In December 1982, 42 years ago, M*A*S*H was winding down. It had been announced that the eleventh season would be the last for the series, and the end was near. Publications were gearing up for the anticipated finale with articles, and in late December 1982, Associated Press (AP) Television Writer Jerry Buck penned an article that summarized the history of the series, listed its accomplishments, discussed the legacy of M*A*S*H, and he asked producers and cast members what made the show successful. The column features quotes from M*A*S*H producer Burt Metcalfe and Loretta Swit. While this is not a press release from 20th Century Fox or CBS, it is an example of how a syndicated column was sent to various newspapers across the country. Let’s take a look at what was being written about the end of M*A*S*H more than a month before it ended.
Buck wrote a long-time television column for the AP that was syndicated in multiple publications across the country. He was well respected in the industry, and people would talk to him. He understood television, and I really like several points that he mentions. Buck draws in quotes from those who worked directly with M*A*S*H, Metlcafe draws parallels between the war ending the series ending. As the characters said “goodbye” to each other on screen, the actors, writers, and crew had to do the same with each other when the cameras weren’t rolling. He discussed some of the challenges the series had producing the final season including David Ogden Stiers contracting viral hepatitis and the wildfires that burned the sets at Malibu Creek State Park. Both issues delayed filming of the finale and several episodes. Thankfully, M*A*S*H producers had held over some season ten episodes for the eleventh season.
Buck’s column provided a brief overview of the series and discussed the changes that were made over the years with the cast and producers. He noted that, “It was agreed that the show could survive the comings and goings of the actors. Except for Alan Alda.” This would prove true with the M*A*S*H spin-off AfterMASH. The series needed a main character like Hawkeye to keep audiences engaged. While the article doesn’t make any predictions about the show’s finale, it does preview it. Interestingly, Buck notes that “commercials for the finale may be the most expensive in the history of television.” Ads during “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” were going for $450,000 for a 30-second spot. Adjusted for inflation, that is over $1.4 million for a 30-second ad!
While this column was not published until January 9, 1983, it was written in late December. In fact, the article alludes to the fact that M*A*S*H filming would conclude “this week,” which turned out to be correct. The final day of filming was on January 14. Re-reading this column, I appreciate how M*A*S*H‘s ending was introduced. “Hawkeye, B.J., Hot Lips, Klinger, and all the other denizens of the 4077th MASH are packing their duffle bags and headed stateside. After 11 years they’re shutting down the Korean War.” That fact that the series was three times longer than the actual war it portrayed is still mind boggling, and is a testament to the staying power the series had. The article concludes with Metcalfe explaining why M*A*S*H was successful stating, “They [the audience] saw the irreverence, the antiwar attitude, the humanity and the compassion.” These are the traits that endear M*A*S*H to its legions of fans to today.
The M*A*S*H Historian 