It’s time for the annual physicals at the 4077th unit, hence the third season show, M*A*S*H: Check-Up. There’s a bunch of small scale antics, ranging from Henry Blake examining Radar O’Reilly and Hawkeye Pierce examining Hot Lips Houlihan. The big story, though, comes when Trapper John McIntyre reveals he has an ulcer. What he hasn’t thought of is that the ulcer could be his ticket home, something that Hawkeye points out.

The best part about Check-Up is the emotion. Alan Alda just shines so much as his character strives to deal with Trapper’s exit. With moist-filled eyes, he tells him, “You made it bearable,” and you could sense it. It was palpable. It was the same later on in the show at Trapper’s farewell party. The emotion just emanated from Alda, and from Wayne Rogers, who plays Trapper John, as well.

This was the episode where Hot Lips (Loretta Swit) tells Trapper that she’s always had an eye on him. Actually, that’s always been evident. They never made a lot of it, but if you go back and watch any of the early episodes, there are several times when you can see how she leans on him. There was something there.

In the end, Trapper remains. M*A*S*H: Check-Up is a very good show, with good humor and some great friendship moments.

Rating: 8