Alan Alda’s Least Favorite ‘MASH’ Episode Nearly Canceled the Show in Season 1

M*A*S*H was a classic television show that only got better as it progressed, with its first season widely regarded as the weakest of its 11-season run. Among the few cast members who remained on the show from its pilot to its finale in 1983 was Alan Alda, who directed up to thirty episodes.

Out of the 251 episodes of M*A*S*H, Alda’s least favorite was season one’s “Major Fred C. Dobbs.” This episode featured Larry Linville’s character, Frank Burns, attempting to transfer away from the troubles caused by Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John McIntyre. The plot was filled with contradictions and lacked the comedic impact the show was known for, making it more cringe-worthy than funny.

In this episode, Alan Alda’s and Wayne Roger’s characters would have loved to see Frank and his lover Margaret leave. However, professionally, it wasn’t in their favor to lose him. Thus, they devised a plan to keep him around, despite simultaneously celebrating his potential transfer. The irony was palpable as they worked against their own interests in a convoluted scenario.

The plan involved telling Frank that there was gold buried near the camp. He and Margaret were so consumed by greed over this supposed treasure that they became entangled in the prank. This episode was a nod to the 1948 film The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, where a similar incident occurs with Humphrey Bogart’s character, Fred C. Dobbs.

The episode “Major Fred C. Dobbs” garnered such poor ratings that it almost led to the show’s cancellation. However, the series received a boost from reruns before season two, which led CBS to reconsider its fate.

It’s also worth noting that CBS head William Paley may have played a role in the continuation of M*A*S*H because his wife was a fan of the show. Despite the early setback, M*A*S*H went on to become one of the most successful sitcoms of all time, culminating in a record-breaking audience for its final episode.