The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Andrew (son) Jane and Molly (daughters) Unnamed newborn son (born during Season 1 episode "Showtime") McLean Stevenson (11/14/27 - 02/15/96) played COL Henry Blake in Colonel Henry Blake [3] When Stevenson decided to leave the series partway through the third season, producers Gene Reynolds and Larry Gelbart decided to make a statement regarding the unexpectancies and horror of war, especially with the Vietnam War fresh in viewers' minds. WebM*A*S*H was both a television series and a movie, so several actors played the same character. Henry Blake, the lovable and bumbling commanding officer of the 4077th on M*A*S*H, was killed in a helicopter crash off-screen. submitted a fishing fly that once belonged to Henry; he suggested that it should symbolize all of the men who never made it back home. WebOn the rare occasion when Henry actually stood his ground the maverick captains would criticize Henry for not being one of the guys; for example, when Henry decided to send a lost Korean boy to an orphanage, accurately insisting that the unit wasn't qualified enough to look after him, Hawkeye called him a villain, which offended Henry. (1941-1984). Henry is being discharged because he has earned enough points. Rogers didnt decide to leave until after season three, so his departure from the show couldnt be planned with an entire episode. The creators and also the network granted his wish. The episode, titled The Colonels Last Flight, aired on February 28, 1975, and was the shows 16th episode. That was gracious. Major Margaret Houlihan and Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger both got married (Margaret in person, Klinger over the phone) and divorced during their service at the 4077th. Stevenson was recovering from bladder cancer surgery at the Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center on February 15, 1996, when he suffered a sudden fatal heart attack. The 4077th were happy for him. 1970s / Henry Blake Killed On MASH. He was killed in a plane crash while on his way home from the war. Though Henry was a capable doctor and a decent man, he was largely ineffectual as a commanding officer, though in his defense, Henry never professed to be a great leader, and was fully aware that he was in over his head as commander. He left the show at the Season 3 finale. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". All were short-lived, and he later conceded that leaving MASH was the mistake of his career. This highly rated episode remains notable for its shocking ending: the (off-screen) death of Colonel Henry Blake.. Up until this point, death had largely been avoided as a topic on television. In the season 3 finale "Abyssinia, Henry", Henry had earned all his rotation points and was qualified for discharge. How Did Tom Sizemore Die? Or, they applauded it. As M*A*S*H progressed, Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye, became the starring male lead, and others The episode is notable for its shocking ending, in which the unit's amiable commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (played by McLean Stevenson) receives an honorable discharge and leaves for home, but in the final scene is reported killed by enemy fire. Episodes following this represented a major change in focus for the show; the individual effects and psychological damages of war were explored more, often in parallel to the ending of the Vietnam War, and the Korean culture was portrayed in greater depth than had been done before, instead of focusing on a "boorish, military mindset" as before. The odd thing is, both actors died within hours of each other in real life. Burghoff was born in Bristol, Connecticut, moved to Clinton, Connecticut, and then later moved to Delavan, Wisconsin. scene was cut from the episode. The plot of that film centers on two married people who become attracted to each other, start spending more time together, but never actually sleep together before deciding to part ways. We were working on the story of McLean leaving. In Dear Dad, Hawkeye described Henry as a good doctor and a pretty good Joe, but then likened Henry's command style to "being on a sinking liner, running to the bridge and finding out the captain is Daffy Duck". So why did they do it? Blakes death showed that television could be more than just entertainment and it revolutionized the medium. Radar was visibly emotional throughout the whole episode. But more than that, it was a turning point for television. The night before Blake left, Hawkeye, Trapper John and Radar threw a going-away party for him. The creators and also the network granted his wish. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Henry claimed in one episode to be the best diagnostician in Bloomington, Illinois. The creators wanted fans to experience the loss associated with war, so they ultimately decided to kill Blake off. Harry Morgan, as Sherman Potter, took over the 4077th. As the tone of the series had evolved to more The moment went down as one of the most memorable in the shows long run. Weight: First appeared in: . There were no survivors. [18], As a result, when the cast returned to begin filming the series' fourth season in September 1975, there were major changes in both the makeup and the direction of the show. Blake, Commanding officer of the 4077th. Whatever the reason, it worked. RELATED: Ten Of The Saddest Moments From M*A*S*H. Is Colonel Blake from MASH still alive? The episode ended with Henry Blakes helicopter going down off the coast of Japan, off-screen. Trapper and Hawkeye make joking comments, but Radar announces, "I have a message. Henry is being discharged because he has earned enough points. Blake put friendship above his command, but there was the rare occasion when he had little choice but to assert his authority, which he did firmly, albeit uncomfortably. He died in the final episode of the show, which aired in 1983. He left the show at the Season 3 finale. Blakes death was a turning point for the show. Gin is a flavored spirit, flavored with Juniper berry s. NOTE: Gwen Farrell is not related to Mike Farrell (B.J. One is that the actor who played Henry Blake, McLean Stevenson, wanted to leave the show and they couldnt come to an agreement on his contract. On the rare occasion when Henry actually stood his ground the maverick captains would criticize Henry for not being one of the guys; for example, when Henry decided to send a lost Korean boy to an orphanage, accurately insisting that the unit wasn't qualified enough to look after him, Hawkeye called him a villain, which offended Henry. Why did Frank Burns leave? In fact, CBS's distaste with the episode was so great that during a later rerun of the episode, the final O.R. After the production of this episode, both Stevenson and Wayne Rogers, who played the character of Trapper John McIntyre, left the series to pursue other interests. Loretta Swit said it was because he was tired of being in an ensemble and wanted to be number one. (This is also confirmed by MASH writer Ken Levine) The departure would take place the last episode of the third season. But Gelbart and fellow creator Gene Reynolds used his exit to drum up emotion. Henry was referenced in several subsequent episodes, most notably in "The Late Captain Pierce", "Period of Adjustment", "Depressing News", and "As Time Goes By". How much money did Alan Alda make on MASH? "[13], In 1997, TV Guide included this episode in their list of the "100 Greatest Episodes of All Time," ranking it number 20. "[7] Many of those who objected also cited the fact that M*A*S*H was considered a situation comedy, and that Blake's "cheap" killing did not belong in the show; one caller to Reynolds stated after the episode aired that they "don't know why [they] did it; it's not necessary, it's just a little comedy show" and that "you've upset everybody [in the family]," before vowing never to watch the show again. (, During the first three seasons, Henry is absent in the episodes ", "It's entirely possible that Henry's wife Lorraine did not, in fact, cheat on him (to the extent that he had cheated on her), in that she referenced the 1945 film Brief Encounter. Written by Fritzell, Jim and Greenbaum, Everett. Actor McLean Stevenson, who played Henry Blake, had grown unhappy on the show and wanted to leave to pursue other opportunities. When the series concluded in 1981, the bear mysteriously disappeared for nearly 30 years, prompting my non-ending search for my little on-camera companion and friend. Henrys Exit In the third seasons finale, Abyssinia, Henry, Blake had finally gained enough points to get him discharged from the unit. But Gelbart and fellow creator Gene Reynolds used his exit to drum up emotion. He repeatedly refused to give Corporal Klinger his devoutly-wished Section Eight for being mentally unstable, despite all the exuberant dresses and ludicrous schemes Klinger concocted in order to convince his superiors that he was insane. Relatives/Children: However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. He was portrayed by Harry Morgan, and replaced the departing character of Henry Blake as commander of the 4077th MASH. Some time later, while the three remaining doctors were in surgery, a visibly shocked Radar came in to report that Henry's plane had been shot down over the Sea of Japan and everyone on board was killed. In Suzy Kalter's book The Complete Book of M*A*S*H, Jamie Farr (Klinger) relates his own version of the events leading up to the scene in which Radar announces Henry's death. When Nancy leaves camp, Henry strangely finds himself relieved that she is now gone. Spouse(s): According to multiple accounts, one most famously from co-star Loretta Swift, corroborated by writer Ken Levine, McLean left because he wanted to be No. Why did Frank Burns leave? What is the reflection of the story of princess urduja? the CBS television comedy M*A*S*H from 1974-75. Your email address will not be published. Lorraine was most likely feeling guilty for just considering an affair." One is that the actor who played Henry Blake, McLean Stevenson, wanted to leave the show and they couldnt come to an agreement on his contract. The character of Trapper John McIntyre was subsequently written off the series in Welcome to Korea, the first episode of the next season. When she arrives in camp she forgets about Henry and quickly develops a thing for Hawkeye. Conversely, he was also a considerable drinker; in To Market, To Market, when his treasured 100-year-old antique oak desk was stolen by Hawkeye and Trapper to trade for desperately needed medical supplies, Henry's initial concern was whether someone had broken into his liquor cabinet. Stevenson didnt say a word afterward and later went to his trailer and cried, skipping the wrap party. In the premiere of season four, Hawkeye learned that Trapper John had been discharged. Another is that the producers wanted to shake things up and create some drama for the show. WebM*A*S*H was both a television series and a movie, so several actors played the same character. According to multiple accounts, one most famously from co-star Loretta Swift, corroborated by writer Ken Levine, McLean left because he wanted to be No. In the 1970 movie MASH, Henry Blake was portrayed by Roger Bowen. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. WebThe episode is notable for its shocking ending, in which the unit's amiable commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (played by McLean Stevenson) receives an honorable discharge and leaves for home, but in the WebThe episode is notable for its shocking ending, in which the unit's amiable commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (played by McLean Stevenson) receives an honorable discharge and leaves for home, but in the In the TV series, Henry is a reservist called up to active duty from his private practice in his hometown of Bloomington, Illinois. The departure took place in the last episode of the third season. His strongest bond in Korea was to Radar, for whom Henry became something of a father figure. We wanted to say a lot of boys dont make it home.. [14], In 2005, TV Land included this episode as part of its "Top 100 Most Unexpected Moments in TV History", ranking it number 15.[15]. Loretta Swit said it was because he was tired of being in an ensemble and wanted to be number one . (This is also confirmed by MASH writer Ken Levine) The departure would take place the last episode of the third season. Roger Bowen (born May 25, 1932 died February 16, 1996) was an American comedic actor and novelist, known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake in the 1970 film MASH. [9] Another, more lighthearted response to the episode came from an unhappy viewer in Lubbock, Texas, who sent a telegram stating that "Henry Blake has been found in a raft in Lake Lubbock. Just send him home. He and Radar embrace before Henry gets back on the chopper to leave camp for the final time. He was in charge of the 4077th. Farrell was one heck of a Captain Hunnicutt and such a great counterpart to Alan Alda. Not everybody, not every kid gets to go back to Bloomington, Illinois. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Henry is being discharged because he has earned enough points. However, it is later revealed that he did not die in the crash and was instead captured by the North Koreans. McLean said, I wanna get off the show, so we finally made a deal with him: Finish the year. 6'3" Lorraine is an excellent cook, but irresponsible with money and, according to Henry, acted like Frank Burns in drag-(in fact in a film she sent to Henry of herself and their children she is actaully not bad looking) she also has a fistful of credit cards and $3,500 worth of Bridgework in her teeth (of which Henry owes $1,700). Vanderpump Rules Stars Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix Split After Following Cheating Allegations. As M*A*S*H progressed, Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye, became the starring male lead, and others Even when they were alive, there were other odd coincidences. McLean said, I wanna get off the show, so we finally made a deal with him: Finish the year. He will be missed by all who knew him. One plot hole is Blake being a Lt Col after only being in the service 10 years {Since Dec 1941}; according to the 1959 US Army Almanic [p.148] the allowed service of time to rise up to the rank of Lt. Col. is 21 Years service; in real life his 10 years in the service rank would be that of Captain (US Army Alamanic service time 7 years). As the tone of the series had evolved to more serious storylines, Linville felt that he had taken the Frank Burns character, which had become increasingly one-dimensional, as far as he could, and chose to leave the series to pursue other roles. In The Trial of Henry Blake, Hawkeye and Trapper fought to secure Henry's command when Margaret and Frank brought formal charges against him for, as they put it, giving aid and comfort to the enemy. RIP McLean and Roger. Henry dared him to do it saying "He's done it so many times I've got footprints on my scalp". The cast was stunned when they learned about Blakes death. McLean Stevenson as Henry Blake in the M*A*S*H TV series. He was in charge of the 4077th. The next morning, Frank attempts to assemble the company for a formal send-off, but Hawkeye and Trapper are out of uniform and unshaven, and Corporal Klinger (Jamie Farr) wears a particularly elaborate dress made specially for the occasion. "Over the River and Through the Woods" (, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 17:29. Rogers. Henry's affectionate individual goodbyes to the others are cut short by the imminent arrival of his helicopter, but Hawkeye pulls him aside and persuades him to give a long parting kiss to Margaret, to her surprise and Frank's annoyance. The odd thing is, both actors died within hours of each other in real life. The creators and also the network granted his wish. In reality, the Army stopped using the point system after World War II, and doctors were never rotated according to points. They don't complain about that because it is unfelt violence, it is unfelt trauma. The episode of M*A*S*H in which Henry Blake died is one of the most famous and well-known episodes in television history. It showed that even in a comedy, life could be full of tragedy. After the news of Colonel Blake's death shocked the world, the very next night during her opening monologue on her musical variety show, Cher introduced Stevenson as her guest star, saying that he was "missing in action"; the video briefly cut away to a shot of Stevenson, in costume as Henry, rowing a raft as he looked straight into the camera and said, "Hey guys, Im OK. Im OK!" B.J. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. A Katherine Baumann played a 21 year old girlfriend. He is eventually released and returns to the 4077th, but dies shortly thereafter from his injuries. However, the army will credit time for civilian professional experience for commissioning officers with essential skills, such as medical doctors, and he may have received such credit. He wanted more of a starring, instead of a supporting, role in the series, and he thought he could do better because "everyone loved Henry". He was a skilled surgeon and a good friend to all of his staff. WebOriginally Answered: On the TV show M*A*S*H Why was colonel Blake killed off? The Hollywood Reporter did an oral history on the award-winning show back in 2018. The more earnest and faithful family man Captain B.J. "4/22/1979 - Steve Martin / The Blues Brothers" (, 37. Gary was born with a rare condition called Poland syndrome. Gene and I thought we should use the departure of the character in some meaningful fashion. He left the show at ("Abyssinia", pronounced "ab-ee-SIN-ee-ah" can be understood as "I'll be seeing you".)[1]. Henrys Exit In the third seasons finale, Abyssinia, Henry, Blake had finally gained enough points to get him discharged from the unit. Instead, he welcomed B.J. Look, I'm a doctor. This highly rated episode remains notable for its shocking ending: the (off-screen) death of Colonel Henry Blake.. The Ottumwa native was fictionalized as Radar OReilly in the 1968 novel MASH by Richard Hornberger who wrote under the pen name Richard Hooker. In the Richard Hooker novels and Robert Altman film, Henry Blake remained in command at the 4077th after Hawkeye and Duke went home. They knew the public may be confused since they were both best known for playing the same character. Who is Jason crabb mother and where is she? His tenacity nearly cost him his life when, in Cowboy, he stubbornly refused to let a distraught helicopter pilot go on leave to see his wife, and the nearly unbalanced pilot almost killed Blake four times. What episode of Mash did Henry Blake die? Their charge was a half-truth, as Henry had sent some medical supplies to Nurse Meg Cratty, who operated a civilian clinic in North Korea. Another time while drunk he claims he was sent to Korea after attending a party with a 30-year career military medical general; when the general made a remark about a coffee enema, Blake foolishly responded, "with cream and sugar?". Why did Frank Burns leave? We decided his character could, not should, could die. Blue Another is that the producers wanted to shake things up and create some drama for the show. supporting, role in the series, and he thought he could do better ", (Comforting Hawkeye after the death of a friend) "If I had all the answers I'd be at the Mayo Clinic. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. In 1975 Stevenson decided to leave the show. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Home: You made my little kid cry! You did it as vengeance! We got a letter from a 15-year-old girl who said she understood our motives. "[11], In Bobbie Ann Mason's 1985 novel In Country, the teenage protagonist recalls having watched the episode as a child and being "so shocked she went around stunned for days," and confesses that Blake's death on the show had seemed more real to her than the death of her own father in Vietnam. (Ironically, during the real Korean War, a non-hostile air crash occurred in the sea of Japan in Sept 1950 and at least one medical personnel, US Air Force Medical Squadron Captain Vera Brown, was killed.). The episode centers on Henry leaving the 4077th MASH for the final time. Henry and Radar share a sentimental moment in which young Radar describes Henry as a father figure, and gives Henry an inscribed Winchester cartridge; a surprised Henry returns the favor by spontaneously giving Radar a rectal thermometer that once belonged to his father. She agreed to go out with Henry after he begged her, and he proposed to her on their first date. We were working on the story of McLean leaving. WebThe episode is notable for its shocking ending, in which the unit's amiable commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (played by McLean Stevenson) receives an honorable discharge and leaves for home, but in the Under Henry's watch, Hawkeye and Trapper repeatedly got away with numerous shenanigans, either because Henry looked the other way, or they were able to manipulate him into seeing things their way. Sandy Brown He was portrayed by Harry Morgan, and replaced the departing character of Henry Blake as commander of the 4077th MASH. Rank: "Pilot" (M*A*S*H TV series, Season 1 opening) On a later occasion (Life With Father), he gets a letter from Lorraine permitting him to cheat on her, but he jumps to the conclusion that she had cheated on him; when she told him over the phone that she was only attracted to someone else (See comment below], which hurt, but what hurt Henry even more was that the other man was an orthodontist. As the tone of the series had evolved to more Writing a character off a show can be a simple task, especially for a popular part like Henry Blake. Trapper and Hawkeye threw him a big farewell party where everyone said their goodbye to him. McLean Stevenson/Date of death. It also proved that television could handle complex issues like death with sensitivity and intelligence. ", "Ever since the dark days before Pearl Harbor, I've been proud to wear this uniform". Henry is married to Lorraine (called "Mildred" throughout Season 1), and they have three children, Jane, Molly and Andrew, the latter of whom was born shortly after Henry shipped out for Korea. The creators and also the network granted his wish. Henry Blake was a Korean War veteran and the commanding officer of the 4077th M*A*S*H unit. He wanted more of a starring, instead of a supporting, role in the series, and he thought he could do better because "everyone loved Henry". M*A*S*H Cast and Crew Once Discussed Making Heartbreaking Lt. Creator Larry Gelbart discussed the controversial decision and why it was the right way to end Blakes run on the show. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. [10], Not all reaction to the airing was negative. Bloomington, Illinois, USA Its not often in your life that you see people stunned, Gelbart said. Appearances But as doctors, theyre forced to continue with their jobs despite their grief.

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