Henry Blake's Death Didn't Drastically Change MASH, But This Season 1 Episode Did
2024/03/07

ADVERTISEMENT

Henry Blake's death is often cited as the moment that changed MASH, but its transformation into a dramedy began with a season 1 outing. MASH evolved in many ways during its first few years, moving from a sitcom with a not so subtle anti-war message into a medical drama that happened to be funny. This mix of laughter and darkness would have a big impact on the TV shows that came after, with Scrubs being the most obvious example.

ADVERTISEMENT

Showrunner Larry Gelbart and star Alan Alda were both behind this push toward a more dramatic tone in later MASH seasons.

Of course, it was the death of Blake during MASH season 3 that became the show's most infamous moment and informed its more dramatic tone moving forward. Blake had been a popular supporting player on MASH for years, and his abrupt demise shocked audiences. It was also one of the first times on American television that such a major figure was killed off.

ADVERTISEMENT

For many devotees, the season after Blake's death is considered the highlight of the entire show, as it fully embraced blending humor and drama.

MASH Season 1 Episode "Sometimes You Hear The Bullet" Changed The Show

This MASH episode also featured a young Ron Howard

Blake's passing in "Abyssinia, Henry" was undeniably a turning point, but

ADVERTISEMENT

"Sometimes You Hear The Bullet" is the episode that really informed what MASH became. In this outing, Hawkeye is visited by a childhood friend called Tommy Gillis (James T. Callahan), a soldier who is also working on a book called You Never Hear the Bullet. In the finale, a badly wounded Gillis is brought into surgery, where he quickly dies despite Hawkeye's best efforts.

ADVERTISEMENT

Before They Were On Breaking Bad?
2025/03/27
Harley-Davidson Dealerships are Trying to DUMP These 7 Models ASAP!
2025/03/17
KTM motorcycles vs Harley Davidson motorcycles-drag racing
2025/03/16
Epic Harley-Davidson Breakout Meet-up in Austria – Brotherhood, Thunder, and the Open Road!
2025/03/14
120 Years of Harley-Davidson: A Legacy of Freedom, Brotherhood, and Roaring Engines!
2025/03/14
Build Your Dream Ride: Custom Motorcycle Gear and Design for True Harley Lovers!
2025/03/14
Ride Into Freedom: The 2025 Tri Glide Ultra – Chrome or Dark Finish, Built for the Open Road!
2025/03/14
Unleash the Legend: Road King & Heritage Softail – Classic Power Meets Timeless Style!
2025/03/14
If a Harley-Davidson Were a Model: The Ultimate Showpiece of Chrome, Power, and Custom Style!
2025/03/14
I introduce Cleo the cat #cat #catsoftiktok #cattok #kitten #kittensoftiktok #kittenlove #foryou #foryoupage
2025/03/13
Harley-Davidson Is Fully Broke—Why and What's Next?
2025/03/13
Unleashing the Beast: The 2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide RR – Power, Precision, and Pure Freedom!
2025/03/13
It Started Like Any Other Haircut… Until This Shocking Twist Took Over!You Won’t Believe What Happened When This Barber Started Shaving!
2025/03/11
He Thought It Was Just a Regular Haircut… But What Happened Next Will Blow Your Mind!From Dreadlocks to Quiff: This Haircut Twist Will Leave You in Awe!
2025/03/11
Springboks Scandal Explodes! Rassie Erasmus’ Bold Exposé Sends Shockwaves Through Rugby🌍💥🌍
2025/02/16
What Happens When We Die? First-Ever Recording of Dying Brain Offers SHOCKING Clues! 🔥
2025/02/13
Bridgerton Delay: The REAL Reason You Won't See Season 4 Until 2026!
2025/02/07
Yellowstone REJECTED: These Actors REFUSED to Be Part of Taylor Sheridan's New Shows!
2025/02/06
England's Woes: Brian Moore Blasts Itoje and Referee After Controversial Doris Tackle – Is This the Final Straw? 💥⚡
2025/02/06
‘Absolutely Shocking Decision’ – Four Moments From Ireland’s Win Over England Under The Spotlight
2025/02/06