Potter is the last survivor of his World War 1 comrades, and its tontine focused, a pact where he shares the last surviving bottle from that war to end all wars. There's no madcapping in this episode, and Potter's speech is one for the ages.
Jane Connell guest starred as Betty Halpern, who helps out Korean kids. Jason Autajay plays one of the Korean boys who Potter befriends in a tender moment. Sally Imamura plays one of the Korean girls.
5 Reviews
Harry Morgan owns this episode
superfox_8882 June 2023
I was going to title this "we don't deserve Harry Morgan" but I am so glad he's here. I cannot imagine Henry Blake commanding an episode the way Potter does.
The one disappointment I have with this superb episode is that we don't get to see Winchester in command. I figure his command is rather more limited than Frank Burns' (with Margaret's help, of course), so Hawkeye is in charge. Not that anything really goes wrong, of course, apart from refugee children being allergic to tetanus inoculations.
Anyhoo, Potter. Harry Morgan plays comedy and drama brilliantly, and is often maudlin for varying reasons. But the scene where he really shines is the gathering in his tent. Even the other actors have visible tears. Harry delivers his lines exquisitely, capturing emotion perfectly. Any viewer who doesn't have their own tears has a cold, dead heart.
The one disappointment I have with this superb episode is that we don't get to see Winchester in command. I figure his command is rather more limited than Frank Burns' (with Margaret's help, of course), so Hawkeye is in charge. Not that anything really goes wrong, of course, apart from refugee children being allergic to tetanus inoculations.
Anyhoo, Potter. Harry Morgan plays comedy and drama brilliantly, and is often maudlin for varying reasons. But the scene where he really shines is the gathering in his tent. Even the other actors have visible tears. Harry delivers his lines exquisitely, capturing emotion perfectly. Any viewer who doesn't have their own tears has a cold, dead heart.
The best EVER!
garysheski1 September 2009
This episode of M*A*S*H is the finest story and acting I've ever seen on television film. Each time I watch it, a lump comes to my throat, and I hold back tears for its humanistic beauty. The scene of Col. Potter drinking a solo toast to his friends is heartwarming and sad at the same time. The ad libs, double entendres, and wisecracking are kept to a minimum, and the long periods of silence among the cast are the most memorable on film. Watch Harry Morgan's hand trembling as he holds up the glass, I don't believe that was scripted, either, it was Morgan immersing himself in the depth of the character's role. I have the episode recorded for posterity, and filed among my most precious personal possessions. There's never been, before or since, better drama put on film. Watch it and see if you don't agree!
A Superb Episode
Hitchcoc19 April 2015
This series never disappointed. Oh, some episodes aren't great, but they always entertained. This one, however, is superior. It begins when Klinger has to wake Potter in the middle of the night. There is a phone call and Potter has to leave as soon as he can. Hawkeye takes over the camp and does well. While the Colonel is gone, a bus load of Korean children who need minor medical attention enter the camp. The doctors and nurses soon fall in love with them and they are embraced by everyone. Upon his return, it is obvious that Potter is preoccupied. He is sad and angry. He is also waiting for a package to arrive in the mail. After snapping at everyone, there is a tender scene where he shares a piece of fudge with a little Korean boy. He also has Klinger pass out invitations to those closest to him in the unit. There is great anxiety as the gang arrives at his tent at the proffered time. They are worried that something is seriously wrong with the Colonel. The conclusion to this episode makes it hard to keep a dry eye. One of the finest things I've seen on TV.
A great job of writing and acting
tonyandpam25 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
MASH was the only show that I can remember that can make you laugh and then come along and punch you in the gut.
The ending scene is a real mark for Harry Morgan's acting. I'll assert, without knowledge, that only Harry Morgan knew this scene and that the rest of the cast was not involved in rehearsals. I think this because Morgan's delivery is that of a seaasoned actor. But I don't think the rest of it was scripted. The scene had the feeling that the rest of the crew's reactions were real - ad-libbed in their characters, but otherwise unscripted. The looks on their faces were one time reactions and it really did seem that David Ogden-Steirs had tears on his cheeks that started in the early part and were streaming down by his chin near the end before the toast.
Great episode and I always try to catch it when it comes around.
The ending scene is a real mark for Harry Morgan's acting. I'll assert, without knowledge, that only Harry Morgan knew this scene and that the rest of the cast was not involved in rehearsals. I think this because Morgan's delivery is that of a seaasoned actor. But I don't think the rest of it was scripted. The scene had the feeling that the rest of the crew's reactions were real - ad-libbed in their characters, but otherwise unscripted. The looks on their faces were one time reactions and it really did seem that David Ogden-Steirs had tears on his cheeks that started in the early part and were streaming down by his chin near the end before the toast.
Great episode and I always try to catch it when it comes around.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
