While M.A.S.H. wasn't the top show for it's entire broadcast run, it had the distinction of having the most-watched episode on television with its series finale. It wasn't until the 2010 Superbowl that a show surpassed that record. It also has the distinction of being a very popular show in syndication almost 30 years after the final episode. (and more than just on TV land.)
What was it about this show that makes it so popular even today? It's the characters. The interaction of these doctors and nurses in the middle of a war zone still connect with viewers. The characters drove the stories and that's what people wanted to see. So let's look at the top twelve characters from M.A.S.H. We'll start with the honorable mentions.
Jeff Maxwell played Private Igor Straminsky in 66 of the 251 episodes. Igor was most often seen in the mess hall serving up the meals. No one had a kind word for this poor private who had the sad task of serving up meals that he didn't cook, and no one wanted to eat. Just about everyone had a complaint to make to the Private in charge of serving the meals, even Father Mulcahy.
We all know the type of character. The guy who's supposed to be doing a specific job but isn't above trying to get something out of it on the side. At the 4077, that man was Staff Sergeant Luther Rizzo. Sure he made sure a jeep was ready when it needed to be, but that didn't stop him from letting Klinger try to eat one when the price was right. I almost forgot to mention that Rizzo was played by G. W. Bailey who you might recognize from the Police Academy movies.
Whenever Radar or Klinger needed to get something and get it fast their first call went out to Sparky. He was only seen in one episode, but he was definitely an important part of life at the 4077. He was played by Dennis Fimple.
If you don't recognize the name "Painless Pole" Waldowski or the face of John Schuck in the picture, it's probably because you haven't seen Alan Altman's film M.A.S.H. that led to the television show. (If this is the case, shame on you. Go watch it now. I'll wait for you.) Now that you're back you already know the part of the movie where Waldowski is having performing so he thinks he might be a latent homosexual. His best option is to commit suicide. The doctors hatch a plan that comes straight out of Romeo and Juliet (without the actual death) where they pretend to help him commit suicide. The real reason he gets the honorable mention is his funeral song is "Suicide is Painless," the theme song for the movie and television show.
There's the honorable mentions. Next time we'll look at the first group of the top twelve. Feel free to leave a comment below.
Jeff Maxwell played Private Igor Straminsky in 66 of the 251 episodes. Igor was most often seen in the mess hall serving up the meals. No one had a kind word for this poor private who had the sad task of serving up meals that he didn't cook, and no one wanted to eat. Just about everyone had a complaint to make to the Private in charge of serving the meals, even Father Mulcahy.
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