M*A*S*H: Point of View

M*A*S*H: Point of View
CBS
November 20, 1978
Dramedy
DVD
B

This Levine & Isaacs story is shot as if the viewer is Private Rich, a young white soldier from San Antonio, Texas.  For most of the episode he can't speak, although there is a point when he starts writing a letter to his parents, dated September 12, 1951.  And we find out that Colonel Potter forgot to call his wife last Saturday, for their 35th wedding anniversary.  This gives us a date of September 8, 1916 for their wedding.

As for the episode itself, it's a little hard to swallow that everyone confides in Private Rich like they do, especially Potter, but maybe Rich just has one of those faces you can trust.  I like that the script doesn't get to the point of ridiculousness, like if Klinger said, "I see you noticed I'm in drag.  Let me tell you why."  We just see Rich look down at Klinger's heels and then at his skirt, telling all we need to know.

Paul Tuerpe makes his first of two M*A*S*H appearances, as Medic II.  Jan Jorden (Baker) and Sal Viscusco (PA Announcer) return.