MASH - and the Loretta Swit Obituary

upstart writes:

Intro:

There can be few series made for television that have had such an impact in countries all around the world as MASH.

This submission arrived as an obituary but wasn't best suited to being front page story. It was submitted anonymously and we could not therefore suggest to the submitter that he/she put it in a journal - if indeed they have one.

Nevertheless, the fact that somebody created a comedy about a war that had ended many years before, and in which every character would be memorable years later was a concept that few today would back financially as a sure-fire winner. But it was.

It can still be found being repeated on various channels, and the humour remains as sharp as it ever was - along with its anti-war message. It is perhaps a pity that more people don't remember that aspect of it. As well as much laughter there were also moments of intense sadness - but both caused the viewer to think more deeply about the subject of war, and of the doctors, nurses, medics (and clerks!) who never lifted a weapon in anger but who could still hold their heads up high when they finally returned home. Those who served in such roles were changed people as a result of the experience.

What do you remember of the characters that starred in MASH, and which scenes in particular spring to mind whenever a discussion such as this is started? Are there other TV series that have had such an impact on you, and would you recommend them to our community?

And the obituary? It is repeated in full after the break. It is well worth a read...[JR]

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