It is September, and that means the temperatures are going to start cooling off (or I hope so at least). September also meant it was time for the new season of network television to begin when M*A*S*H was in its original run. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of season three of M*A*S*H, and I thoughtContinue reading “Script Spotlight 36: “The General Flipped at Dawn””
Tag Archives: season
Press Pass 26: Season 9 Premiere
By the premiere of season nine, M*A*S*H had moved to Monday nights on CBS. It was a tentpole series for the network, and the start of a new season was a major event. In a press release, CBS announced the season nine premiere episode would air on Monday, November 17, 1980. The episode, “The BestContinue reading “Press Pass 26: Season 9 Premiere”
Script Spotlight 26: “Hot Lips and Empty Arms”
With November 4 being Loretta Swit’s birthday, I wanted to find an episode that featured her acting talents as well as her comedic timing. In my mind, there was only choice, “Hot Lips and Empty Arms” (02×14). Of course, the first question was whether I had the script or not. Early scripts are harder toContinue reading “Script Spotlight 26: “Hot Lips and Empty Arms””
Press Pass 24: Season 5 Preview Documents
Before the start of each season, 20th Century Fox Television sent a set of press release documents for M*A*S*H (see full press kits for season 10 and season 11). These press materials typically included information about the series, the premiere episode, and cast photos. For season five, I do not have a full set ofContinue reading “Press Pass 24: Season 5 Preview Documents”
Script Spotlight 24: “Bug Out”
As we begin September, we are quickly approaching fall. In 1976, this meant it was almost primetime television premiere season, and M*A*S*H began its fifth season that year. That premiere episode was “Bug Out” (05×01), and it was the second season in a row that the season premiered with an hour episode. This episode isContinue reading “Script Spotlight 24: “Bug Out””
MishM*A*S*H 23: Licensing Conference Kit
Last month, I reviewed a Licensed Product Kit that was sent to retailers by 20th Century Fox Television highlighting the M*A*S*H licensed products that they could carry in store. This week, we look at the other side of the licensed products strategy by reviewing a packet from a M*A*S*H licensing conference held in 1981. This folderContinue reading “MishM*A*S*H 23: Licensing Conference Kit”
Press Pass 23: Advance Program Information (Reruns)
UPDATE (8/14/2023): Thanks to Dan Harrison for adding an additional layer of context to this discussion. Broadcast year 1978-79 was the final year before M*A*S*H went into syndication, meaning that CBS was trying to cash in on M*A*S*H reruns as much as possible before they lost the exclusive rights to the series. There is aContinue reading “Press Pass 23: Advance Program Information (Reruns)”
Script Spotlight 20: “Check-Up”
As we roll into May, I was struggling to find an episode to review this week. The first one that came to mind was “Springtime” (03×05), but I don’t have a script for it. However, I do have the script for the next episode, “Check-Up” (03×06), so I pulled it out to look through. IContinue reading “Script Spotlight 20: “Check-Up””
Press Pass 13: “Ninth-Season Premiere Episode [Letters]”
Released October 28, 1980, this press release announced the season nine premiere episode, “Letters.” However, if you look at the DVDs and any M*A*S*H episode guide that is in broadcast order, you quickly notice that is wrong! According to the release, on November 17, 1980, M*A*S*H would premiere on CBS with that episode. However, “Letters”Continue reading “Press Pass 13: “Ninth-Season Premiere Episode [Letters]””
Script Spotlight 11: “Henry in Love”
Early scripts from M*A*S*H are pretty hard to find, especially season one. In season two, the series began to hit its stride, and with Larry Gelbart firmly at the helm, the show seemed to start over from season two, episode one. They started to write episodes that didn’t just focus on Hawkeye and the doctorsContinue reading “Script Spotlight 11: “Henry in Love””
