potter – The M*A*S*H Historian

MAS*H-ish 15: AfterMASH Season 2 Press Kit

In the era before email, widespread internet, and social media, television networks had to provide physical media to the press to advertise their fall lineups. Twentieth Century Fox Television and CBS were no different, so when new shows premiered or new seasons were about to begin, entertainment reporters were bombarded with press releases and pressContinue reading “M*A*S*H-ish 15: AfterMASH Season 2 Press Kit”

MishMAS*H 43: Milton Bradley Puzzles

In the early 1980s, there was a deluge of M*A*S*H themed licensed products. The products were released in coordination with 20th Century Fox Television, and I have previously written about a licensed product kit that included a wide variety of items. M*A*S*H fans could buy M*A*S*H themed alcohol, action figures, Halloween costumes, trivia games, clothing,Continue reading “MishM*A*S*H 43: Milton Bradley Puzzles”

MishMAS*H 38: Tristar Action Figures

Earlier this year, I wrote a post about the Tristar M*A*S*H Military Base play set from 1982. It is a very popular collectable for M*A*S*H fans, and several people commented that I need to write a post on the Tristar action figures. There was only one issue…I didn’t have all of them in the collection!Continue reading “MishM*A*S*H 38: Tristar Action Figures”

Press Pass 35: Press Pass 35: Mike Farrell Joins MAS*H

Last week, I reviewed the script for “Dear Peggy” (04×10), and in that episode we get a glimpse at B.J.’s inner thoughts about the 4077th and learn more about his wife in California. That episode was only the tenth episode to feature Mike Farrell as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, and that was one of two majorContinue reading “Press Pass 35: Press Pass 35: Mike Farrell Joins M*A*S*H”

Script Spotlight 33: “Father’s Day”

In a few weeks, we will celebrate Father’s Day in the United States, and for June’s script spotlight, I felt like the best episode choice was “Father’s Day” (09×04). This episode has a lot going for it. It has a strong A-story, we get to meet Margaret’s infamous father, the B-story is light hearted andContinue reading “Script Spotlight 33: “Father’s Day””

Press Pass 29: “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” Press Photo Collages

UPDATE: 2/12/2024: Thanks to Dan Harrison, I have added another reason why “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” was aired once again on CBS in September 1983. On February 28, 1983, an estimated 60% of American households gathered around their TV sets to watch the finale of M*A*S*H. It was a huge ratings success for CBS, andContinue reading “Press Pass 29: “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” Press Photo Collages”

MishMAS*H 25: Donruss Bubble Gum/Trading Cards

In 1982, the year in which M*A*S*H began its final season, the trading card company Donruss released a series of M*A*S*H trading cards. These cards were packaged with gum, and you could try to collect all 66 of the cards. On the front the card was a cast member photo, cast photo, or a screenshotContinue reading “MishM*A*S*H 25: Donruss Bubble Gum/Trading Cards”

Script Spotlight 23: “Wheelers and Dealers”

Since August 27th is G.W. Bailey’s birthday, I wanted to feature an episode in which he played a key role. As I was looking through some scripts, I found the episode “Wheelers and Dealers” (10×05), and all I could hear was Rizzo saying “vee-hicle.” That made this the obvious choice since it features Bailey’s comedyContinue reading “Script Spotlight 23: “Wheelers and Dealers””