Margaret Houlihan and Hawkeye Pierce had great chemistry in MASH, but an original actor explains why they never got together. Known for her passionate love life, Margaret had several love interests throughout her time in the 4077. As the only main female character in the show, MASH toyed with the idea of her being with someone after she and Frank Burns fizzled out. One of her most interesting pairings, however, was with Alan Alda's Captain Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce.
Speaking with Yahoo! Entertainment, Loretta Swit explained why she thought Hawkeye and Margaret never got together in MASH. She cited that the pair's relationship may not have turned romantic, but they deeply loved each other. The actor also referenced MASH season 6's "Comrade In Arms" — a two-part episode that explored the possibility of their romance as a turning point for their dynamic.
Hawkeye and Margaret were MASH's take on the will they/won't they trope, but in a more subtle way.
In its earliest years, Margaret was mostly defined by her relationship with Burns. Swit and Larry Linville had great chemistry, so even if it didn't make sense that she would be engaged in an extra-marital affair due to her strong morals, the show kept them together. Before that, she had a very active dating life, explaining how Margaret was nicknamed "Hot Lips."MASH also tried developing a love triangle between her, Trapper McIntyre, and Charles Emerson, but nothing stuck.
However, Margaret and Hawkeye's flirtations were always more electric and intriguing.
