Dear Sis

Follows the frequent "letters to/from home" theme that's been so prevalent over the past few seasons. Alan Alda writes & directs this one, and it's a much weaker entry than "Dear Mildred", "Dear Peg", or any of the "Mail calls".

Some of the problems here include: Potter's blase', cavalier attitude when Fr Mulcahy is accosted by a frightened soldier in OR seems very out of character. And of course the tepid humor that's a far cry from seasons past.

This is a very gloomy episode. It's Christmas (again) at the 4077th. This time Father Mulcahey is questioning his impact on his fellows. Very much like George Bailey, he comes to realize that we all have a role to play in the war. Perhaps the most touching moment is when Major Winchester receives a gift from Radar ( at the suggestion of Father Mulcahey). Charles' stiff character is broken down and is touch (by the spirit of giving) and gives back.

A few lighthearted moments do nothing to break the gloom. But the viewer is left feeling sympathy for our wayward group of service men and women. Let their be peace on earth. But not here in Korea....

Alan Alda co-wrote and directed this Christmas episode (I was going to say annual Christmas episode, but that's a tautology). Anyway, the focus on this episode is on Father Mulcahy and his crisis of relevance. Winchester becomes more human, thanks to the thoughtfulness of Father Mulcahy.

This continues a common plot. A letter home. It's Christmas and Father Mulcahy is overcome with sadness over his lack of importance in the camp. No one goes to his services. He does menial jobs in the camp, including bartending. No one wants to go to confession. He tries to do what he can to help wherever possible. One night a group of wounded soldiers comes in. One of them gets violent and slugs the Father. In anger, he slugs the guy back, but it sets off a series of repercussions (by the way, the guy probably had it coming). He goes into a state of deep depression. He is not alone because everyone else is sad and lonely, thinking about what Christmas used to be. This has one of my favorite conclusions of all the MASH episodes.