I’m not exactly the toughest guy going around. That said, I’m not exactly the most sensitive new age guy. I see myself as kinda average – probably leaning slightly to the SNAG side, but only ever so slightly. I don’t cry often – though I did cry at the rehearsal for my wedding. That’s right – the rehearsal. It wasn’t even the real thing, she wasn’t in the dress yet when I saw her walking down I cried.
But anyway, this morning I was watching some episodes of M*A*S*H while doing my exercise. And it got to the episode where Radar is told that his Uncle has passed away, and he’s getting sent home. And I cried. I always cry in that episode. I also cry in the episode where Henry is sent home, but his plane gets shot down on his way there. And I’m certain that I’ll cry when I eventually get around to watching the final episode.
Yet, I’ll still watch this show, even though it makes me cry. Why? Because I love M*A*S*H. It’s an incredible show. It captures the entire gamut of emotions, and tackles some really tough issues – while at the same time, being incredibly light-hearted. For example, one episode I watched today that I had forgotten about, Margaret gets accused of being a communist, and is forced into a difficult position where she either gives up the names of her friends who also knew this alleged communist, or is subpoenaed to appear before the council where she will either clear her name – but lose all respect and privileges of rank – or be declared a communist as well. It sounds crazy, but these things actually happened.
There’s an episode that delves into the main characters dreams, in what provides a ghostly and chilling image that I’ll never forget – Hawkeye sitting in a boat, with no arms, unable to help the wounded soldier on the shore. But there’s also an episode that revolves around a boxing fight where they ether up the gloves of Trapper so that the 4077 can win the bout.
I think what makes M*A*S*H great – and other shows like it – is that over the course of the episodes, you get to really know the characters. You sympathise with them. You Empathise with them. Similar shows like this are Friends and Will and Grace. They invite you into their lives, and you feel a part of theirs.
So even though M*A*S*H will continue to make me cry sometimes, I will continue to watch it.
What’s some of your favourite TV shows, and why?
Postaday2011 links
- Old Films – Gotta love ’em (smilesintherain.wordpress.com)
- The Frozen Milk Debate (eleanorcalledella.wordpress.com)
- Fear of Success & Transformation (thoughtsinmyheart.wordpress.com)
- Truth & Beauty (stufish7.wordpress.com)