Alan Alda Expressed Concerns About His Role in M*A*S*H
The iconic sitcom “M*A*S*H” is now regarded as a cornerstone of television, but during its inception in the early 1970s, there was skepticism about its potential for success. Alan Alda, who portrayed the beloved Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce, had significant reservations early in the show’s development. Ultimately, he emerged as a crucial creative force, writing and directing various episodes while maintaining his presence in every single installment.
Throughout the series, which underwent notable cast changes and saw the departure of one creator after season four, Alda remained a steadfast presence, serving as the show’s emotional core and moral compass. Over the years, he has shared his early doubts regarding his role in “M*A*S*H,” primarily rooted in the portrayal of war. Alda, who served as an officer in Korea just after the conflict concluded, was keenly aware of the necessity to accurately depict the realities of wartime experiences.
While Alda did not experience combat firsthand, he witnessed the deep scars left on soldiers, the Korean landscape, and its people. He remarked on NPR that his time in Korea gave him a profound understanding of the true nature of war. Alda expressed a desire to ensure that this understanding resonated throughout the series, asserting, “I wanted to make sure that at least that understanding that I had came out— that that’s what we dealt with, and that we didn’t gloss over that and make the show about how funny things were in the mess tent.”
In addition to his concerns about the series being overly comedic, Alda feared it might unintentionally promote a pro-war agenda. According to biographer Raymond Strait, Alda’s primary apprehension was that the show could become a thirty-minute advertisement for the Army. Fortunately, a dialogue with the show’s creators, Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds, led to a shared vision of showcasing the realities of war without glorifying its horrors or fully obscuring its brutality. This direction sparked some controversy among previous “M*A*S*H” contributors.
Despite being a cultural phenomenon spanning 11 successful seasons and achieving record-breaking viewership, not everyone was on board. Notable criticism came from Richard Hornberger, the author of the book upon which the series was based, and Robert Altman, who directed the original 1970 film. Hornberger held a starkly pro-military stance, while Altman’s depiction was notably graphic, emphasizing sex and violence, often neglecting the genuine impacts of war. Altman controversially labeled the show as racist, despite its generally respectful representation of Koreans, while Hornberger disapproved of Alda’s liberal influences on the character of Hawkeye.
Ultimately, Alda’s insights and involvement were pivotal in shaping the series, which not only achieved tremendous success but continues to resonate with audiences more than five decades after its debut.
