Frank Burns: The Final Departure from MASH
Major Frank Burns, one of the most memorable characters in the classic TV series ldquo;MASH,rdquo; leaves the show in a rather dramatic and unexpected manner. His last appearance is marked by a series of erratic actions, emotional break down, and a managerial decision that effectively removes him from the 4077th MASH unit.
The Final Episodes of Season 5
As season 5 of ldquo;MASHrdquo; comes to a close, Major Frank Burns witnesses Major Margaret Houlihanrsquo;s engagement to Lt. Col. Donald Penobscott. The final episode, aptly named ldquo;Margaretrsquo;s Wedding,rdquo; sees Margaret and Donald depart on their honeymoon. However, Frank's reaction to this event is not the dignified farewell one might have expected.
After the wedding, a series of unfortunate events unfold. Frank is seen acting strangely on leave in Seoul, South Korea, mistaking several blonde-haired women for Margaret. This culminates in his admission to a mental and emotional breakdown, leading to an evaluation and permanent discharge from active service.
The Premiere of Season 6
The first episode of season 6, titled ldquo;Fade In, Fade Out,rdquo; marks Frank's departure from the show. Col. Henry Blake receives reports about Frank's erratic behavior, and army brass decides to send him for a psychiatric evaluation. Frank is never seen again in the series, effectively concluding his tenure as an active member of the 4077th MASH unit.
Aftermath and Legacy
Although there is no farewell scene for Frank, the story of his departure is woven into the narrative of the first episode of season 6. Frank is depicted as having gone to Tokyo in search of Margaret during her honeymoon, where his behavior becomes increasingly erratic. He misidentifies women, mistaking a blonde-haired WAC for Margaret and engaging in strange and disruptive behavior. In the end, Frank is found and is put under psychiatric observation. The final scene of the episode is particularly poignant, as he reaches out to Hawkeye and BJ, but the connection iscut off, symbolizing his departure from their lives.
Frank's final line is said over the phone to his fellow MASH unit members, yet the audience never hears his voice. The show, in its wisdom, assigns him to a veterans hospital in Indiana and promotes him to lieutenant colonel, a decision that leaves many fans wondering about the fate of this complex and memorable character.
Actor Larry Linville, who played Frank Burns, delivered a remarkable performance in this difficult and twisty conclusion to the character. The departure of Frank Burns is a testament to the showrsquo;s ability to create a compelling arc for even its most notorious characters.
Mariah Rose, a writer and historian, has noted that the departure of Frank Burns marked a shift in storytelling for MASH. ldquo;There wasnrsquo;t even arsquo;farewellrsquo; episode for Frank either. He was simply there one season and gone the next;rdquo; she wrote in her article about the seriesrsquo; character development.
MASH remains a beloved series, and characters like Frank Burns have left lasting impressions on fans. The finality of his departure makes his story even more poignant, and readers and viewers continue to speculate about the fate of this complex and memorable character.