When MASH became Alan Alda’s show

[Schmo]

I don’t know which season of MASH was the first one with Alan Alda at the reins. Some people claim the series lost its appeal when AA turned it into a soapbox for his liberal politics. Yet the ratings remained high for most of the show’s run, so a lot of people must have liked what Alda had to say.

[Schmo]

When did Alan Alda take control of “MASH”? Did Burt Metcalfe and Gene Reynolds leave because of him?

[Heenan Fan]

Larry Gelbart left after season 4, Gene Reynolds left after season 5. Alan Alda and Burt Metcalf took over at the beginning of season 6 and stayed in charge for the remainder of the series.

[Schmo]

Originally Posted by Heenan Fan

Larry Gelbart left after season 4, Gene Reynolds left after season 5. Alan Alda and Burt Metcalf took over at the beginning of season 6 and stayed in charge for the remainder of the series.

Alda was already of the main writers and directors by season six.

[torcan]

The show should have ended after 7 seasons. Like many hit shows, it went on too long. The last few seasons were just too much - mainly because of Alda's control.

[DEH55]

Originally Posted by torcan

The show should have ended after 7 seasons. Like many hit shows, it went on too long. The last few seasons were just too much - mainly because of Alda's control.

I have to agree. The last three seasons are pretty painful to watch. Not funny, too heavy handed and the acting with some of the actors got worse. Klinger became downright annoying. Jamie Farr started yelling his dialogue with over the top facial expressions. Every other episode Margaret was saying "dear god" at every tragic moment. After all these years we find out Hawkeye is claustrophobic. Not a hint of that in the previous 9 seasons.lol

[treky]

O DEFINITELY!!! Every other week it was "oh we're doctors and we're nurses...and we're so good because we save lives...and death is such a bummer...and war is hell..." and on and on...
Should have ended when Radar left.

[GentlemanJim]

Originally Posted by Schmo

I don’t know which season of MASH was the first one with Alan Alda at the reins. Some people claim the series lost its appeal when AA turned it into a soapbox for his liberal politics. Yet the ratings remained high for most of the show’s run, so a lot of people must have liked what Alda had to say.

I'd say that it probably is a testimonial to Alan Alda's talents that he was able to carry the show on his own. Tip of the hat to him over that.

But from my perceptions, when his personality fanned out and came to dominate the show, it reduced my enjoyment not only of the show at that time, but I came to look down upon the series even leading up to that time.

"Grandiose" is the word I think that I'm looking for, and once I stated seeing Alda in that light, I could never stop.

[JustaViewer]

MASH needed to either call it quits after three years, or at least continue with the dark comedy of the those seasons, instead of turning it into a drama.
Alda became the 'star' because the show lost two capable actors. They should
have added to the cast in keeping with an ensemble show.
Here is what SHOULD have happened:
Keep the character of Trapper using a different actor.
Use the Duke Forrest character from the book and movie.
Bring back Spearchucker.
Create a good female character to counter Hot Lips.

[RetroGuy2000]

I couldn't stand the later, "Alda" years.

[DEH55]

in the earlier years the sad or tragic things meant more because they didn't dominate the shows. like when Hawkeye's buddy died or when Henry died. but when they are trying to get tear jerkering moments every episode it gets to be too much.

how would Henry, Trapper and Frank have changed if they had stayed on the show? would they turn Frank nice? would Henry and Trapper have stopped cheating on their wives? lol

[treky]

Originally Posted by RetroGuy2000

I couldn't stand the later, "Alda" years.

[Will Dockery]

Originally Posted by GentlemanJim

I'd say that it probably is a testimonial to Alan Alda's talents that he was able to carry the show on his own. Tip of the hat to him over that.

But from my perceptions, when his personality fanned out and came to dominate the show, it reduced my enjoyment not only of the show at that time, but I came to look down upon the series even leading up to that time.

"Grandiose" is the word I think that I'm looking for, and once I stated seeing Alda in that light, I could never stop.

I'm watching the early episodes again after many years and these have many nice touches from the Altman film... all that eventually vanished.

[Edward216]

Originally Posted by JustaViewer

MASH needed to either call it quits after three years, or at least continue with the dark comedy of the those seasons, instead of turning it into a drama.
Alda became the 'star' because the show lost two capable actors. They should
have added to the cast in keeping with an ensemble show.
Here is what SHOULD have happened:
Keep the character of Trapper using a different actor.
Use the Duke Forrest character from the book and movie.
Bring back Spearchucker.
Create a good female character to counter Hot Lips.

They HAD to get rid of Spearchucker Jones, although I agree just having him disappear without any explanation was kind of dumb. The M.A.S.H. producers found out that in the Korean War, M.A.S.H. units were segregated. So the 4077th should've always been all white because they wouldn't have had a black surgeon in the unit. in reality Spearchucker Jones would've been in an all black M.A.S.H. unit, that's just the way it was then.

Ed.

[Edward216]

Originally Posted by Heenan Fan

Larry Gelbart left after season 4, Gene Reynolds left after season 5. Alan Alda and Burt Metcalf took over at the beginning of season 6 and stayed in charge for the remainder of the series.

If I remember, in the last seasons of M.A.S.H.'s run, Alan Alda was also listed in the show's credits as "creative consultant". I think Carroll O'Connor on All In The Family was also listed as "creative consultant" in that show's later seasons too. And I've always wondered but I've never found out what a "creative consultant" on a sitcom is supposed to be or what they do.

Ed.