Was watching the first season of MASH on dvd last night.
In this episode, Klinger is finally granted his Section 8 discharge by Sidney the psychiatrist. All he has to do is sign an attestation that he’s a homosexual.
He is immediately offended, and vociferously denies the assertion.
Imagine the outrage if that aired today.
There are a few other episodes where homosexuality is ridiculed or otherwise used as a punchline.
MASH was on Netflix for about a week, and was then removed. I wonder what happened.... (not really)
Klinger: “To tell you the truth, I don’t belong here. If two doctors will sign a form, I’ll be able to go home. And so far, I’ve got all but both of them.”And that episode was written by Mr. Liberal himself, Alan Alda.
Inga: “You know, I may be able to help you.”
Klinger: “Oh, you can? You mean it?”
Inga: “Yeah, well, I have a colleague in Copenhagen who does sex-change operations.”
Klinger: “Yeah? What’s that?”
Inga: “Well, you would finally be transformed into a woman. It’s very sophisticated surgery, but, uh, it’s possible.”
Klinger: “You mean, somebody– You mean, take a knife and– and–“
Inga: “Yeah.”
Klinger: “They’re crazier than I am!”
Talking of Klinger and MASH, makes me wonder about All In The Family. I have not seen that show rerun in years. I wonder if it’s being rerun anywhere. I’m sure in today’s politically correct world, that a show with an Archie Bunker character would not be permitted today.