M*A*S*H - Season Two (Collector's Edition) [1973] [DVD]

'Divided We Stand' is a marvellous re-introduction to the characters and 'Radar's Report' has many wonderful moments, including Hawkeye, the lothario supreme, finding himself on the receiving end for once. '5 O'Clock Charlie' is one of the more memorable early MASH episodes, if not quite the best, whilst 'The Sniper' offers many moments of sustained hilarity and features an early appearance by Teri Garr.

'Deal Me Out' is one of my favourite all-time episodes, not only due to the humour surrounding the ongoing poker game but also because it features the first appearance of the late Ed Winter as the ludicrous Colonel Flagg (albeit under the name 'Halloran'). 'A Smattering of Intelligence' is the first fully-fledged Flagg episode. Like Sidney Freedman, Flagg is one of those occasional MASH characters who can really lift an episode without ever outstaying his welcome. Conceived during the Nixon years, Flagg's rampant paranoia and pursuit of 'democracy' (or rather, his brand of democracy) is as pertinent and scary today as it was in the 70s - it's strangely resonant of the current US administration, which is chock-full of Flagg wannabes.

'Hot Lips & Empty Arms' is the first episode to elevate Margaret from the movie's stereotype to the show's more rounded individual. The true classic of Season 2, however, is 'The Trial of Henry Blake', which is wonderful from start to finish.

As well as being consistently funny, relevant and compassionate, MASH was also one of the most intellectual and cerebral sitcoms ever broadcast. In 'Officers Only', an obsequious Hot Lips creeps around a visiting dignitary and says, 'I think it's only fitting that a captain be assisted by a major when working on the son of a general, Colonel' only for Hawkeye to add, 'I think you just conjugated the Pentagon.' Great line.

Smart, literate, knowing and witty, Season 2 is MASH at its best.

Seeing memorable, insightful, humourous story telling, almost verging on historical (& hysterical) documents

The dealing with the horror of war is truly insightful and inspiring in its realism.

Every disc has highlights.
The narrative story telling on 'Radars report' and 'dear dad' give good insights.
Special mention of the 'trial of Henry' & 5 o'clock charlie
The dealing of the characters of Frank and Margaret - that slowly open up is good to see.
We see more of the 'family' feel and understanding of the differences between the differences of the characters

1 interesting thought - after turning OFF the inane laughter track - you HAVE to do this - there is a little more time to appreciate the delivery of the sarcasm and quips - only a few milli seconds, but allows you to savour the wit more clearly.

A good buy and because each episode is a unique contained story the 22 min can be a enjoyed even if you have a short time.
There is so much in each show that it seems much longer than actually is.