{
  "id": 15513611,
  "title": "10 M*A*S*H Episodes To Skip On A Rewatch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/10-m-a-s-h-episodes-to-skip-on-a-rewatch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-18T23:02:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TVLine",
    "slug": "tvline",
    "url": "https://www.tvline.com/2289820/mash-episodes-skip-rewatch/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "M*A*S*H, a classic television series, premiered in 1972 and ran for 11 seasons, delivering a unique blend of comedy and wartime medical drama. While the show has earned its place in television history, not every episode merits a repeat viewing. The following are 10 M*A*S*H episodes to skip on a rewatch due to their mediocre quality and lack of significance to the overarching character arcs.\n\nOne such episode is \"Edwina,\" the first-season installment that introduces new nurse Edwina Ferguson, played by Arlene Golonka. Hawkeye Pierce, played by Alan Alda, goes on a date with Edwina, but his charm is hindered by her clumsy nature. The episode struggles to balance screwball comedy with the awkward sexual frustrations of other characters, resulting in an eye-rolling and unsatisfying viewing experience.\n\nAnother episode to avoid is \"Major Fred C. Dobbs,\" a Season 1 episode where Hawkeye and Trapper John attempt to convince Frank Burns to transfer to another posting due to his poor treatment of other personnel. The episode's contrived scheme to keep Frank at the camp ultimately feels disingenuous and undercuts the intended character development.\n\n\"Major Fred C. Dobbs\" also features a particularly icky storyline as married commanding officer Henry Blake starts an affair with a much younger woman, Nancy Sue Parker. The age gap, Henry's contemplation of leaving his wife, and the episode's overall unlikeliness make it a discomforting watch.\n\nThe fourth-season episode \"Hawkeye\" showcases Alan Alda's skill as a solo performer, as the surgeon crashes his Jeep and suffers a concussion while driving alone. While Alda does his best to carry the episode, the lack of the main cast feels evident, and the communication disconnect with the Korean family is poorly handled. This episode highlights that M*A*S*H shines when it's an ensemble piece rather than an individual-centered narrative.",
  "summary": "M*A*S*H is most certainly an enjoyable and rewatchable show. However, there are at least 10 episodes you can avoid during your second or third viewing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}