Line #73 Recap/MashS4E2ChainOfCommand


1	News comes in the mail that Frank Burns is being removed from the position of commanding officer of the 4077th. Something like this should be cause for celebration, as Hawkeye initially thinks, but soon he and the other [=MASHers=] are on edge about finding out Frank's replacement will be a career army doctor, leading them to assume the worst that the 4077th will soon be in the hands of a harder, more militant tyrant than Frank.
2
3	----
4	!!Attention! Attention, all personnel! Our new C.O. will deliver the following tropes:
5	* BaitAndSwitchTyrant: Everyone's afraid that Potter, as a career soldier, would be one of these. However, he's actually a ReasonableAuthorityFigure that knows exactly what he (and everyone else) should be doing.
6	* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: Played With. Hawkeye is at first overjoyed with the news Frank is no longer going to be commanding officer, mentioning to B.J. that he's been sticking pins in a Frank Burns doll for a year. Ecstatic, he reads the letter about the replacement until he reaches an important line [[OhCrap and his face falls.]] However, by the end of the episode, when Potter reveals a reasonable side to him, Hawkeye knows they have a good leader replacing Henry.
7	--> '''Hawkeye''': Colonel Sherman Potter. Surgeon. Medical. ({{beat}}) USA?!\
8	'''B.J.''': ''[turns to Radar]'' Regular army?\
9	'''Radar''': Career man.\
10	'''B.J.''': ''[eyes Hawkeye]'' Trouble?\
11	'''Hawkeye''': An army doctor! He'll have people bleeding by the numbers. He's got to be a loser, or why would they dump him in a MASH? ({{beat}}) A career man. That's even worse than Frank, who's neither one or the other.
12	* CallBack: A subtle, yet poignant one. Radar tanning himself with a silver tray is a call back to Henry doing the same thing in [[Recap/MashS2E20AsYouWere "As You Were"]].
13	* ChewingTheScenery:
14	** Larry Linville proves himself as a legendary and underrated comedy actor when Frank Burns drops his stoic facade after learning he's no longer going to be commanding officer of the 4077th and unleashes a full-blown, exaggerated but nonetheless realistic childish tantrum. See the ManChild entry below for the full scene.
15	** Klinger, on his way to introduce himself to Colonel Potter, is met by Radar who bars his way into the colonel's office. Klinger proceeds to try to get by him.
16	---> '''Radar''': Klinger, '''[[BigNo NO!]]'''\
17	'''Klinger''': I saw him pull in. This is my chance.\
18	'''Radar''': He's got a saddle.\
19	'''Klinger''': I don't care.\
20	'''Radar''': He's regular army.\
21	'''Klinger''': And I'm regular crazy.
22	* CommonalityConnection:
23	** Radar is pleasantly surprised Colonel Potter started from the ground up as an enlisted man in the Army ranks rather than being made an immediate officer like the other doctors he's known. They also share a love of animals (horses for Potter, smaller mammals for Radar).
24	** After a night of surgery, Potter is invited to attend a drinking session with Hawkeye and B.J. at the Swamp, and goes on to drunkenly regale the two with the story of how he built a still of his own back in World War II.
25	* CoveredInMud: Frank returns to the 4077th this way after running off.
26	* DeadpanSnarker: As he is moving back into the Swamp, Frank roughly takes Klinger aside to inform him that he was very close to forcing the corporal to stop wearing dresses. Klinger refutes the claim in this way.
27	--> '''Frank:''' "Another week and I'd have had you out of those dresses."
28	--> '''Klinger''': "I'm not that easy."
29	* DefrostingIceKing: In his earliest scenes, Colonel Potter is a strict, elderly commander who wants his tenure as commanding officer to be endured without fuss. Then, once he goes through a session of surgery and remembers his lifetime of experiences, he winds down, accepting an offer from B.J. and Hawkeye for a round of drinks at the Swamp. By the next morning, he has softened his initial stance, allowing the [=MASHers=] to run as casually as usual.
30	* DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment: When Colonel Potter tells Radar he wants all the other officers to report to him, Radar delivers the order over the PA in this manner.
31	--> '''Radar''': Attention! By command of the new commanding officer, all officers report to the commanding officer's office, sirs.
32	* DeskJockey: After surgery, Potter admits he actually spent the last two years behind a desk. He was actually worried he had lost his touch, so he's relieved he still has the skills.
33	* DoubleTake: Colonel Potter once asks Radar why he has his nickname. Although Radar answers him honestly, Potter disbelieves in the corporal's alleged ability and starts to walk out of the office without saying where he's going.
34	--> '''Radar''': The officer's latrine is to the right, sir.\
35	'''Colonel Potter''': Thank you. ''[stops, realising, and stares back at Radar]''
36	* DudeWheresMyRespect: Frank is in this mood after he's had command stripped away from him and he's had to move back into the Swamp.
37	--> '''Frank''': Fine thanks I get. I took a sloppy, slipshod organisation and turned it into a smooth-running model of efficiency, and I'm tossed aside.
38	* DueToTheDead:
39	** Frank gives a mildly heartwarming one towards the late Henry Blake after he instantly recognizes he had been disrespectful to the colonel's memory when noting the messy state Henry left the office in before [[Recap/MashS3E24AbyssiniaHenry his fateful departure]].
40	---> '''Frank''': What a slob that man was. ''[{{beat}}]'' May he rest in peace.
41	** With Frank out of the Swamp, Hawkeye and B.J. set up a makeshift bar where his cot used to be and dedicated it to Henry's memory. When Frank has to move back in, Hawkeye reluctantly takes the bar apart, saying in all sincerity, "Sorry, Henry."
42	* EyeTake: After being informed Colonel Potter hasn't been in an operating theater for two years, Hawkeye gets worried the man might slip up when a batch of wounded is brought in. Not only does Potter not slip up, he also gently guides B.J. through a troublesome surgery, surprising Hawkeye; Hawkeye had quietly told Margaret to get ready to step in if Potter had issues.
43	--> '''Colonel Potter''': [My hands] were pretty shaky going in, I gotta tell ya. Sittin' behind a desk for two years, I thought I might have lost my touch. But I guess surgery's just like riding a bicycle. Once you learn it, you never forget.
44	* FeedbackRule: Radar experiences this with his microphone, disgruntledly pushing it to the side after he's finished using it.
45	* FirstAppearance: He technically already appeared at the end of "Welcome in Korea", but this episode gives us Potter's first day from his arrival to the next day.
46	* FiveSecondForeshadowing:
47	** After he sets up the administration office for Colonel Potter, Radar freezes and Colonel Potter asks him what the matter is. Radar answers there's choppers coming in. Potter listens and replies he doesn't hear a thing. One second later, he can.
48	** When Klinger tries to get his Section 8, there's a quick close-up of Potter looking at him. The complete look of disinterest on Potter's face clue viewers into how Klinger's about to fail.
49	* {{Foreshadowing}}:
50	** Frank, there is a very good reason why Radar didn't follow your order of delivering the day's mail to you first.
51	** When Frank tells Klinger that had he been in command a week longer, he would have had the corporal stop wearing dresses. Klinger retorts to the major he's not that easy. Later, when trying to prove himself crazy to the newly-arrived Colonel Potter, the colonel sternly orders him out of the dress and to stay in uniform.
52	---> '''Klinger''': Radar, I'm finished. I gotta burn my bloomers.
53	* FreudianSlip: After reviewing Margaret's file, Colonel Potter notes her exemplary record. Margaret beams with pride, standing dutifully at attention, resulting in her being unaware that the colonel is moving onto Frank's file and misinterpreting his next question being for her to answer.
54	--> '''Colonel Potter''': Major Frank Burns?\
55	'''Margaret''': Just friends, sir.
56	* TheGhost: Sergent Zale is referenced in an old supply order
57	* HappilyMarried: While Radar helps set up the office, Potter talks about his beloved Mildred, insists her photo always be on his desk, and how he salutes her (or her photo, as the case may be) every morning. It's the first indication he's not the gruff authoritarian he's initially thought to be.
58	* HiddenDepths:
59	** When Frank announces at the very start of the episode that he is going to outlaw gambling at the camp, Margaret defends the activity, knowing that it gives the [=MASHers=] something to look forward to.
60	---> '''Frank''': Margaret, you're beginning to sound like Blake. Soft.
61	** Potter is introduced being all business, but he quickly reveals his fondness for horses. He's also a Methodist and is up for singing during services. He's later quite open about his beloved wife and his daily ritual paying her good morning half a world away.
62	* JawDrop: Radar, after discovering that within minutes of taking command, Colonel Potter has done something that Henry Blake, Frank Burns and many others had failed to do: get Klinger to stop wearing dresses and instead put on a military uniform.
63	* JerkassHasAPoint: Frank may have been rude about it, but let's be honest: who wants kidney beans and applesauce in the same bite?
64	* LoopholeAbuse: Potter orders Klinger to wear "GI"-style clothing. By the end of the episode he is wearing a female sailor uniform.
65	* ManChild: This episode further showcases Frank's startling lack of maturity.
66	** Upon learning the Army has already found a replacement and that he will be out of command, Frank feigns nonchalance over this. [[BaitAndSwitch However, when he and Margaret go back to the tents...]]
67	---> '''Frank:''' ''(stamping his feet and wailing)'' [[BigNo NONONONONO!]] IT'S NOT FAIR, IT'S NOT FAIR! IT'S ''MY'' M.A.S.H! It's mine! It's mine, mine, mine!
68	** Right after this, Margaret tries to comfort him to no avail.
69	---> '''Margaret''': I know, darling. There there.\
70	'''Frank''': I already wrote Mommy.\
71	'''Margaret''': Your mother will understand.\
72	'''Frank''': I mean my wife.\
73	'''Margaret''': ''[visibly offended]'' Buzz off!\
74	'''Frank''': ''[retorts loudly as she leaves]'' You'll all be sorry when I'm gone! You'll see! ''[starts holding his breath]''
75	** He then proceeds to run away from from the base like a child, only to return by episode's end wet, hungry and dirty with a bruise on his face.
76	* TheNeidermeyer: This is what Hawkeye and B.J. initially believe Potter would be when he first arrives; a regular army blowhard who'll end up slowing them down in the O.R. Potter eventually proves them both wrong. See ReasonableAuthorityFigure below.
77	* NoodleIncident:
78	** Between the end of the previous episode and this one, Hawkeye and B.J. burned down a latrine when having a "weenie roast." Hawkeye also stole a steam shovel in Tokyo (he couldn't get a cab) and had a chicken flown to the camp claiming it was a patient (it could tap-dance).
79	** While having drinks, Potter admits he had a still while stationed in Guam. It blew up, and he ended up getting a Purple Heart by lying about what really happened.
80	* NoSell: Klinger introduces himself to Colonel Potter dressed in sparkling, golden regalia, a pearl necklace, white opera gloves, and a silver tiara complete with a white purse hanging from one arm in a bid to prove to the new commander that he's crazy.
81	--> '''Klinger''': ''[saluting]'' Colonel Potter, sir. Corporal Klinger. I'm Section Eight, head to toe. I'm wearing a Warner bra. I play with dolls. My last wish is to be buried in my mother's wedding gown. I'm nuts. I should be out.\
82	'''Colonel Potter''': ''[salutes back]'' ({{beat}}) [[EstablishingCharacterMoment Horse]] [[CurseOfTheAncients hockey]].\
83	''[Klinger's face falls]''\
84	'''Colonel Potter''': [[SeenItAll I've seen these dodges for forty years. All the tricks. Knew a private pretended he was a mare. Carried a colt in his arms for weeks. Another fella said he was a daisy, insisted we water him every morning.]] No, no, Corporal. It ain't gonna go with me.
85	* NoSympathy: In response to Margaret saying Frank left, Hawkeye and B.J. just laugh over a grown man running away from home like a child would and make light of the whole thing. Margaret has to lie to him that people actually missed him.
86	* ObsessivelyOrganized: When Frank reprimands Igor for the way he serves food at the mess tent, he orders Igor to keep the servings in standardised compartments. Igor tries to respond appropriately but Frank comes down harder on him, leading to a funny ShoutOut moment that [[ArmorPiercingResponse that leaves both Margaret and Frank speechless]] [[CantBelieveISaidThat and Igor confused.]]
87	--> '''Frank''': Seargent, I want standardization of compartments. When I look down a table at a row of trays, I want to see beans, beans, beans, beans. Potatoes, potatoes, potatoes, potatoes. Apple sauce, apple sauce, apple sauce, apple sauce. Got that?\
88	'''Igor''': Yes.\
89	'''Frank''': Yes, what?\
90	'''Igor''': Yes sir.\
91	'''Frank''': Yes sir, what?\
92	'''Igor''': ''[stammers]'' Yes sir, yes sir...three bags full?
93	* OhCrap: Radar is shirtless and enjoying a suntan outside the administration building when a Jeep rolls up. Its driver and sole occupant beeps the horn to get his attention. Radar ignores it, leading the man to get out of the Jeep and beep the horn a second time.
94	--> '''Radar''': Stick that horn in your ear.\
95	''({{beat}})''\
96	'''Colonel Potter''': On your feet, soldier. I'm Colonel Potter.\
97	'''Radar''': [[EyeTake Oh boy]].
98	* OutOfCharacterAlert: When they go with Radar to inform Frank he's going to be replaced as commanding officer, Hawkeye and B.J. expect Frank to erupt into a full-blown tantrum. They are therefore surprised and a little unnerved when he instead expresses a StiffUpperLip and quietly leaves the scene with Margaret.
99	* ReasonableAuthorityFigure:
100	** This is what Potter turns out to be in this episode, and all episodes after.
101	** Margaret shows her dutiful side for surgery when she agrees to Hawkeye's request to work with Potter and observe if he needs help after being out of the surgery room for so long, beginning a trend of having Margaret assigned to new surgeons and surgeons that they have concerns about.
102	* SeenItAll: Potter has been in the army for 40 years, so he has seen all kinds of Section 8 attempts that make Klinger's cross-dressing seem routine by comparison. A solider that pretended to be a mare and another that insisted he was a daisy are apparently just the tip of the iceberg. Hawkeye and B.J.'s antics listed under NoodleIncident don't surprise him, either. He's arguably more concerned about Hawkeye's sharp tongue in the meeting than anything else.
103	* ShoutOut:
104	** Hawkeye mentions that Table 27 of the Henry Blake Memorial Bar is usually reserved for Cesar Romero, even referencing the man's omnipresent mustache.
105	** At their drinking session towards the end of the episode, Hawkeye, B.J. and Potter toast several people, including Black Jack Pershing, Montgomery Ward, UsefulNotes/HarryTruman and Creator/MyrnaLoy. [[RunningGag And their orchestra]].
106	** Klinger notes that the dress he wears in the final scene is from the Creator/ShirleyTemple collection.
107	* StandardSnippet: Hawkeye, B.J. and Colonel Potter sing ''There's A Long Long Trail A-Winding'' during their drinking session.
108	* TheSummation: Colonel Potter gives his displeased first impression of the officers he has under his new command at the conclusion of his meeting with them.
109	--> '''Colonel Potter''': Colourful officers, I must say. Well, that is one thing I do not need. I would greatly appreciate it if, for the next eighteen months, you keep your noses clean. Dismissed.
110	* TitleDrop: Frank, after being given the news that command of the unit is being taken away from him.
111	--> '''Frank''': If you'll all excuse me, I'd best prepare for the change of command.
112	* {{Troll}}:
113	** Hawkeye lightly mocks Margaret standing at attention whenever Colonel Potter addresses her at the meeting.
114	** After Margaret entrusts him and B.J. with the reason why Frank was unable to attend the officers' meeting, Hawkeye's single response is to laugh and try to tell the whole camp about it through the PA.
115	* WrongAssumption: A pair of these when Klinger comes to the Swamp with a rash:
116	** Hawkeye asks if the reason Klinger has a rash is because he's visited one of the business girls at Rosie's Bar.
117	---> '''Klinger''': No, no. They don't like me. They're jealous of my clothes.
118	** B.J. follows by asking if "any of {Klinger's] freckles have started moving."
119	---> '''Klinger:''' Oh, no. If you're referring to [[UnusualEuphemism tiny livestock]], sir, I'm ''very'' careful about that!
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Context Recap / MashS4E2ChainOfCommand