Morale Victory

This is one of my favorite episodes - and gives a deeper glimpse into what makes up Charles.

David: Gift? You keep talking about this damned gift. I had a gift, and I exchanged it for some mortar fragments, remember?

Charles: Wrong! Because the gift does not lie in your hands. I have hands, David. Hands that can make a scalpel sing! More than anything in life, I wanted to play, but I do not have The Gift. I can play the notes, but I cannot make the music. You've performed Liszt, Rachmaninoff, Chopin. Even if you never do so again, you've already known a joy that I will never know as long as I live! Because the true gift is in your head, and in your heart, and in your soul.

Everyone in the mess tent had been watching a movie at the start of "Morale Victory." Captains Hunnicutt and Pierce -- all of the sudden -- interrupted the movie to imitate the characters from that film. Their sudden disruption caused Colonel Potter to kill the movie entirely. Everyone became excited unexpectedly when wounded patients came to the 4077th for surgery. Even in surgery, Captains Pierce and Hunnicutt made smart ass remarks about Major Winchester and his talents in surgery -- specifically about a wounded Army Private on the operating table. Colonel Potter was at the end of his rope with those two jokers about their comments during surgery.

Colonel Potter said to Captains Pierce and Hunnicutt that morale was at a lower level than a gopher's basement. They became morale officers by committee. They told Corporal Klinger to build a suggestion box. Klinger acted cold to that idea; however, they gave him a bigger challenge to find some more meaningful movies and activities to improve the unit's morale. Major Houlihan also wanted some cosmetics and makeup kits for her nurses -- too. How Interesting!! Even so, Major Houlihan had told them not to let Corporal Klinger become neglectful in his responsibilities into obtaining the supplies .

Major Winchester had a discussion in Post-Operation Room. Army Private Sheridan had recuperated from his operation. Little did he know that three fingers from his right hand had resulted in a permanent loss of dexterity and movement. Private Sheridan had a dream of being a concert pianist; his future was shot to hell ... or so it seemed in this episode.

Everyone in the mess tent had griped about the food served at camp. Private Stravinsky was at the end of his rope. He went to Rosie's Bar for his supper. He was sick of everyone's griping on a daily basis. Captains Pierce and Hunnicutt now had a much tougher challenge into improving morale. Only then did Captain Pierce came up with a plan of having a seafood cookout at the 4077th. Captains Pierce and Hunnicutt -- in a desperate attempt to salvage their reputations -- asked Corporal Klinger to find some live crabs for the camp's party ... not to mention cosmetics, music sheets, films, and even three days in Seoul. Fortunately, Corporal Klinger saved the day for everyone ... in time for the party.

Major Winchester escorted Private Sheridan to the Officers' Club. The trek was not about a drink; the visit was about playing the piano for the left hand alone in the episode. Private Sheridan was quite upset about his frustration in not playing the piano with two hands. After a frank discussion, Private Sheridan -- with some reluctance -- agreed to play the piano with his left hand. He gradually obtained the skill and determination to play the notes freely. Private Sheridan accepted the challenge of playing the piano despite his disability. Quite Impressive!! A Fat 14 From The 1979-1980 Television Season!! Highly Recommended!!

One of the better episodes. As the camp watches a movie (which has been shown numerous times), Hawkeye and B.J. express their disdain for the lack of enjoyment in the camp. This incites others to complain. The boys soon wish they had kept their mouths shut when Potter makes them morale officers. Of course, they haven't a clue what to do, but soon everyone is pushing them to do their jobs. The second plot involves Charles, who has done masterful surgery on a young soldier, saving his legs and his life. The sad thing is he has also a hand injury which ill affect some of his motor skills. To most, this wouldn't be a problem, but this guy is a Julliard grad and a concert pianist. He becomes angry and depressed and Charles can't console him. Back at the morale department, PIerce and Hunnicutt come up with the idea of having a beach party. It's one of those episodes where the factors come to a sweet conclusion without being too maudlin.

Of all the episodes of this show, the one I find most powerful (even more powerful than The Tonteen) is this one. The main plot, with Hawkeye and BJ being appointed Morale Officers of a very grumpy 4077th, is excellent, especially with the two of them dumping all their needs on Klinger, who then seemingly vanishes just before the party is supposed to begin. But the secondary, with Charles dealing with a concert pianist who has lost the fine motor dexterity in his hand, just blows me away. Charles' love of music comes out strong and clear, and how music is more than just sounding the notes - it's something that comes from deeper within. 10/10, and you'll never get me to change my mind.