#20 - After MASH: Yours Truly, Max Klinger

I'm not sure but I still think Rader is supposed to be 19.

MASH is without question my favourite television series of all time, I love it... own all the DVDs, even a couple of vintage items including figures, a collectors plate and a vodka dispenser. The series ran for 11 years and I went out with a bang with it's finale "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen". During that final season though, the 7 members of the cast got a say in whether to continue, it was voted no with a vote of 4 to 3. Unsuprisingly the ones who voted yes to continue - Harry Morgan, Jamie Farr and William Christopher - are the stars of After MASH.

Following up a great show with a spin-off the next season is tricky, , and I believe the chances of the show are going to be more Joey then Frasier when it comes to success. So the series of After MASH began with the Korean War over and the three back in civilian life, Potter bored and Mulcahy still suffering the effects of going deaf (which is sorted out in this shows pilot) and Klinger who did stay in Korea in the MASH finale is back with his wife and the three then work at the same hospital.

"Yours Truly, Max Klinger" is the 16th episode of the first season and is notable that it features another MASH original when Gary Burghoff returns to his role as Walter 'Rader' O'Reilly, a role he played in the film version, and through the TV series until he left in the 8th season, and it's about the three going to his wedding in Iowa... but as they leaving through the door, Radar is at the door with cold foot.

Firstly, it's great to have an original MASH character back with the three, but After MASH though it could have potential dealing with those dealing with life after the war After MASH just never captured it, MASH mixed comedy and drama quite beautifully at times something this show could never do, it's not to say I didn't like it but it's a show I still enjoy for what it was.

David Ackroyd as Dr. Mark Boyer, also has a subplot in a bar wallowing in self pity at the bar, who when Radar's bride to be comes in actually seems to knock him out of (by having a go at him).

Overall, it's a decent episode it's just got an whole 11 seasons of awesomeness to live up to which many episodes of TV would fail, but yeah After MASH is not a disaster qualtity wise by any means.