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Reviews
M*A*S*H: The Novocaine Mutiny (1976)
Classic Post-Blake/Post-Trapper Episode
This episode is mildly funny given it's decent writing. However, it lays bare some of the sad direction of post-season 3 episodes. Specifically the following.
1) Cast members "trying their hands" at direction. In this case, it is Harry Morgan who had the good grace of not making his boring character central. Obviously, it was a matter of time when the Alda directed episodes started showing up and bringing 1970's sensibilities to the fore. 2) The beginning of the end for Larry Linville's tenure. The writing is so mean-spirited towards the Burns character that Linville's performance is a tour de force. 3) Alan Alda - yet another opportunity where "Johnny One Note" delivers his lines in his usual Groucho Marx style. Also, the Alda hair is getting longer and greasier at this point. 4) Speaking of hair - 1970's combovers galore in this episode.