Dear Dad
December 17, 1972
Written by Larry Gelbart
Directed by Gene Reynolds
Guest Stars: Bonnie Jones, Lizabeth Deen, Gary Van Orman
It’s almost Christmas at the 4077th, and Hawkeye writes to his father. He tells him all about his friends and colleagues and describes recent events at the unit.
Father Mulcahy prepares for Christmas with enthusiasm, setting up a nativity scene outside the Mess Tent, decorating the tree and stringing popcorn around Post-Op.
Radar continues his effort to mail home a jeep piece by piece, and Hawkeye and Trapper discover what he’s up to by X-raying one of his packages.
Trapper spends time inoculating the local orphans and delivering a calf for some villagers.
Henry gives his monthly lecture, but Hawkeye and Trapper have difficulty taking it seriously.
Frank picks a fight with Klinger, and, tired and homesick, Klinger overreacts and goes after Frank with a hand grenade, but Father Mulcahy intervenes and calms him down.
Hawkeye and Margaret share a Christmas kiss, as Frank looks on in disbelief.
The unit holds a party for the children in the area, with Hawkeye as Santa Claus, but he is called away to help a soldier pinned down in a combat area, and Trapper gives out the gifts instead. The wounded soldier is surprised and pleased to see Santa being lowered from a chopper to treat him.
Finally, an exhausted Hawkeye finishes his letter and goes to sleep.
Review: Although this episode doesn't have much of a plot, it hardly seems to matter. There isn't a dull moment throughout, and it's nice to see some character development. 8/10.
Romance Review: Hawkeye and Margaret's first kiss! Plus, the happy look she wears for a while afterward. Not much else to speak of, but that moment alone means that this one deserves 7/10.
Quotes:
'Due to the number of people bored last Sunday, next Sunday will be cancelled.' - The PA System.
'Dirty mind!'
'You know what they say - dirty mind, warm heart!' - Margaret and Hawkeye.
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