Pfunksfoolosophy

Here’s the thing: the television show was nothing like the movie or the book, but the teamwork of Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers and the original cast is astonishing. I LOVED that show. When BJ joined the crew, it was funny but it wasn’t as cool. Klinger stopped wearing dresses and the snappy patter became really, really preachy…BUT, I’ve gotta tell ya…some of my fondest childhood memories are of my family watching that show together. My dad served in Korea and never talked about it much. He got frostbite there while marching a POW back. The thing is this: Dad gave that poor guy his boots every other mile until they got back to camp. War ain’t funny. Dad was. He enjoyed watching that show because it took a lot of the sting out of his experiences. So, I love M*A*S*H because I’ve got fond memories of my dad. They’re few and far between.

Plus, who can forget the exchanges between Henry Blake and Klinger during that first season?

Henry: Here’s an oldie but a goodie…half of the family pregnant and half of the family dying. Klinger, what am I gonna do with you?

Klinger: You’re right, sir. I don’t deserve to be in the Army.

Ah, good times.