Both were before my time - the series actually ended a year or so before I was born - but as both have been shown in the last couple of decades plus in syndication I've become a fan, especially of the series. Though many would disagree (especially the patrons of JumpTheShark.com), I feel it was one of those unique shows that didn't have a weak episode, maintained the same quality throughout the series run and in some cases even got better as it went along.
It was also one of those rare shows that managed to successfully replace main characters without a decline in quality, though once again JTS regulars will no doubt disagree. Perhaps the theme accommodated the notion; after all, it was the army. Folks were getting transferred, discharged and replaced in reality so it made sense to get fresh blood into the show too. Perhaps the new characters were disliked because with them came a change in the dynamic and to a certain extent the direction of the show. But I think that evolution kept the show fresh.
The other common criticism is that once Alan Alda became more involved in the production of the series as a writer, "creative consultant" and director the tone of the show changed for the worse becoming too "preachy". There's an element of truth in that but the show was never pro-war to begin with and again, it was that change that allowed them to explore new plots and themes...and the comedy remained. That was one of the most brilliant aspects of M*A*S*H: the way it combined its social commentary with fantastic humour and situation comedy. It wasn't just hi-jinks at the front, it wasn't anti-war propaganda...it was both of those and neither at the same time.
I actually prefer the middle of the run and later seasons to the early ones. I felt Colonel Potter was a stronger character than Henry Blake and the wit in his character was funnier that Colonel Blake's ineptness. I found Major "Hot Lips" Houlihan more interesting as she developed a distaste for war despite her militaristic upbringing as the war dragged on compared to her early appearances simply as a character to loathe as she tried to get those who weren't "military" enough into trouble. While there was plenty of humour in Major Frank Burns' character, Major Winchester provided something new, something different. And BJ Hunnicutt felt like a better compliment to Alda's Hawkeye than Trapper.
Before I go on and on, I'll pause (just as I did in the Drew Carey thread) to see if there's anyone else who likes this show. Otherwise, I'll be discussing it with myself.
which is another good show.
