So, viewing the early episodes , I was struck by just how much some of the characters changed.

So, out of curiosity, I was wondering which character you thought changed the most during the time they were at the 4077th...

I think it's Margaret. She went from being a strict by the book major (not to mention a bitter enemy of Hawkeye) to a kind compassionate woman.

The Hawkeye character. He went from fun loving to just wanting to live out his life peacefully.

The Hawkeye character. He went from fun loving to just wanting to live out his life peacefully.

And that's when a lot of critics say the show jumped the shark (argh!!)

See, I really can't decide between Hawkeye and Margaret which I think changed more...

Radar changed a lot, too I think. He matured.

Charles, too.

I just don't know.

Radar changed a lot, too I think. He matured.


I think everyone changed; but I thought Radar became more innocent acting as the "years" went on..at first he could drink a martini straight without cringing, and when Potter came he could barely choke one down. Maybe a reaction to the trauma of losing father-figure Henry? Hawkeye and Margaret changed the most ; Hawk became more peace-driven and philosophical about WHY they were there and cared more, not so much of a hung-over "The war doesn't touch me"/joker . I think Alan transformed an alien character into more of what was himself and what he believed in. Margaret became less strict and showed a more sensitive side as the war raged on. Charles became more open and accepting, I think a great transaction from the old aristocratic Emerson the third. Even B.J. seemed to change from the joker/naive person into a dedicated life-saver and peace activist along with Hawkeye. I think each actor was able to change their characters into people who had been through a war, knew what death actually was, and what it was to prevent it and save life and appreciate for all that it is. It showed that war changes everyone, positively or negatively, whether it shows or not.