While on leave in Tokyo, Colonel Potter learns that someone from the 4077 has been writing complaints about his leadership. He now faces scrutiny that jeopardizes his retirement benefits. Feeling betrayed, he returns in a foul mood. He's determined to get the 4077 up to spec to satisfy an upcoming surprise inspection, then transfer Stateside to wait out his last year before retirement. Hawkeye and BJ, meanwhile, are resolved to find the snitch and stop them.
Attention, all personnel! Colonel Potter will flatten the nose of anyone in possession of the following tropes:
- Band of Brothers: Potter considers the 4077 to be his family, and is deeply hurt that one of them is attacking his career. Likewise, the 4077 is shocked that anyone would do such a thing, and rally around Potter to fix the situation and reassure him of their loyalty.
- The Big Race: The action plays out around the camp's Kentucky Derby party.
- Failed a Spot Check: Radar finds a letter addressed to the Inspector General (meaning that it's a letter from the person complaining about Potter) but disregards it because it's from a friend of his. Hawkeye and B.J. have to point out to him that there's no way it's a casual letter.
- A Father to His Men: Potter.
- Finding Judas: Hawkeye and BJ spearhead a hunt for the snitch.
- I Need a Freaking Drink: When Potter gets back to his office after leave, he pours and drains a glass as Winchester does his usual complaining about a transfer.
- Prior to that, when informed of the snitch's reports, he puts down his scotch and asks for "rotgut".
- The Mole: The snitch turns out to be Corporal Joe Benson, who was assigned to the 4077 by the inspector general to work undercover. It turns out that a Colonel Webster treated at the 4077 for a minor wound was affronted that he didn't get pushed to the head of the line, so he sent a spy as revenge.
- On Second Thought: Radar absolutely refuses to let B.J. and Hawkeye look through the mail, as it's a federal offense...that is, until they point out The Mole is writing inflammatory letters against Col. Potter and they need to find the letter to expose him, which is when Radar agrees to let them do it, as long as he's there with them.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Everyone is surprised when Col. Potter comes back from his trip to Tokyo snapping at everyone, even Radar.
- Pet the Dog: Despite being furious at B.J. and Hawkeye for breaking into his belongings and reading his diary, as well as being furious with Col. Potter for continuing to deny him a transfer out of the unit, Winchester takes the time to point out to B.J. and Hawkeye that The Mole is most likely writing the inspector general's office, and if they find that letter, they'll find The Mole (see On Second Thought above).
- Remember the New Guy?: Corporal Benson is treated as just another one of the non-extra corpsmen, despite never being in the show before. Turns out there's a reason he's so prominent...
- Screw the Rules, I Have Connections!: A failed off screen attempt at this kick starts the main plot. A Colonel who tried and failed to get priority treatment for a minor wound winds up calling the Inspector General, who sics a stooge on Potter.
- Visual Pun: The cake for the Kentucky Derby party is in the shape of a derby hat.
- We Really Do Care: After they've just barely convinced him to stay, the main characters of the 4077 all show up in Potter's office for a surprise round of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Even Winchester.
- Wham Line: In-Universe - when Col. Potter interrupts the Kentucky Derby party to tell the camp about the surprise inspection that's being planned, everyone is on board with his Rousing Speech about how the personnel will make this camp shine...and then Potter breaks the news after the inspection is over with, he'll be retiring and going home, stunning everyone in the camp.
- What the Hell, Hero?: B.J. and Hawkeye do this to Col. Potter when they find out he's leaving after the surprise inspection. When Potter orders them to Get Out!, and threatens to sic the M.P.'s on them, B.J. points out they also want to know what's going on.
- You Called Me "X"; It Must Be Serious: Hawkeye gets Potter's full attention by using his first name.Hawkeye: Look, Colonel, um... Sherman...Potter: (Looks up)Hawkeye: You could give me a hundred good reasons to leave, and I can't give you one good reason to stay.
(beat)Hawkeye: Stay anyway.Radar: What he said.B.J.: Please.Potter: Well, I'll have to think about it for a while. (*looks at watch*) What the hell, I'll stay.Hawkeye: Thank you, Colonel, you'll regret every minute of it.Potter: I probably will.Radar: Oh-oh. Choppers. Ooh, they sound loaded!Potter: Let's go. (*others all leave his office*) I hate this place.
