A Holy Mess

There are two things going on here. The one important plot involves a private who has gone AWOL after finding out that his fiancée back in the states has given birth. The kicker is that he has been in Korea for a year. He has lost his will and wants to go home. Mulcahy performs his services in the mess tent but the soldier comes and asks for sanctuary. A lieutenant is waiting to arrest him. Even though JAG says that he hasn't this right, it continues. Meanwhile the camp is in an uproar. For the first time in a year, some real eggs have been given to the camp. The fact that the mess tent is in use is keeping them from enjoying their breakfast. Tension is running high. The Father does all he can to keep this guy safe. It's an interesting problem with a lot of implications.

What a great episode. Well written script, compelling story, excellent acting, all rolled up in one half-hour episode. That the writers of a television were able to come up with such a story is remarkable. The chaplain's heroism and the soldier's anguish were aptly portrayed and generated really powerful drama and some strong acting. It's as if the producers of this show had decided that they would try to inject some real drama into the show and explore some topics that some in the audience could find uncomfortable. For this episode deals with questions of ethics and morality that transcend the usual two-dimensional fluff of a Hollywood sitcom and for that reason make this particular episode of MASH special.