At several points in my life, I've had a love affair with M*A*S*H. For those who aren't already familiar with it, it's a sitcom set in a mobile army surgical hospital. The doctors, who have mostly been drafted, do not want to be there, but do the best they can for the wounded.
It's about 40 years old now and set 60 years ago during the Korean War (which allowed the writers to comment on the Vietnam War without being too blatant about it)
It's not the ultimate drama - nothing that runs for 11 seasons with half hour episodes is likely to achieve that, but what it does achieve (especially if you switch the laugh track off ) is a lot of black humour and a real sense of humanity. (and it doesn't make me cringe - I can't watch most sitcoms)
When I'm tired and in pain (which has been the case for the last few months), then it's exactly what the doctor ordered. It engages me, without requiring too much concentration, but without insulting my intelligence either. It lifts the spirits - and that's a big plus.
Henry managed to acquire two of the seasons as second hand DVDs a while back.
I thought about getting the rest, found the normal price was at least £80, then, found a full set in a damaged box for £18! It's in the post on its way right now...
Meanwhile, for those who may have wondered what the lyrics to the theme tune are - here's the sung version of 'Suicide is Painless' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-BtquTKw78&list=AL94UKMTqg-9Cv-gndTbM6NFCwjusej4X_ (there isn't an embed option)
It's about 40 years old now and set 60 years ago during the Korean War (which allowed the writers to comment on the Vietnam War without being too blatant about it)
It's not the ultimate drama - nothing that runs for 11 seasons with half hour episodes is likely to achieve that, but what it does achieve (especially if you switch the laugh track off ) is a lot of black humour and a real sense of humanity. (and it doesn't make me cringe - I can't watch most sitcoms)
When I'm tired and in pain (which has been the case for the last few months), then it's exactly what the doctor ordered. It engages me, without requiring too much concentration, but without insulting my intelligence either. It lifts the spirits - and that's a big plus.
Henry managed to acquire two of the seasons as second hand DVDs a while back.
I thought about getting the rest, found the normal price was at least £80, then, found a full set in a damaged box for £18! It's in the post on its way right now...
Meanwhile, for those who may have wondered what the lyrics to the theme tune are - here's the sung version of 'Suicide is Painless' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-BtquTKw78&list=AL94UKMTqg-9Cv-gndTbM6NFCwjusej4X_ (there isn't an embed option)