Colonel Sherman Tecumseh Potter appears in the M*A*S*H and AfterMASH television series. "[7] Many of those who objected also cited the fact that M*A*S*H was considered a situation comedy, and that Blake's "cheap" killing did not belong in the show; one caller to Reynolds stated after the episode aired that they "don't know why [they] did it; it's not necessary, it's just a little comedy show" and that "you've upset everybody [in the family]," before vowing never to watch the show again. Henry even had a file full of Klinger's various phony attempts at hardship discharge. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In 1972, the United States was rocked by the death of a beloved television character. Blue Both aired on ABC during the 8:30 p.m. time slot. The odd thing is, both actors died within hours of each other in real life. Not everybody, not every kid gets to go back to Bloomington, Illinois. Sadly, McLean died of a heart attack on February 15, 1996. Why did Frank Burns leave? In The Trial of Henry Blake, Hawkeye and Trapper fought to secure Henry's command when Margaret and Frank brought formal charges against him for, as they put it, giving aid and comfort to the enemy. It was one of the first times that a major character died on a television show, and it changed the way that people thought about television. Family/Personal information When Henry Blake died on M*A*S*H, it was a major event for television. He was portrayed by Harry Morgan, and replaced the departing character of Henry Blake as commander of the 4077th MASH. Here's an oldie but a goodie half of the family dying, other half pregnant. Appeared in: Hunnicutt). Lt. What is the answer punchline algebra 15.1 why dose a chicken coop have only two doors? When Nancy leaves camp, Henry strangely finds himself relieved that she is now gone. In the premiere of season four, Hawkeye learned that Trapper John had been discharged. 20th Century Fox sued him for breach of contract, but the lawsuit collapsed. Writing a character off a show can be a simple task, especially for a popular part like Henry Blake. According to Wikipedia, Alan Alda had McLean Stevensons character (Lt. Col. Henry Blake) killed off. Roger Bowen (film)McLean Stevenson (TV) Colonel Henry Blake Written by Everett Greenbaum and Jim Fritzell, it was first aired by CBS on March 18, 1975. The expression Abyssinia, Henry comes from a Flapper era, 20s era. Heart McLean Stevenson , who had established himself on Broadway, as well as in TV writing, played Blake on TV beginning in 1972. Certain journalists revealed Blake's fate in the weeks leading up to the episode's broadcast. Longtime recurring guest cast member Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger, was elevated to the regular cast, with his name being featured on the opening credits. {From ". After the M*A*S*H finale, maybe the most memorable episode of the most memorable TV series was the one in which Col. Blake was supposed to go home. The night before Blake left, Hawkeye, Trapper John and Radar threw a going-away party for him. WebThe episode is notable for its shocking ending, in which the unit's amiable commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Henry Blake (played by McLean Stevenson) receives an honorable discharge and leaves for home, but in the Henry and Radar share a sentimental moment in which young Radar describes Henry as a father figure, and gives Henry an inscribed Winchester cartridge; a surprised Henry returns the favor by spontaneously giving Radar a rectal thermometer that once belonged to his father. He rushed to tell him goodbye but missed him at the airport. Why did Frank Burns leave? Henry said goodbye to the camp, taking a little extra time with Trapper and Hawkeye, who gave Henry a kiss on both cheeks, and then talked him into giving Margaret a big goodbye kiss before making his way to the chopper arriving at the pad. Want Some Related Articles? supporting, role in the series, and he thought he could do better (She wrote) I feel that I have joined that all too non-inclusive fraternity of those who have lost a dear one overseas. I thought that was such an incredible observation by someone so young. They are unfortunately not accurately portrayed. The episode ended with Henry Blakes helicopter going down off the coast of Japan, off-screen. However, the army will credit time for civilian professional experience for commissioning officers with essential skills, such as medical doctors, and he may have received such credit. Though at one point he caved To Frank and Margaret's demand that Klinger undergo psychiatric evaluation. Who is Jason crabb mother and where is she? Another is that the producers wanted to shake things up and create some drama for the show. Bloomington, Illinois Colonel (O-5), U.S. Army Reserve According to his colleague Loretta Swit, Blake left because he was tired of being in an ensemble and wanted to be number one. This was also confirmed by MASH writer Ken Levine. During the summer 1975 break between seasons three and four, he quit the series. To his aggravation, Lorraine sent him her bills and used check books to balance their account, though Henry insisted that he was terrible with numbers; he once complained about an expensive Vet bill for their elderly house cat care. Cast members didnt know how the final scene in the operating room would play out. 185.126.219.251 Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 FAQS Clear - All Rights Reserved (Ironically, during the real Korean War, a non-hostile air crash occurred in the sea of Japan in Sept 1950 and at least one medical personnel, US Air Force Medical Squadron Captain Vera Brown, was killed.). McLean Stevenson, who played the Colonel decided to leave the show This highly rated episode remains notable for its shocking ending: the (off-screen) death of Colonel Henry Blake.. Henry is married to Lorraine (called "Mildred" throughout Season 1), and they have three children, Jane, Molly and Andrew, the latter of whom was born shortly after Henry shipped out for Korea. Last appeared in: The odd thing is, both actors died within hours of each other in real life. Did Radars teddy bear on MASH have a name? McLean Stevenson (11/14/27 - 02/15/96) played COL Henry Blake in He added: We thought everyone should feel a personal loss. RIP McLean and Roger. The creators wanted fans to experience the loss associated with war, so they ultimately decided to kill Blake off. Dont you remember the promise we all made to each other? He was referring to always showing the reality of war whenever possible.. Henry Blake left 'M*A*S*H' because the actor was ready to move on. He said something similar to Hawkeye and Trapper when explaining that he had not, in fact, signed a dishonorable discharge for a soldier who was homosexual, despite Frank threatening to go over his head again. Colonel Henry Blake The episode, titled The Colonels Last Flight, aired on February 28, 1975, and was the shows 16th episode. Is Tom Sandoval Dating Raquel? Burghoff was born in Bristol, Connecticut, moved to Clinton, Connecticut, and then later moved to Delavan, Wisconsin. It spun in. Stevenson left the set almost immediately after the end of filming, and the party was canceled due to the dour mood of the cast. Radar then leaves the operating room as the camera pans across the stunned staff, each visibly fighting to retain composure and continue with their work. He was in charge of the 4077th. Colonel Henry Blake, the commanding officer of the 4077th MASH in Korea, was killed while on his way home. Negative reactions were not exclusive to the home viewers of the program: both CBS, the network that aired M*A*S*H, and 20th Century Fox, the company that produced M*A*S*H, expressed their unhappiness at the killing of Henry Blake. You are both very missed. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. [18], As a result, when the cast returned to begin filming the series' fourth season in September 1975, there were major changes in both the makeup and the direction of the show. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? Most important to Ottumwa is the clerk, Radar OReilly, nicknamed for his acute hearing. 3 What episode of Mash did Henry Blake die? For instance, McLean Stevenson played Col. Henry Blake on TV but Roger Bowen played the role in the movie. February 15, 1996 Stevenson didnt say a word afterward and later went to his trailer and cried, skipping the wrap party. [12], The final scene was spoofed on the Family Guy episode "Fifteen Minutes of Shame" when a cutaway shows Brian Griffin saying to the rest of the family, "I have an announcement. It seems their lives were always meant to intertwine. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Henry was replaced by Colonel Sherman Potter as the 4077th new commander. In 1975, Henry Blake decided to leave the show. The stuffed bear was named by Big Birds performer Caroll Spinney as a tribute to actor Gary Burghoff, who played Walter Radar OReilly on M*A*S*H. In a Season 39 episode, Big Bird holds a nest sale and bumps Radar into the nest where he is selling toys without knowing. Stevenson was recovering from bladder cancer surgery at the Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center on February 15, 1996, when he suffered a sudden fatal heart attack. Sandy Brown When Hawkeye accused him of signing it and finding out he hadn't, he wryly acknowledged Henry's character when he replied, "How dare you do the right thing". Put on a dress! The creators wanted fans to experience the loss associated with war, so they ultimately decided to kill Blake off. Does this place look like the Mayo Clinic? This highly rated episode remains notable for its shocking ending: the (off-screen) death of Colonel Henry Blake.. According to Wikipedia, Alan Alda had McLean Stevensons character (Lt. Col. Henry Blake) killed off. Abyssinia [means] Ill be seeing you. Kind of corny. Henry dared him to do it saying "He's done it so many times I've got footprints on my scalp". In the movie the girlfriend was played by actress Indus Arthur Henry was referenced in several subsequent episodes, most notably in "The Late Captain Pierce", "Period of Adjustment", "Depressing News", and "As Time Goes By". Meg Griffin's plane was shot down over the Sea of Japan. Blake will always be remembered as a kind and gentle man, who cared deeply for his friends and colleagues. For the first time, a major character had been killed off without warning and without explanation. According to Wikipedia, Alan Alda had McLean Stevensons character (Lt. Col. Henry Blake) killed off. For instance, McLean Stevenson played Col. Henry Blake on TV but Roger Bowen played the role in the movie. Henry was the commanding officer of the 4077th. Burghoff left M*A*S*H in 1979 after the seventh season because of burnout and a desire to spend more time with his family, though he returned the following season to film a special two-part farewell episode, Goodbye Radar. He is best known for his role as Lt. Lorraine was most likely feeling guilty for just considering an affair." Blake saluted Radar and off he went. When Henry Blake was killed off on MASH, it sent shockwaves through the television world. But he did not stay in prison long. Their charge was a half-truth, as Henry had sent some medical supplies to Nurse Meg Cratty, who operated a civilian clinic in North Korea. everyone loved Henry, but not necessarily McLean Stevenson. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. "[11], In Bobbie Ann Mason's 1985 novel In Country, the teenage protagonist recalls having watched the episode as a child and being "so shocked she went around stunned for days," and confesses that Blake's death on the show had seemed more real to her than the death of her own father in Vietnam. [17] The character of Trapper John McIntyre was subsequently written off the series in "Welcome to Korea," the first episode of the next season. Actor McLean Stevenson, who played Henry Blake, had grown unhappy on the show and wanted to leave to pursue other opportunities. It also proved that television could handle complex issues like death with sensitivity and intelligence. We were working on the story of McLean leaving. This was a comedy/drama, but in the final scene about Blake, it was heart-breaking drama. M*A*S*H Cast and Crew Once Discussed Making Heartbreaking Lt. M*A*S*H fans hearts broke everywhere when the show decided to kill off fan-favorite Henry Blake during the shocking Season 3 finale Abyssinia, Henry.. As M*A*S*H progressed, Alan Alda, who played Hawkeye, became the starring male lead, and others This highly rated episode remains notable for its shocking ending: the (off-screen) death of Colonel Henry Blake.. "Abyssinia, Henry" is the 72nd episode of the M*A*S*H television series, and the final episode of the series' third season. Actor McLean Stevenson, who played Henry Blake, had grown unhappy on the show and wanted to leave to pursue other opportunities. They don't complain about that because it is unfelt violence, it is unfelt trauma. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". WebThe show's writers reluctantly penned him an exit in the final episode of the 19741975 season (entitled "Abyssinia, Henry"), in which Lt. Henry even ordered Hawkeye and Trapper to sober her up quickly for incoming wounded so that the incident would not show up on her permanent military record. The odd thing is, both actors died within hours of each other in real life. He was a skilled surgeon and a good friend to all of his staff. It was a tragic moment for viewers, who had come to love the characters on the show. To avoid confusion, the Bowen family decided to wait a week to announce the death of Roger. 1." Henry's affectionate individual goodbyes to the others are cut short by the imminent arrival of his helicopter, but Hawkeye pulls him aside and persuades him to give a long parting kiss to Margaret, to her surprise and Frank's annoyance. Relatives/Children: Only two actors have portrayed the character of Henry Blake: Coincidentally, both actors died one day apart; Stevenson passed away on February 15, 1996, and Bowen the day after; both died of a heart attack.