. After that he continued to pretend he hated writing letters, but less convincingly. Even CEWIII had a heart.
Also when he gave the chocolates to the orphans ( a family tradition) but found out there were sold on the black market and he was so angry until he found out it was for rice and beans. He pretended at times to be heartless but really did care.
Yes, the writers really nailed it with Winchester. Burns was a caricature. No wonder Larry Linville sought to move on. Winchester, in contrast, was a believable foil to Pierce and Honeycutt.
My favorite episode is when he find the fancy confections from Boston that he gave to the orphanage were being sold on the black market. When he confronts the man who runs the orphanage, he finds out that that those candies could buy enough food (rice an cabbage) to feed all the children for 6 months. He then realizes it would be a false gift to give a treat that only brought a few minutes pleasure and left an empty belly for weeks. You see a huge amount of growth of his character as a better human being, looking past the surface and understanding another pain and suffering. Fantastic writing and acting.
Potter was a very wise man, and concerned about people, but nobody's a door mat. Potter was actually the individual with the best character on the entire show.
The Hal Moores, the Sherman Potter's. Pappy and Chenault's...too few and too far in between.... Too many interested in press, promotion or bathtubs...think some of that changed following SEA...sure hope it's true..... Politically it's still the same...legislators and upper echelons need to be required on the front lines and not necessarily at 40K ft...and if it's worth sending even one American into the fray... it's worth a Declaration of War, and then fighting with no holds barred... Americans fight to win; NOT place or show.... and Intelligence needs to be in the front of the formation... not in Honolulu or DC.... asses need to be where they can feel the heat and not second-guessing 'friendly fire'....asses on the anvil too.
I concur. In all my 28 years, only two officers were as Colonel Potter, very wise, tough, honest and well respected. Ironically, both were also prior enlisted.
Blake was indecisive and likable Potter was in command and likable. Kind of structure you've got to have somebody who is in command or everybody could get killed
Klinger was always my favorite. He may have hated being in the army but he was exactly what the other soldiers needed. He was much braver then he gave himself credit for.
The ultimate proof of that was when he made Sergeant - the only enlisted man who was promoted on "Promotion Commotion", and without sucking up to the officers.
It’s a great lesson in allowing your staff at times the freedom & space to let them make the job their own. They can pleasantly surprise you with their ingenuity, savvy, and creativity.
Just got my new MASH 50th anniversary shirt today. Can’t wait to wear it. Love this show. The older I get the more important this becomes to me. It has so many life lessons to learn.
@@akeeperofoddknowledge4956 and it hasn't gotten any better, believe me. I've had 25 years in Navy Recruiting, both active duty and civilian, and in all that time I can count 1 - ONE - CO I would have gone to hell and back with. No surprise that he was an FA-18 pilot.
Military officers are on a 'career path'. Their time in the military is a stepping stone to other more lucrative endeavours. For some reason they are sought after. For the life of me, I can't see why. I've seen some doozies in my time.
@@snipper1ie Yes,many have ambitions both in and out of the military.I,too,have some idiots,some great ones(General Gray,USMC), but most were on the good side.They were good examples and good people. I definitely learned alot of good things from them.
Hawkeye and Trapper had a special bond with Henry Blake, the man in charge of the 4077 before Colonel Potter, and when Blake got killed and Sherman took his place, Hawkeye was worried he’d be like Major Frank Burns, too much Military, and not at all Civilian. True, Colonel Potter’s a regular army man, but he wasn’t any better than Blake or worse than Frank, just different, like he said. Colonel Sherman Potter became fast friends with Hawkeye, BJ, and Radar soon enough, and he turned out to be a good leader. He is a U.S. soldier with the heart, wisdom, and charisma of an average senior citizen. Moral of this story: Don’t judge a book by its cover, you may be surprised by what you find inside!
He was a surgeon in a Calvary uniform. On another episode, he mentioned being a good leader is like corraling a horse. Pull the reigns too tight and it jumps.
He certainly earned Margaret's respect. When she felt someone was going over Potter's head (like she had many times with Blake), she was incensed. He had become more than a CO to her: Potter had taken on a father figure in her eyes, as well as with many others at the 4077th. Even with Hawkeye and BJ (Hence the heartfelt genuine salute at the end of the series.) I bet Potter remembered that until the day he passed on.
@@KT72273 before he was Col. Sherman T. Potter he actually played another character on mash. I think his other character was an asshole that Hawkeye had to deal with.
Col. Potter came off as a gruff, no-nonsense commander. But he had his human side. There was one episode (I can't remember which) where he came tearing through the office late one night looking for Radar and he almost zoomed past his bunk. And there was Radar asleep. His teddy bear was on the ground next to his hand. Col. Potter picked it up and placed it gently next to Radar's shoulder and turned out the light. The show did so much to highlight the horror of war against the innocence that is lost there. One of the best television programs ever made.
My favorite Colonel Potter lesson: the futility in obsessing with trying to be better than someone else, like when Hawkeye felt threatened by a visiting hot shot doctor and was consumed with outdoing him: “Son, the world’s too big to take on everyone...the only person I have to be better than is WHO I AM RIGHT NOW.” Beautiful.
Actually, it was news he heard from the States about a Dr. named Vernon Parsons. It got under his skin that Dr. Parsons was getting these accolades while he was stuck in Korea.
Sad, that in 15 years of active duty Air Force service, and 4 of Air National Guard, I learned more about how to be a leader from Captain Picard, and Colonel Potter, then the Air Force ever taught me.
I work as an executive manager in the restaurant business, last month we lost a long time manager from another store, the store was the most profitable and busiest place in the company. I was the only one with experience enough to take it over so I had to leave my store that I had helped build literally from the ground up. Everyone loved this manager and were worried about me filling his shoes, this clip seemed to speak directly to me...crazy
Well, I hope that you are/were wise enough to listen. My experience in the Army taught me that coming into a new leadership position can be difficult. You must lead, from the start, and from the front. You must also give respect to your soldiers, as well as earn theirs, personally and professionally. Replacing a great leader is difficult, and always will be. To find the path that leads, and respects the past, while making that position yours, is always challenging and difficult. You cannot do that alone. You will need the help of the people you are leading. Leading people works that way, because that's how people work.
One of the best shows to ever air on tv, it never was shy to hit the hard subjects, it showed us the horrors of war without seeing the battlefield itself, we saw the results of war and that was more impactful that anything else. And the cast was simply perfect. Be honest, who did not tear up when the news came that Henry Blake died in a plane crash when he finally was on his way home, for a moment, it felt real, it was real... Such a good show
@@2Fast4Mellow yes that too, they show hints of it but never the war itself. Closest they got is that episode where Hawkeye and Potter end up in a crossfire when trying to deliver goods to a Korean hospital. (Episode : Hawkeye get your gun)
@@j0hnn13K Actually there were a couple of episodes were they showed how soldiers got hurt. The first one was when BJ arrived in Korea, there was an episode with a football player from Iowa that got hurt by a grenade while trying to help someone else and there was an episode with a displayed clock where they had 20 minute to transplant an artery. The get your gun episode was funny indeed. "There, I fired my gun, can I go home now?"
@@2Fast4Mellow it's a great show, even today it still carries a strong message. There were indeed a few episodes where the war got closer but the one that got closest i think, is the "get your gun" episode. And i had not even thought of that episode with BJ's arrival.
I understand why some viewers might have been unhappy when Potter replaced Henry (I hardly ever like it when a new character replaces an established favourite in a show) but Potter was one of the few cases where a new character was not only as good as the original but better. His gravitas and wisdom were crucial for some of the great serious scenes in later seasons, which was something Henry never had. He also served as a great straight man to Hawkeye and the other more comedic characters while having some great comedic moments himself.
Agreed. As much as I love Henry Blake and the first three seasons, I doubt the show would have lasted as long or become as iconic as it did if he had stayed in charge. Sherman Potter was what the 4077th, and the show, needed. I think both are great characters in their own way. I can’t really say which one I prefer, although I do like Radar’s character better when Henry was on. Charles was a huge improvement over Frank. I think he even could have replaced him a bit sooner in the series. I never was a fan of BJ though. I think they should have grown and developed Trapper’s character better and made him more than a second banana and sidekick to Hawkeye.
Incredible spot on advice from Colonel Sherman Potter😳. So often groups of people forget to give the new guy time to fit in and space physically and emotionally to do that. We all need to do projects our own way and not someone else's. Always true. Klinger could never be Radar. But hey, there was no reason he needed to be either. Opportunity must be met with open mindedness by all.
@Jo Ke As far as I know there was only one episode out of all those shown on UK tv that included the laughter track and that was due to a mistake somewhere. I was a kid at the time and remember It being such a big deal that it made the news.
I had NO idea there was a version WITHOUT a laugh-track! I loved M*A*S*H growing up, but the laugh-track is so jarring today. I will be looking into this.
OMG I mostly love Harry Morgan for his comic timing and energy (MASH, Dragnet, Support Your Local Sheriff/Gunfighter, but this is the man who played the judge in "Inherit the Wind" by Stanley Kramer. What an actor. He loved his Sherman Potter role best of all. RIP Harry Morgan.
@OriginalTharios with that attitude, it's no wonder you lose. I fail at things all the time. I'm not rich or powerful, but I'm happy, because I do what *I* want and have to do. Being wise has nothing to do with success, but not failing at the same things over and over.
I'm 26 and was raised with watching it too. It remains one of my favourites- this, Scrubs and Red Dwarf. All took serious notes to heart when they hit them and they all did comedy well. Scrubs followed what MASH did in many ways, silly for 3 or 4 seasons but by Season 5... Things were different. And all for the better.
@@kennethmelnychuk9737 It was always the Alan Alda Show. But there was always at least one other cool sub-plot for the rest of the cast. I think each season got better than the last. If I had to choose between watching the first 5 seasons on a loop or the final 5 seasons, I'd take the final 5 in a second.
@@LordZontar I disagree. I really enjoyed the final season, especially the fake-grenade episode. I liked that in the final 2 seasons Winchester was finally friends with BJ and Hawkeye. There was a natural character growth in the series.
@@RansomeStoddard The later seasons did have their moments and a few good episodes, I'll grant you. One of my favourites from that phase of the series is the one guest-starring veteran character actor John Anderson as the general who moves his command trailer near the 4077th to be near his dying son. It just seemed to me, though, that the show was struggling a bit in that final year.
Sherman: "As for right now, Radar's office is closed and Klinger's is open." Klinger: (Give a drunk salute and falls asleep) Sherman: (Half-amused half-sarcastic) Okay, we'll open tomorrow." LOL and aww :).
And how about the final scene of the episode in the Swamp after the still was rebuilt. Klinger takes the first drink and gags! B.J.: "Here's mud in your eyes!" Hawkeye: "Beats knuckles any day!" 😄😄😄😄
He certainly had the wardrobe for it. Always in good taste, too! Oh, his name is spelled K-l-i-n-g-e-r. His full name in the show is Maxwell Q. Klinger. My question is, what does Q. stand for? My guess is Quentin.
In the U.S. Army, three things you never want to hear: 1) a boot brown bar saying, "Men, it's been my experience that..."; 2) a captain saying, "Men, I have a plan...", and 3) a warrant officer saying, "Hug some dirt and watch this shit, men!"
In the Navy, it's the same shit, different story: 1) A butterbar (boot Ensign) saying "Stow it, Petty Officer. I'm the expert here." 2) A Captain (ship's Commanding Officer) saying "Tonight the crew will be having steak and lobster for evening chow." 3) A Chief saying "Give me that. Let me show you how it's done." None of it ever ends well. Even so, at least he Chief will make it interesting.
I started watching this show because my parents were in medicine, & I kept watching it for the humor along with the brutal honesty in many episodes. I was always a fan of Hawkeye Pierce.
When I was stationed in Korea many many moons ago in Yong Son, Platoon Sergeant and I came up with an idea on a Friday afternoon after all the work had been done for the week. We were able to release the troops and KATUSAS early (1500 hrs instead of 1700). We had a major exercise coming about two months away. We noticed that some not so cool attitudes were forming. We sensed that the troops felt overworked and under appreciated. Though it was our practice to observe their actions both in garrison and field. We recognized daily and weekly accomplishments by those in the platoon. We got the ok from higher to do an “alert” at 0300 hrs the following Monday. We had extra MRE’s for the day. We were going to deploy and check both primary and alternate communications sites and be back by NLT 1500-1600 hrs. The idea was to make the first soldier (U.S. or KATUSA) who arrived at the shop the Plt Sgt, Section SGT, Team Chief and so on. Subordinate NCO’s took the lower positions. Which meant they had to do the 10 level jobs. The “new chain of Cmd “ had to do everything in order, pack up, line up vehicles, do inspections etc. safety briefs and move out in two chalks. To make a long story short, they learned that at any moment you may have to become that leader that everyone else expects to lead them. It was an eye opener for all of them to include the NCO’s who had the 10 level jobs for the day (remember when you were E-1 to E-4)? It was a great learning day for all of us. After that, we were a tighter group that even some soldiers from the other platoons wanted to transfer to our little platoon. You have to be creative to overcome morale lows before they become problems. We taught our lower enlisted to be familiar with the duties and responsibilities three grades up and be proficient at their current levels. That way, you’ll know what to do when your tasked to fill a position above your own.
That's absolutely genius and incredible. In combat you may find yourself in a situation where you have to take charge even if you're not officially in that capacity. So knowing how to lead, how to do the job that you need to do at that moment and how to get the best out of everyone is tremendous. Thank you for this lesson and for your service to this country. From a humble civilian.
Yes, the scene where the Padre starts with "You seem to think Klinger leaves something to be desired as a company clerk". To me that exchange, and this one are tear jerkers, especially when the Padre says "your late predecessor, Henry Blake, God rest his soul..."
@@WayneKeen Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : You seem to think Klinger leaves a little something to be desired as a company clerk. Col. Sherman T. Potter : I think Klinger leaves everything to be desired as a company clerk. Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : Well, we had a fellow here a while back, before you arrived, who was much worse. Col. Sherman T. Potter : Worse than Klinger? Father, you wouldn't lie to a Presbyterian, would you? Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : No, believe me, this lad was quite a bozo. He couldn't do anything right. Drove everybody crazy with questions. You should have seen him try to patch through a call. It looked like hand to hand combat. Folks here were convinced that the enemy had sent him to sabotage the unit. Col. Sherman T. Potter : Yeah? So, whatever happened to this rube? Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : Well, as time went by, he got a little better. Your late predecessor, Colonel Blake, rest his soul, took him under his wing and sort of helped him grow into the job. Col. Sherman T. Potter : You suckered me, Padre. You're talking about Radar. Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : The very same bozo. You see, when you arrived, you got the broken-in model. But my, my. His first few months were harrowing indeed. Now, at the risk of interfering, Colonel, don't you think Corporal Klinger deserves the same consideration?
When I was in the Navy, whenever MASH was being shown, everyone off duty crammed in to watch. Personally, I thought the show was better with Henry Morgan playing the CO.
I don't disagree, however, remember that LTC Blake was a civilian doctor who was drafted and put in charge of the 4077th, he was not career military like COL Potter. LTC Blake tried to do the best he could in a war, and a situation, that he was not prepared for. After serving 10 years myself, I appreciate officers like COL Potter. I also appreciate that sometimes you get good people who are in bad situations, and while they don't make perfect decisions, or even "good military" decisions, they lead with their heart. That is really all that matters. Both Blake and Potter lead by example, they care, they lead with their heart as much as they can. The respect their people. These are all good hallmarks of great leaders, especially military leaders. Just my personal thoughts on the matter. ;)
What you must realise is M.A.S.H was a success because of very skilful writing coupled with actors who had real talent. For Gawds sake Harry Morgan has starred in over 50 movies and Alan Alda went from strength to strength
"Oh God BJ he's going to beat me up!" lol! I had entirely forgotten about that line. I think it may be my all-time favorite from Klinger, and that is speaking volumes! Thanks for the post.
The cool part about Klinger(once he sobered up.) Was that he eventually became just as good at the job as Radar. He just was overwhelmed and needed time to adapt. Originally his job was Medic, and adapting to a clerical role wouldn't be easy for anyone.
And, exactly as Col Potter said, he needed to do things his own way. I'm sure Radar would have found a generator somewhere and probably would have traded something he shouldn't have to get it, but he never would have outright stolen it (albeit from the person who had stolen the one it was replacing) like Klinger did.
@@HariSeldon913 And even then, it is heavily implied that Klinger didn't steal it so much as he retrieved an item that had been stolen from them (the officer commented about his unit operating off "a puny backup generator that we stole from a MASH unit.")
@@johndybala8580 He was returning the favor to the person who stole the 4077th's backup, but it was the replacement one (brand new and probably larger than that backup) that Klinger took. It was most definitely stealing, but he stole from a thief. Shows like Leverage, Burn Notice, and even the old A-Team were built around that sort of payback.
I wish I had a Colonel Potter in my life. He really was the best. I never really cared for Henry. I was a young girl, and seeing him regularly cheat on his wife was too much. Same with Trapper. BJ was just a better person. But, I did love Trapper John later when he was Pernel Roberts. That was a great show, too.
Mindy I am sorry that the scripting of that part of LTC Blakes character was so distressful for you. I can understand it completely. While I don't condone such behavior, or excuse it in any way, I hope that as an adult you can at least recognize that Blake was not designed to be a perfect character, merely a "human" one, and in situations of high stress and possible imminent death (such as a war), many people may find themselves reaching out for human touch and connection. I never took his cheating to be a lack of loyalty to his wife, so to speak, but more of how people cope in the face of such stressful and horrifying events. I remember one episode where one of the patients was a pilot, with clean boots and uniforms etc. He always saw the war from way up high, and was back at his safe-from-attack airbase every night, going to the Officer's Club most nights. He looked at Hawkeye's red boots and asked him why he didn't clean them or get a new pair from supply. Hawkeye answered that they weren't dirty or muddy, they were red from the blood of all of their patients. (His boots were permanently stained red, and getting a new pair, they would only get stained red in a short time again anyways). The pilot had his eyes opened a little bit to the true horrors of war, just because of the color of Hawkeye's boots.... That being said, every one deserves a Sherman Potter. I hope you have found yours. :)
I like how MASH evolved. Henry and Frank were competent doctors but were both buffoons. Potter was a much better leader and Winchester was just better than Frank in every aspect. All four were great actors, and like this very specific scene, each was different in his own way.
Exactly. I also like BJ more than Trapper. MASH is one of the very few shows where character swaps actually worked and the show really found it's ground where the three were introduced.
I liked how Trapper and Henry were kind of Womanizers (that’s not what I like) but then BJ and Colonel Potter loved their wife and were faithful to them.
@@alexandriasun He was arrogant, that is true, but he had his heart in the right place when it came to it. I remember that beautifull scene where one stuttering soldier is bullied by his captain as being dim-witted. Charles imediatelly eats the bully for breakfast and then proceeds to be kind and helpfull to that soldier, making him realise that just because he stutters, doesnt mean he is dumb. And when the soldier asks why is he doing that, he just smiles. And later, we find out that his sister stutters too, so she probably had her fair share of bullying too. That is something Frank's character would never be able to achieve.
You cut it off at the best moment! I still get choked up after all these viewings and all these years: Hawkeye comes in, looks at Klinger in a heap, and Potter drolly gestures with a thumb toward his own office and just says, "...yours is in there." I started crying just thinking about it right *now*.
Great scene. B.J. and Klinger, were both mad about Radar"s being able to go home. Klinger, because he wasn't like Radar as a clerk. B.J., because his wife and daughter met Radar at the airport. B.J. missed hearing back his daughter say, "daddy" for the first time. She thought Radar, was her daddy, since he was in an Army uniform. That show was probably, the best, on television. Excellent cast, scripts, sets, props storylines.
It had been there in all the original prints. Larry Gelbart wanted to film all of them without the laugh track, but the network overruled him, as it was standard practice for sitcoms of the time. He was able to get rid of it for scenes in the OR and post op after season 1.
I loved Colonel Potter, he knew how to handle everyone which is why he was well respected. I liked Henry too, but he didn't know how to really handle the crowd. It was like one of the General's said that it was almost like Radar ran the camp and Henry was his clerk. Henry wasn't stern enough which is why he allowed Frank and Hot Lips go over his head, Hawkeye and Trapper also went over his head and also took advantage of him. They all knew with Colonel Potter that there would be a few things they could get away with, but one thing and that was going over his head, that was not gonna fly.
Remember going to a late show when I was in Jr. High to see the movie, and how we felt like we were getting away with something experiencing such a "racy" film.
I find it very human and telling, that even career military leaders have "bleeding heart lib" streaks and trends in them. At least, IMHO the best ones do. Most people are slightly conservative in their personal lives and views, balanced with many progressive ideas and leanings. I find that this is normal for most people, regardless of culture or country, gender, language, etc. As someone who spent 10 years in, and wanted to do my 20-30, many of us rejoice in the freedoms that our Constitution and traditions provide for, even if we may not always agree with a person's individual choices, we are proud and glad that those choices are there, and we will always, ALWAYS , stand ready to defend the Right of the People to choose. You cannot legislate morality.
I liked Harry Morgan from his December Bride and Pete and Gladys days. I didn't see all his stuff and didn't see dragnet. But I LOVED his portrayal on Potter on Mash.
Credit should be given to Father Mulcahy, as he is the one who first spoke to Colonel Potter, telling him that Radar was no Radar when he first got the job.
It was a good lead in.
That’s very true. And that’s another testament to Potter’s leadership. He was able to listen to the men and women in his command, regardless of their position, and give their thoughts audience. And he was able to admit when he was wrong and then took action to correct the mistake. So many small problems because catastrophic ones simply because of pigheadedness and ego. Potter was always willing to listen and learn.
Incorrect,
Mulcahy NEVER said those lines.
@@Dan-uv5lw Maybe you should watch the entire episode before trying to sound so certain. "Period of Adjustment", 179th episode, "...Potter is convinced to ease off Klinger after a discussion with Father Mulcahy, who points out that Radar had similar, if not worse, struggles during his early days as company clerk, and it took patience and a guiding hand from Col. Blake to help him get settled into the job..."
I always thought Father Mulcahy was such an underrated character.
One of my favorite Potter episodes was when Sophie, his mare ran off. Later she is brought back by the young korean woman who does the camps laundry. Astride Sophie, in a dusty and faded military uniform proudly sits her elderly father. It is revealed that once he had been a great Calvary officer in the past, but now he is a forgotten old man. Although it tears at his heart, Potter gifts Sophie to him and the pair leave. The next day, the woman returns alone with Sophie and reports that her father passed away during the night, and with tears in her eyes she thanks Potter for giving him back the honor and dignity he once possessed for his final hours.
My favorite as well. For a few glorious moments, he had back his dignity.
Too many wonderful moments from an amazing show and cast to have one favorite, but that one was absolutely one of the best.
Potter knew the old man didn't have much time 😔
I remember that episode! Such a tear-jerker!! What an awesome TV show from the best decade ever!
@@slotuck Potter knew his time as an old and forgotten soldier was coming and treated the old man with the respect he would wish to be given. Living his values, always.
I love how Potter complimented Blake and he didn't even know him. That's respect for their fallen leader.
That's good leadership
Well I believe he knew him.
You can learn a lot about a person of you take his position.
@@Fuerst_von_und_zu_B.I totally agree which reminds me of the fact that even though I never knew my grandfather who fought in World War II and survived,
just the stories I've heard about him make me feel like
I know him.
He'd have been aware of the circumstances of Blake's departure, certainly, and it would have quickly become clear how well-loved Blake had been. I think the biggest challenge for Potter must have been adapting to the 4077th eccentricity, given that he was regular Army and Blake was anything but.
He had to have been briefed about Blake and what happened to him. They never showed it in particular, but a career officer like Potter would have to become good and reading people. Potter was regular Army, but he knew that Blake and the majority of the 4077 staff were not. It makes sense that there would have been a distance between them.
Potter had a fatherly (or grandfatherly) quality about him. A truly by-the-book commander (which they initially took him to be) would not have fit in very well. Potter was a doctor first, I think, and an officer second.
The best thing I learned from MASH:
Rule #1 - Men die
Rule #2 - Doctors can’t change rule number 1.
"I've been terrified at the fragility of the human body, yet amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit." - BJ Hunicutt
'Sometimes you hear the bullet' episode from season one 👍
Paul A - that’s the one!
I loved that episode.
Rule #1 Good men die
Rule #2 “Doc” can’t save them all.
Rule #3 “Doc” will go through hell to break rules 1&2.
An old Army medic who earned the title “Doc”
War isn't hell...
I always liked Colonel Potter and his country witticisms. I think my favorite is, "When you wear the green tuxedo, you dance where they tell you".
One of my favorite lines from him!
And a lot it made great sense. 😁
Horse cookies!
Horse hockey!
Mule fritters.
I was a mid- and then upper- level manager at a large chemical plant for 30 years. Colonel potter was literally my management roll model. "Never let the rules get in the way of doing the right thing".
As I rise now in my 30s out of being just a worker, I try to keep him in mind.
role* model
Pick, pick, pick.......
@@robertyoungman9551 What's wrong with that? There are a lot worse real people to use as role models.
"Never let the rules get in the way" and "large chemical plant" aren't generally phrases I like seeing in the same paragraph... 😐
Henry Morgan's 'Sherman Potter' was the kind of officer our military needs more of. We have always had too many 'managers' in our services and never enough leaders who care for and about the troops they lead.
Just a comander i wish i had. Had a some good ones and not so good
@@jp-mc2bp I had one great CO, the rest not so much.
@@jp-mc2bp So did I. I had the good fortune to have a couple of ship's Captains who I would have been proud to stand beside if it became our mission to sail into Hell to kick some ass.
Harry Morgan. but you can thank the liberals of this world for turning men into pussies. they want it ALL touchy feely. There is a time to be tough and a time to be soft. a good LEADER knows when.
@@robertf3479 And a few others like James Cagney's Lieutenant-Commander Morton in "Mister Roberts"? A small man in many more ways than one.
That was sound fatherly advice.
Men don't need to be smacked on the back of the head.
They need to be encouraged.
Then you'll truly see what they are capable of.
It is definitely true that Colonel Potter was a father figure to just about everyone at the 4077 . He was tough but but fair and very wise and had a heart of gold
Potter was definitely in charge but he truly cared about the people he commanded and they responded well to that.
Hats off to all the script writers that made the stars of Mash do believing
HERE is The TRUE Savior
YaH The Heavenly FATHER HIMSELF was Who they Crucified for our sins and “HERE IS THE PROOF”
From the Ancient Semitic Scroll:
"Yad He Vav He" is what Moses wrote, when Moses asked YaH His Name (Exodus 3)
Ancient Semitic Direct Translation
Yad - "Behold The Hand"
He - "Behold the Breath"
Vav - "Behold The NAIL"
He's the boss I wish I had - tough but fair and very wise.
and take you out for a beer on occasion
Someone who you look up to and aspire to be.
S R They Did, but no more
I model my parenting after men like him and Andy Griffith
My supervisor is like that. I feel very fortunate for it.
This is the stuff that makes MASH one of the best shows of all time. The combination between drama and comedy plus acting talent *chefs kiss*
This is my all time favorite TV series for just that reason.... an excellent blend of comedy and drama. It poked fun at the insanity of war, while at the same time, respecting it for the danger to humankind that it is... and I say that as a former soldier.... *not* a combat veteran, just a former soldier.
In my mind it is the greatest of all time and the distance to second place is many miles away.
I love how Potter spoke fondly of Blake.
Most definitely! I cant really describe how cool and different it really is when replacement characters reference past characters they never met. Its like a whole other level of heart the show brings us
I was a child growing up with the show. As an adult I have to say that they did an amazing job at humanizing the cast. Col Blake showed so much care for being a family man. (Besides his infidelity) And when he died, it really sunk in that his kids and wife would never see him again.
Col Potter was the replacement we needed after Blake left
@@EberleinMund WELL WRITTEN!
@@ShadrachASMR the show was exceptional all the way around. And when cast members left they did a good job showing the impact on the cast.
Did you ever hear that the actor for Col Blake left because of a dispute for pay? I dont remember the details but the producers were so outraged that they killed Blake so he would never get the chance to come back? Correct me if I am wrong but it seems logical.
I never wanted Blake to leave, and to think his departure would impact all the characters so heavily I wouldnt want it any other way. It showcased the raw emotions of war
@@EberleinMund Sadly, television these days lacks good drama. Its all about sex, violence, and swearing.
"Have a seat in the chair"
"It's not plugged in, is it?"
LOL!
Quality quip comedy. No opportunity for laughs wasted.
@@Mortablunt It's too bad real life isn't that witty. :(
JustWasted3HoursHere
Depends on how quick witted you are
For instance my mom was telling me not to drink the spiked punch in the fridge because my parents were testing drinks.
The conversation went as such.
Mom: Dont drink the punch in the fridge
Me: alcoholic
Mom: yes
Me: no i was calling you that
She was laughing to much to reply
@@TheGameMage_ Then my kids definitely inherited our quick wit! When my younger daughter was 8, we were hanging at the firehouse one day (I’m a volunteer) and she accidentally let fly with a cuss word. Being a mom, I good-naturedly called her out on it and asked her “Where’d you grow up, a pool hall?” Without missing a beat, she looked at me seriously and said “No, firehouse!”
I don’t know who was laughing harder, me or the guys!
Remember the "GOODBYE"
written with stones, during the final scene?
Of course you do. As do I.
I was 18 years old. And I knew nothing was ever going to be the same again.
Hands down the greatest sitcom of all time.
One of the best. I'd completely agree if there wasn't such a tsunami of Alan Alda on every episode.
One of those shows where every episode is good.
Cheers was better.
MASH got too preachy every now and then
As time went on it became less "sitcom" and more "dramedy", but it is one of the best shows of all time regardless of what it actually is
Believe it or not, commanding officers like this DO exist...
I recently retired after 20+ years in the Active Army & National Guard.
Towards the end of my career, I got myself into a bit of hot water.
Thankfully, I had an excellent commanding officer (O-6) & sergeant major that went to bat for me based on my previous record, which was spotless.
It was odd. I'd been in for 18 years & was a seasoned NCO. When I had the "sit-down" with The Boss & the SGM, my mind flashed to my parents. Lol. It was like, "Sergeant, you made a mistake. But, you're a member of our unit / family & a good soldier. We aren't gonna punish you unjustly (kick me out of the military & deny my retirement), just know we are disappointed. Never do it again". And that was that.
I've known leaders that would go out of their way to maximize punishments & heap on the humiliation simply because they could.
Indeed they do exist and in my 20 years in the US Air Force I had the honor of working for at least three. Also had to work for a few of the others, but at least the organization was large enough that the shit didn't usually make it down past the senior NCOs; at least most of them.
Ferret Face was the prime example of the latter type.
"I've known leaders that would go out of their way to maximize punishments & heap on the humiliation simply because they could." Agreed. I'm a former combat arms officer, and after I read this I was instantly taken back many years ago... Thought of two officers who were exactly this, and another diametrically opposite. So many folks have no idea the games/the "system" that rules the Army/military.
I had opportunities to absolutely devastate a soldiers career, even their life by their own actions, but if a way could be found to use it as a lesson, a way to better the soldier/unit, an otherwise good soldier who just messed up I tried... Saw some real aholes with Army commissions, who no doubt enjoyed a 'power trip', enjoyed humiliating soldiers. Always remembered, praise in public, punish in private if you want to have and keep mens respect.
It's a sick thing when a soldier with 20 years of service could be denied retirement (I mean unless we are talking some serious, gross and deliberate fuck-up!!).
They do indeed exist, but they are few and far between.
Most moving MASH scene of all for me: While the docs are performing surgery, Radar comes on the PA to announce that Col. Blake's helicopter has been shot down not long after his sendoff from the unit. "There were no survivors," Radar says solemnly as the scene shows the masked faces of the surgeons, who have to keep on operating despite the devastating news they just received. The docs don't say a word as the scene fades in silence but for the sounds of the procedures; of doctors saving lives. Simply one of the greatest scenes in television history, IMHO.
i remember that scene when i saw it as a kid about 40 years ago
I am a retired vet, The Royal Navy UK, and a retired cop. The Met. Police, Scotland Yard area, almost dying making an arrest, I ruptured, and lost so much blood, then, my job. I was a medic., saving lives with The St. Johns Ambulance Brigade, UK. I got a police commendation for saving a life at a road traffic accident, one of many.
@@daveaspen6775 Thanks for your service. I was a medical corpsman in the National Guard, but was never activated. I would have been in a MASH unit had I been.
One of many lifes I have saved. I DON'T EVER WANT PRAISE!!!! THIS IS WHAT OUR BROTHERHOOD DOES! I loved MASH, I cried at this scene, too many memories. Take care Randy. The sad one that haunts me today, from the 80's, was a hit and run, a little boy, about 8 years old, before I was a copper, a so-called police officer, wouldn't let me treat him. I keep seeing his lifeless body in the road. I see this view EVERY DAY!
@@daveaspen6775 Thank you for sharing such a personal experience, David. I hope you can eventually be free of the pain of that. Stay a sensitive soul. All the best from Randy in Iowa, U.S.A.
I liked the scene where the hospital is being shelled by artillery (not sure which side) and Colonel Potter is on the floor next to one of the patients who is visibly frightened. Colonel Potter asks "Are you scared son?" The patient, still frightened, manages to reply "No Sir." Colonel Potter, knowing the kid is frightened says "If you had any common sense you would be", letting the kid know that they're all scared, and it's OK to be scared. Again, a leadership lesson.
Remember the episode where the doctors were answering letters from kids? Winchester didn't want to do it, and when he was forced, he wrote back letters that sounded like they were written by Ebenezer Scrooge or the Grinch,,,until he opened one letter where a child had included a red maple leaf with their letter. It brought back memories of Boston and New England and moved him to write the most touching letter any of the doctors had written. After that he continued to pretend he hated writing letters, but less convincingly. Even CEWIII had a heart.
Also in Charles' second letter to his sister after her broken engagement. Showed his true heart.
I liked Charles.. Ogden Steers was perfect in that role.
Also when he gave the chocolates to the orphans ( a family tradition) but found out there were sold on the black market and he was so angry until he found out it was for rice and beans. He pretended at times to be heartless but really did care.
Yes, the writers really nailed it with Winchester. Burns was a caricature. No wonder Larry Linville sought to move on. Winchester, in contrast, was a believable foil to Pierce and Honeycutt.
My favorite episode is when he find the fancy confections from Boston that he gave to the orphanage were being sold on the black market. When he confronts the man who runs the orphanage, he finds out that that those candies could buy enough food (rice an cabbage) to feed all the children for 6 months. He then realizes it would be a false gift to give a treat that only brought a few minutes pleasure and left an empty belly for weeks. You see a huge amount of growth of his character as a better human being, looking past the surface and understanding another pain and suffering. Fantastic writing and acting.
Potter was a very wise man, and concerned about people, but nobody's a door mat. Potter was actually the individual with the best character on the entire show.
He tended to take out frustrations on others at times, but when he realized what he was doing, he was never too big to apologize.
After 20 years in he Army, I know many O-5s & O-6s that could have benefited from Leadership lessons from Colonel Sherman Potter!!!!
Craig McIntosh and it’s great when we had leadership that was top notch like the full bird here
The Hal Moores, the Sherman Potter's. Pappy and Chenault's...too few and too far in between.... Too many interested in press, promotion or bathtubs...think some of that changed following SEA...sure hope it's true..... Politically it's still the same...legislators and upper echelons need to be required on the front lines and not necessarily at 40K ft...and if it's worth sending even one American into the fray... it's worth a Declaration of War, and then fighting with no holds barred... Americans fight to win; NOT place or show.... and Intelligence needs to be in the front of the formation... not in Honolulu or DC.... asses need to be where they can feel the heat and not second-guessing 'friendly fire'....asses on the anvil too.
Just when you figure the job out, they PCS you. Then you gotta learn a whole new job.
I concur. In all my 28 years, only two officers were as Colonel Potter, very wise, tough, honest and well respected. Ironically, both were also prior enlisted.
@@skychildoflight9867 Awesome. But what I really want to know is, did either of those officers actually say something like "Mule Muffins"? :D
LTC. Blake and Col. Potter both rocked, and M*A*S*H* remains my all-time favorite TV series to this day, because of scenes like this one.
martok2112 See my channel.
Blake was indecisive and likable Potter was in command and likable. Kind of structure you've got to have somebody who is in command or everybody could get killed
Klinger was always my favorite. He may have hated being in the army but he was exactly what the other soldiers needed. He was much braver then he gave himself credit for.
Sabrina Hards Jamie Farr was the only real Korean War vet in the MASH cast.
c3aloha I didn't know that but it explains why he was so exceptional in the role. Thank-you for sharing. ⚘
@@sabrina.h2737 "Exceptional in the role"? Boy, that's being very charitable.
@@joehansell1331 Says the guy who's probably never been in combat or on tv.
The ultimate proof of that was when he made Sergeant - the only enlisted man who was promoted on "Promotion Commotion", and without sucking up to the officers.
It’s a great lesson in allowing your staff at times the freedom & space to let them make the job their own. They can pleasantly surprise you with their ingenuity, savvy, and creativity.
Just got my new MASH 50th anniversary shirt today. Can’t wait to wear it. Love this show. The older I get the more important this becomes to me. It has so many life lessons to learn.
Henry Morgan was a really good addition to this show. He actually added a bit of the military to the hospital.
In the military,people like Colonel Potter were a Godsend. Made it well worth the time and effort.👨✈️
So true my friend. Far out !!!
Didn't have any officers like that when I was in the Navy!
@@akeeperofoddknowledge4956 and it hasn't gotten any better, believe me. I've had 25 years in Navy Recruiting, both active duty and civilian, and in all that time I can count 1 - ONE - CO I would have gone to hell and back with. No surprise that he was an FA-18 pilot.
Military officers are on a 'career path'. Their time in the military is a stepping stone to other more lucrative endeavours. For some reason they are sought after. For the life of me, I can't see why. I've seen some doozies in my time.
@@snipper1ie Yes,many have ambitions both in and out of the military.I,too,have some idiots,some great ones(General Gray,USMC), but most were on the good side.They were good examples and good people. I definitely learned alot of good things from them.
Hawkeye and Trapper had a special bond with Henry Blake, the man in charge of the 4077 before Colonel Potter, and when Blake got killed and Sherman took his place, Hawkeye was worried he’d be like Major Frank Burns, too much Military, and not at all Civilian. True, Colonel Potter’s a regular army man, but he wasn’t any better than Blake or worse than Frank, just different, like he said. Colonel Sherman Potter became fast friends with Hawkeye, BJ, and Radar soon enough, and he turned out to be a good leader. He is a U.S. soldier with the heart, wisdom, and charisma of an average senior citizen. Moral of this story: Don’t judge a book by its cover, you may be surprised by what you find inside!
He was a surgeon in a Calvary uniform. On another episode, he mentioned being a good leader is like corraling a horse. Pull the reigns too tight and it jumps.
He certainly earned Margaret's respect. When she felt someone was going over Potter's head (like she had many times with Blake), she was incensed. He had become more than a CO to her: Potter had taken on a father figure in her eyes, as well as with many others at the 4077th. Even with Hawkeye and BJ (Hence the heartfelt genuine salute at the end of the series.) I bet Potter remembered that until the day he passed on.
And he was a heck of a detective too ... he helped Sergeant Joe Friday solve many files when he was with the the LAPD 😉😀😀
He sure became one of the guys.
@@KT72273 before he was Col. Sherman T. Potter he actually played another character on mash. I think his other character was an asshole that Hawkeye had to deal with.
Col. Potter came off as a gruff, no-nonsense commander. But he had his human side. There was one episode (I can't remember which) where he came tearing through the office late one night looking for Radar and he almost zoomed past his bunk. And there was Radar asleep. His teddy bear was on the ground next to his hand. Col. Potter picked it up and placed it gently next to Radar's shoulder and turned out the light. The show did so much to highlight the horror of war against the innocence that is lost there. One of the best television programs ever made.
I believe, the episode was Season 4 Episode 13 "The Gun!"
My favorite Colonel Potter lesson: the futility in obsessing with trying to be better than someone else, like when Hawkeye felt threatened by a visiting hot shot doctor and was consumed with outdoing him: “Son, the world’s too big to take on everyone...the only person I have to be better than is WHO I AM RIGHT NOW.” Beautiful.
Actually, it was news he heard from the States about a Dr. named Vernon Parsons. It got under his skin that Dr. Parsons was getting these accolades while he was stuck in Korea.
Sad, that in 15 years of active duty Air Force service, and 4 of Air National Guard, I learned more about how to be a leader from Captain Picard, and Colonel Potter, then the Air Force ever taught me.
Col. Potter got his Purple Heart because he blew up his still!
One of the best things Iearned from them was how to end a conversation or a meeting. Once you've got what you want, end it and leave.
@@beverlywilcox4349 excellent point, George Costanza.
I thought Picard was good but I feel that Captain Janeway was the best Starfleet Captain, bar none!!
Special K What about Captain Kirk?
I work as an executive manager in the restaurant business, last month we lost a long time manager from another store, the store was the most profitable and busiest place in the company. I was the only one with experience enough to take it over so I had to leave my store that I had helped build literally from the ground up. Everyone loved this manager and were worried about me filling his shoes, this clip seemed to speak directly to me...crazy
Every person can be only him/herself, and can do or give to anything only his/her best.
I feel for your other store where they probably got Frank Burns
Well, I hope that you are/were wise enough to listen. My experience in the Army taught me that coming into a new leadership position can be difficult. You must lead, from the start, and from the front. You must also give respect to your soldiers, as well as earn theirs, personally and professionally. Replacing a great leader is difficult, and always will be. To find the path that leads, and respects the past, while making that position yours, is always challenging and difficult. You cannot do that alone. You will need the help of the people you are leading. Leading people works that way, because that's how people work.
Love Harry Morgan's voice! So distinctive.
One of the best shows to ever air on tv, it never was shy to hit the hard subjects, it showed us the horrors of war without seeing the battlefield itself, we saw the results of war and that was more impactful that anything else.
And the cast was simply perfect.
Be honest, who did not tear up when the news came that Henry Blake died in a plane crash when he finally was on his way home, for a moment, it felt real, it was real...
Such a good show
Actually not showing the war itself was a deliberate choice by the producers in the wake of the Vietnam war.
@@2Fast4Mellow yes that too, they show hints of it but never the war itself. Closest they got is that episode where Hawkeye and Potter end up in a crossfire when trying to deliver goods to a Korean hospital. (Episode : Hawkeye get your gun)
@@j0hnn13K Actually there were a couple of episodes were they showed how soldiers got hurt. The first one was when BJ arrived in Korea, there was an episode with a football player from Iowa that got hurt by a grenade while trying to help someone else and there was an episode with a displayed clock where they had 20 minute to transplant an artery.
The get your gun episode was funny indeed. "There, I fired my gun, can I go home now?"
@@2Fast4Mellow it's a great show, even today it still carries a strong message.
There were indeed a few episodes where the war got closer but the one that got closest i think, is the "get your gun" episode.
And i had not even thought of that episode with BJ's arrival.
I understand why some viewers might have been unhappy when Potter replaced Henry (I hardly ever like it when a new character replaces an established favourite in a show) but Potter was one of the few cases where a new character was not only as good as the original but better. His gravitas and wisdom were crucial for some of the great serious scenes in later seasons, which was something Henry never had. He also served as a great straight man to Hawkeye and the other more comedic characters while having some great comedic moments himself.
Also true of Charles after he replaced Ferret Face.
Agreed. As much as I love Henry Blake and the first three seasons, I doubt the show would have lasted as long or become as iconic as it did if he had stayed in charge. Sherman Potter was what the 4077th, and the show, needed. I think both are great characters in their own way. I can’t really say which one I prefer, although I do like Radar’s character better when Henry was on.
Charles was a huge improvement over Frank. I think he even could have replaced him a bit sooner in the series.
I never was a fan of BJ though. I think they should have grown and developed Trapper’s character better and made him more than a second banana and sidekick to Hawkeye.
NCIS is another wonderful show that has replaced beloved characters but hasn't missed a beat...
Blake was a surgeon who was made a Lt Colonel. Potter was an army officer who became a surgeon. Different leader qualities.
All the new characters on MASH were stronger than the ones they replaced. And the continuing characters grew stronger as well.
It's amazing how Potter honored Blake, eventhough he never knew him!
Incredible spot on advice from Colonel Sherman Potter😳. So often groups of people forget to give the new guy time to fit in and space physically and emotionally to do that. We all need to do projects our own way and not someone else's. Always true.
Klinger could never be Radar. But hey, there was no reason he needed to be either. Opportunity must be met with open mindedness by all.
Cut the new guy some slack! Although excessive arrogance does make it hard ( Charles?)
To be fair there are a lot of times the new guy in charge forgets that they need time to "fit in".
Here in the UK this was shown without the laughter track.
Good job.
@Jo Ke As far as I know there was only one episode out of all those shown on UK tv that included the laughter track and that was due to a mistake somewhere.
I was a kid at the time and remember It being such a big deal that it made the news.
On the dvds you can watch each episode with or without the laugh track. Your choice
I had NO idea there was a version WITHOUT a laugh-track! I loved M*A*S*H growing up, but the laugh-track is so jarring today. I will be looking into this.
Any idea at all, why that was done ?
But...how would you know when to laugh?! 😜
Potter was one of the best characters.
Great scene. Jamie Farr crack's me up with his facial expressions! And that line, "...he's gonna beat me up!" Classic!
OMG I mostly love Harry Morgan for his comic timing and energy (MASH, Dragnet, Support Your Local Sheriff/Gunfighter, but this is the man who played the judge in "Inherit the Wind" by Stanley Kramer. What an actor. He loved his Sherman Potter role best of all. RIP Harry Morgan.
The great Harry Morgan, a.k.a. Col. Sherman T. Potter and Det. Bill Gannon!!!
also, played the next door neighbor "Pete" in December Bride". then, it's spinoff "Pete and Gladys"
"The wisest men follow their own direction..."
Amen Stay truth to your heart
@OriginalTharios with that attitude, it's no wonder you lose. I fail at things all the time. I'm not rich or powerful, but I'm happy, because I do what *I* want and have to do. Being wise has nothing to do with success, but not failing at the same things over and over.
I'm 15 and I'm more than happy to have grown up with this masterpiece.
Good to see today's young people still appreciate M*A*S*H. :-)
@@douglaswilliams6834 well my dad literally grew up with and so it kinda became tradition to watch MASH whenever we watched something
You sound like someone with a good head on his shoulders. I'm glad you love this show.
@@martok2112 Why thank you =)
I'm 26 and was raised with watching it too. It remains one of my favourites- this, Scrubs and Red Dwarf. All took serious notes to heart when they hit them and they all did comedy well. Scrubs followed what MASH did in many ways, silly for 3 or 4 seasons but by Season 5... Things were different. And all for the better.
MASH may be the only show in history that got better with every passing season.
RansomeStoddard : until it became the Alan Alda show
@@kennethmelnychuk9737 It was always the Alan Alda Show. But there was always at least one other cool sub-plot for the rest of the cast. I think each season got better than the last. If I had to choose between watching the first 5 seasons on a loop or the final 5 seasons, I'd take the final 5 in a second.
The show was definitely running out of steam by the time season 11 rolled around, but they made it through to a great finale.
@@LordZontar I disagree. I really enjoyed the final season, especially the fake-grenade episode. I liked that in the final 2 seasons Winchester was finally friends with BJ and Hawkeye. There was a natural character growth in the series.
@@RansomeStoddard The later seasons did have their moments and a few good episodes, I'll grant you. One of my favourites from that phase of the series is the one guest-starring veteran character actor John Anderson as the general who moves his command trailer near the 4077th to be near his dying son. It just seemed to me, though, that the show was struggling a bit in that final year.
Dang, I miss that series. The episode where Potter ultimately reveals that his moodiness was due to the death of a WW1 comrade was unforgettable!
Refresh my memory please ... which episode would that be? I've seen 'em all but it's been a while and I don't remember that particular one. Thanks.
@@samking224 th-cam.com/video/ize5lZoIlBk/w-d-xo.html
@@juvandy Thanks, I do remember that scene now.
"I'm the last one left."
The "Tontine" was the episode.
It didn't help when they heard the news that Henry Blakes plane spun in. Ahhh my childhood. When tv was something worth watching.
Sherman: "As for right now, Radar's office is closed and Klinger's is open."
Klinger: (Give a drunk salute and falls asleep)
Sherman: (Half-amused half-sarcastic) Okay, we'll open tomorrow."
LOL and aww :).
Klinger more likely Past out because if wasn't drunk he wouldn't fallen asleep so quickly
@@jecos1966 I think you mean "passed out."
@@Lava1964 thanks
Klinger was probably so pickled you could've sliced him up and put him on a hamburger! LOL!
And how about the final scene of the episode in the Swamp after the still was rebuilt.
Klinger takes the first drink and gags!
B.J.: "Here's mud in your eyes!"
Hawkeye: "Beats knuckles any day!"
😄😄😄😄
what you need to remember is *M*A*S*H* is owned by Fox and Fox is owned by Disney which means Klingler is a Disney princess
No he is definitely a Disney Queen!
He certainly had the wardrobe for it. Always in good taste, too! Oh, his name is spelled K-l-i-n-g-e-r. His full name in the show is Maxwell Q. Klinger. My question is, what does Q. stand for? My guess is Quentin.
Pretty sure it’s owned by CBS.
Disney M*A*S*Hup
No a Disney Prince. Give the other guy a run for their money.
Earlier in this episode:
"YAHOO!"
- Klinger and BJ
"Either we've hit paydirt or we've got ourselves a couple of big, silly mice."
- Col. Potter
In the U.S. Army, three things you never want to hear: 1) a boot brown bar saying, "Men, it's been my experience that..."; 2) a captain saying, "Men, I have a plan...", and 3) a warrant officer saying, "Hug some dirt and watch this shit, men!"
In the Navy, it's the same shit, different story:
1) A butterbar (boot Ensign) saying "Stow it, Petty Officer. I'm the expert here."
2) A Captain (ship's Commanding Officer) saying "Tonight the crew will be having steak and lobster for evening chow."
3) A Chief saying "Give me that. Let me show you how it's done."
None of it ever ends well. Even so, at least he Chief will make it interesting.
I love Colonel Potter! He is like everyone in the whole camp's father! Besides Father Mulcahy that is.
Harry Morgan owned this character,.......he get's the point across with authority, yet shows compassion.
Are yes the combination of great actors picked for the right roles great writing what a show
interesting how u see Potters watch Klinger grew up and became a soldier..and a good one at that.
And wound up staying in Korea!
Max and his wife ended up in MI and he worked in the VA hospital that Col Potter was chief of staff in After Mash
And got promoted to sergeant.
I started watching this show because my parents were in medicine, & I kept watching it for the humor along with the brutal honesty in many episodes. I was always a fan of Hawkeye Pierce.
This was a good scene. The whole show was full of them. Fun comedy, heartwarming moments, a little action, and a few life lessons.
When I was stationed in Korea many many moons ago in Yong Son, Platoon Sergeant and I came up with an idea on a Friday afternoon after all the work had been done for the week. We were able to release the troops and KATUSAS early (1500 hrs instead of 1700). We had a major exercise coming about two months away. We noticed that some not so cool attitudes were forming. We sensed that the troops felt overworked and under appreciated. Though it was our practice to observe their actions both in garrison and field. We recognized daily and weekly accomplishments by those in the platoon. We got the ok from higher to do an “alert” at 0300 hrs the following Monday. We had extra MRE’s for the day. We were going to deploy and check both primary and alternate communications sites and be back by NLT 1500-1600 hrs. The idea was to make the first soldier (U.S. or KATUSA) who arrived at the shop the Plt Sgt, Section SGT, Team Chief and so on. Subordinate NCO’s took the lower positions. Which meant they had to do the 10 level jobs. The “new chain of Cmd “ had to do everything in order, pack up, line up vehicles, do inspections etc. safety briefs and move out in two chalks. To make a long story short, they learned that at any moment you may have to become that leader that everyone else expects to lead them. It was an eye opener for all of them to include the NCO’s who had the 10 level jobs for the day (remember when you were E-1 to E-4)? It was a great learning day for all of us. After that, we were a tighter group that even some soldiers from the other platoons wanted to transfer to our little platoon. You have to be creative to overcome morale lows before they become problems. We taught our lower enlisted to be familiar with the duties and responsibilities three grades up and be proficient at their current levels. That way, you’ll know what to do when your tasked to fill a position above your own.
That's absolutely genius and incredible. In combat you may find yourself in a situation where you have to take charge even if you're not officially in that capacity. So knowing how to lead, how to do the job that you need to do at that moment and how to get the best out of everyone is tremendous.
Thank you for this lesson and for your service to this country. From a humble civilian.
Can't put my finger on it but seems I've heard a similar story before. Well, whatever, I'm just gonna say it seems you understand Col. Potter well.
A good officer does not try to mold their men into something else, but to find what makes them them and how and where they’re best able to do so.
Leadership from Col. potter, inspired by Father Mulcahy.
Yes, the scene where the Padre starts with "You seem to think Klinger leaves something to be desired as a company clerk". To me that exchange, and this one are tear jerkers, especially when the Padre says "your late predecessor, Henry Blake, God rest his soul..."
@@WayneKeen Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : You seem to think Klinger leaves a little something to be desired as a company clerk.
Col. Sherman T. Potter : I think Klinger leaves everything to be desired as a company clerk.
Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : Well, we had a fellow here a while back, before you arrived, who was much worse.
Col. Sherman T. Potter : Worse than Klinger? Father, you wouldn't lie to a Presbyterian, would you?
Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : No, believe me, this lad was quite a bozo. He couldn't do anything right. Drove everybody crazy with questions. You should have seen him try to patch through a call. It looked like hand to hand combat. Folks here were convinced that the enemy had sent him to sabotage the unit.
Col. Sherman T. Potter : Yeah? So, whatever happened to this rube?
Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : Well, as time went by, he got a little better. Your late predecessor, Colonel Blake, rest his soul, took him under his wing and sort of helped him grow into the job.
Col. Sherman T. Potter : You suckered me, Padre. You're talking about Radar.
Lt. Father Francis J. Mulcahy : The very same bozo. You see, when you arrived, you got the broken-in model. But my, my. His first few months were harrowing indeed. Now, at the risk of interfering, Colonel, don't you think Corporal Klinger deserves the same consideration?
@@TheTakato122 Thank you. Still makes me tear up
My managers where I work need to learn this lesson. They couldn't manage a fart on a diet of beans
It's sad how idiots and bullies tend to fail upwards
Mine couldn't organize a fuck in a brothel with a fist full of hundreds
I am going to have to remember that expression.
That's the difference between managers and leaders.
Please consider that line yoinked.
When I was in the Navy, whenever MASH was being shown, everyone off duty crammed in to watch.
Personally, I thought the show was better with Henry Morgan playing the CO.
I don't disagree, however, remember that LTC Blake was a civilian doctor who was drafted and put in charge of the 4077th, he was not career military like COL Potter. LTC Blake tried to do the best he could in a war, and a situation, that he was not prepared for. After serving 10 years myself, I appreciate officers like COL Potter. I also appreciate that sometimes you get good people who are in bad situations, and while they don't make perfect decisions, or even "good military" decisions, they lead with their heart. That is really all that matters. Both Blake and Potter lead by example, they care, they lead with their heart as much as they can. The respect their people. These are all good hallmarks of great leaders, especially military leaders. Just my personal thoughts on the matter. ;)
Basically like do you like David Lee Roth or do you like Sammy Hagar better with Van Halen?
What you must realise is M.A.S.H was a success because of very skilful writing coupled with actors who had real talent. For Gawds sake Harry Morgan has starred in over 50 movies and Alan Alda went from strength to strength
This is one of my favorite episodes
"Oh God BJ he's going to beat me up!" lol! I had entirely forgotten about that line. I think it may be my all-time favorite from Klinger, and that is speaking volumes! Thanks for the post.
The cool part about Klinger(once he sobered up.) Was that he eventually became just as good at the job as Radar. He just was overwhelmed and needed time to adapt. Originally his job was Medic, and adapting to a clerical role wouldn't be easy for anyone.
And, exactly as Col Potter said, he needed to do things his own way. I'm sure Radar would have found a generator somewhere and probably would have traded something he shouldn't have to get it, but he never would have outright stolen it (albeit from the person who had stolen the one it was replacing) like Klinger did.
@@HariSeldon913 And even then, it is heavily implied that Klinger didn't steal it so much as he retrieved an item that had been stolen from them (the officer commented about his unit operating off "a puny backup generator that we stole from a MASH unit.")
@@johndybala8580 He was returning the favor to the person who stole the 4077th's backup, but it was the replacement one (brand new and probably larger than that backup) that Klinger took. It was most definitely stealing, but he stole from a thief.
Shows like Leverage, Burn Notice, and even the old A-Team were built around that sort of payback.
Henry Morgan is such a great actor. MASH was really lucky to have him on. He was like the Obi-Wan of the camp because he had seen all the shyte.
Just the facts, Ma'am.
I LOVE this show!!!
I watch it on Hulu, TH-cam and my free site.
I needed this Colonel, Thank you!
I wish I had a Colonel Potter in my life. He really was the best. I never really cared for Henry. I was a young girl, and seeing him regularly cheat on his wife was too much. Same with Trapper. BJ was just a better person. But, I did love Trapper John later when he was Pernel Roberts. That was a great show, too.
Mindy I am sorry that the scripting of that part of LTC Blakes character was so distressful for you. I can understand it completely. While I don't condone such behavior, or excuse it in any way, I hope that as an adult you can at least recognize that Blake was not designed to be a perfect character, merely a "human" one, and in situations of high stress and possible imminent death (such as a war), many people may find themselves reaching out for human touch and connection. I never took his cheating to be a lack of loyalty to his wife, so to speak, but more of how people cope in the face of such stressful and horrifying events. I remember one episode where one of the patients was a pilot, with clean boots and uniforms etc. He always saw the war from way up high, and was back at his safe-from-attack airbase every night, going to the Officer's Club most nights. He looked at Hawkeye's red boots and asked him why he didn't clean them or get a new pair from supply. Hawkeye answered that they weren't dirty or muddy, they were red from the blood of all of their patients. (His boots were permanently stained red, and getting a new pair, they would only get stained red in a short time again anyways). The pilot had his eyes opened a little bit to the true horrors of war, just because of the color of Hawkeye's boots....
That being said, every one deserves a Sherman Potter. I hope you have found yours. :)
"Give the boy a break, Burns! He knows a good joke when he SEES one!"
"...and you're the biggest joke here!"
God I loved this show!
I love this show I'm 46 years old born in 1976 it was a rerun in the 80's I love TV 📺 it's away been my babysitter LOL 😆
I love that turn of phrase - that M*A*S*H was your babysitter. Too true. Can I steal that?
I like how MASH evolved. Henry and Frank were competent doctors but were both buffoons. Potter was a much better leader and Winchester was just better than Frank in every aspect. All four were great actors, and like this very specific scene, each was different in his own way.
Well said 👏👏👏
Exactly. I also like BJ more than Trapper. MASH is one of the very few shows where character swaps actually worked and the show really found it's ground where the three were introduced.
I liked how Trapper and Henry were kind of Womanizers (that’s not what I like) but then BJ and Colonel Potter loved their wife and were faithful to them.
I also found Charles a lot more likable than Frank. Even thought he was a little bit arrogant.
@@alexandriasun He was arrogant, that is true, but he had his heart in the right place when it came to it. I remember that beautifull scene where one stuttering soldier is bullied by his captain as being dim-witted. Charles imediatelly eats the bully for breakfast and then proceeds to be kind and helpfull to that soldier, making him realise that just because he stutters, doesnt mean he is dumb. And when the soldier asks why is he doing that, he just smiles. And later, we find out that his sister stutters too, so she probably had her fair share of bullying too.
That is something Frank's character would never be able to achieve.
When I first heard the name Harry Potter, this is who came to mind.
m.fanfiction.net/s/5517643/1/Lord-Harry-J-Potter-Meet-Col-Sherman-T-Potter
Warrior Maiden I read that. It’s a good little fic.
I wonder if there's a Daniel Morgan character out there somewhere....
MASH was many things. Comedy,drama,heartbreak,etc. But this was a show that the family could watch and there were morals to be learned.
As it happens, "Godspeed, son." is one of my favorite line deliveries of all time.
You cut it off at the best moment! I still get choked up after all these viewings and all these years: Hawkeye comes in, looks at Klinger in a heap, and Potter drolly gestures with a thumb toward his own office and just says, "...yours is in there."
I started crying just thinking about it right *now*.
Best show ever, Max really made it a comedy . Col. Potter was an amazing man .
what a wonderful show,I bearly watched it as a child but l'm catching up via MeTV...
A once in a lifetime series.
You brought your soldier hat!!!
Damn good show.
Just started a new job last week and this vid recommendation came in great time. Thank you. 👍
Best show ever
Great scene. B.J. and Klinger, were both mad about Radar"s being able to go home. Klinger, because he wasn't like Radar as a clerk. B.J., because his wife and daughter met Radar at the airport. B.J. missed hearing back his daughter say, "daddy" for the first time. She thought Radar, was her daddy, since he was in an Army uniform. That show was probably, the best, on television. Excellent cast, scripts, sets, props storylines.
oooh, just missed a nice remark from Potter: 'Mine's here, yours is in there' while pointing to his office.
Oh yeah, and Hawkeye goes in wearing a helmet.
@@Seahorsefan ... Yeah, because a very drunk BJ punched his lights out earlier.
@@PlumbPitiful And destroyed the still! As Hawkeye put it "He beat up his two best friends, me and the still!" 😄😄😄😄
Every single episode 😂😂😂😢😢😢🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😮😮😮😮😅😅😅😅😊😊😊
I wish I could have met this man
They really spoiled 'MASH' when canned laughter was added. As if we needed to be told when it was hilarious....
It had been there in all the original prints. Larry Gelbart wanted to film all of them without the laugh track, but the network overruled him, as it was standard practice for sitcoms of the time. He was able to get rid of it for scenes in the OR and post op after season 1.
On DVD you have the option without the laugh track
There were a few episodes that had no laugh track. These were the real intense ones.
I loved M*A*S*H* so much. What an amazing show! I still watch the reruns.
One of my greatest memories of growing up is watching MASH....
greatest show on earth
Next line: "Yours is in there"
and then BJ when he sees hawkeye in his helmet
DO you know the episode number?
I loved Colonel Potter, he knew how to handle everyone which is why he was well respected. I liked Henry too, but he didn't know how to really handle the crowd. It was like one of the General's said that it was almost like Radar ran the camp and Henry was his clerk. Henry wasn't stern enough which is why he allowed Frank and Hot Lips go over his head, Hawkeye and Trapper also went over his head and also took advantage of him. They all knew with Colonel Potter that there would be a few things they could get away with, but one thing and that was going over his head, that was not gonna fly.
My favourite show ever
Just watched this episode last night!
I remember our company getting a new commander or top kick. We’d always be worried but luckily every single one worked out great.
I grew up with MASH...
I might even attibute many my 'bleeding heart lib' attitudes from this show.
Remember going to a late show when I was in Jr. High to see the movie, and how we felt like we were getting away with something experiencing such a "racy" film.
I find it very human and telling, that even career military leaders have "bleeding heart lib" streaks and trends in them. At least, IMHO the best ones do. Most people are slightly conservative in their personal lives and views, balanced with many progressive ideas and leanings. I find that this is normal for most people, regardless of culture or country, gender, language, etc. As someone who spent 10 years in, and wanted to do my 20-30, many of us rejoice in the freedoms that our Constitution and traditions provide for, even if we may not always agree with a person's individual choices, we are proud and glad that those choices are there, and we will always, ALWAYS , stand ready to defend the Right of the People to choose. You cannot legislate morality.
I liked Harry Morgan from his December Bride and Pete and Gladys days. I didn't see all his stuff and didn't see dragnet. But I LOVED his portrayal on Potter on Mash.
Mash is my favorite show to watch on DVD s but hopefully I will get back into watching this show soon on tv
If I was in the service, I’d want Col. Potter as my Commanding Officer