Hawkeye
As a kid, I never liked M*A*S*H. That melancholy theme tune and the khaki-and-sand visuals switched me right off.
What a stupid kid!
I’m watching the show now, at last. I can’t believe (a) how good it is, (b) how much of it there is, and, (c) where Hawkeye has been all my life.
I think I’m a little bit in love with him. As well as actually finding him quite sexy, he’s a genius.
He spends most of his time in a dressing gown, just like I do, and he’s rigged up a gin still in his tent so he can enjoy off-duty martinis in the desert.
He seduces all the nurses. He’s a wisenheimer. He tweaks the nose of authority and stands against meanness.
In one episode, when asked about his dressing gown by a colonel, he says “well I tried sleeping in my uniform, but the medals kept sticking in me.”
And thats’ the thing. He has medals. He can be a slob because, like Sherlock Holmes, he’s lightyears ahead of anyone else. He’s a great wit, a happy drunk, and a lounge lizard – but he’s also an excellent surgeon, which is how he gets away with it all.
I love him. He’s the Bugs Bunny of the Korean War. Which doesn’t sound sexy, but somehow it is.
I love you, Hawkeye. My new idol. I’m sorry it took me so long to find you.
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About Robert Wringham
Robert Wringham is the editor of New Escapologist. He also writes books and articles. Read more at wringham.co.uk
I’ve always wondered whether to watch MASH – I’ve heard good things. If there’s an idler in there too I’m sold!
Regards,
Martin
He’s such an idler. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was profiled in one of those early Idle Idols back in the 90s (when they did, like, Homer and Kramer et al). It’s an amazing show and I recommend it. I’m told it doesn’t stay as strong as how it begins but I’m only just starting S2 and there’s literally hundreds of episodes left. Try it.
Hawkeye has been a hero of mine for decades. His lack of respect for authority and his Bohemian spirit was a big influence on me when I was a teenager (and later!).
Let’s start the Hawkeye Club. We can call it The Swamp.
I’m travelling at the moment and having a good time but part of me wants to get home so I can watch more MASH.
I bought the MASH box set many years ago in a sale, I think it is time to start a rewatch!
By the way, I don’t agree that the early seasons are the best. I think it gets progressively better.
Ah, that is GOOD to know.