M*A*S*H: Death Takes a Holiday

M*A*S*H: Death Takes a Holiday
CBS
December 15, 1980
Dramedy
DVD
B-

This episode was written (at the script or story level) by Farrell, Koenig, Metcalfe, Mumford, Rappaport, and Wilcox, and directed by Farrell, so it's probably not surprising that BJ has more to do than usual, although even some of the minor characters get a moment or more.  BJ wants to keep a patient alive a few extra hours so that the man won't die on Christmas Day.  Hawkeye, Margaret, and Mulcahy disagree but still try to help.  Meanwhile, Charles finds that his anonymous charitable gift of gourmet chocolate has been converted via the black market to a month's worth of meals for orphans.  I would've gone with a B or higher, but I felt like the episode was a bit obvious, as when Klinger's eavesdropping is telegraphed, even to the point of us seeing his distinct silhouette.  It is notable that not only does Winchester call him "Max," but he calls the major "Charles" for the first time I think.  I would've guessed this to be set in '51 or '52, if not for the following episode....

G.W. Bailey (Rizzo, who contributes pig's knuckles to the Christmas party), Sally Imamura (Korean Girl), Keye Luke (this time Choi Sung Ho), Jeff Maxwell (Straminsky), Kellye Nakahara (Yamato, who brings Macadamia nuts to the party), and Perren Page (Driver) return