The ugly truth about Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce’s friendship with Trapper John McIntyre was revealed after Wayne Rogers left MASH. Widely regarded as one of the best TV shows of all time, the Korean medical war dramedy wasn’t an immediate hit when it debuted in 1972. Seemingly hampered by the success of Robert Altman’s feature film that was released just two years earlier, CBS almost canceled the series because of poor ratings, if not for the potential that was clearly from the cast’s chemistry, with goofy but incredibly talented surgeons, Hawkeye and Trapper spearheading the ensemble.
Hawkeye and Trapper’s antics were the foundation of the earliest seasons of MASH. They were fun and funny; they also had each other’s backs when things got difficult. Admittedly, they crossed the line so many times that they could have been severely punished for their antics. However, because they were both so good at their jobs, they usually got away with their shenanigans scot-free. It also helped that the late 4077 CO Henry Blake was usually on their side. That’s until Trapper abruptly left MASH, effectively ending their partnership. What came after revealed the harsh truth about their so-called friendship.
Trapper And Hawkeye Were Friends Out Of Convenience In MASH
After its first three seasons, MASH experienced a cast exodus, but unlike Blake’s death, which happened in the season 3 finale, Trapper’s departure went down in the season 4 premiere. Apparently, he was unexpectedly discharged, and because of it, he and Hawkeye never got the chance at a final conversation. MASH was impressively able to move on from losing two major players in quick succession. However, while Blake’s fate ruled out any chance of him checking back on the 4077, Trapper had ways to connect. At the very least, he could have called to have a final conversation with Hawkeye.
With Trapper back home and having other people to spend time with, he was never compelled to reach back and check up on his war friend.
Overall, Trapper was the only former 4077 personnel who didn’t at least contact the unit after they left. This revealed the harsh truth about his relationships, particularly his relationship with Hawkeye — they were only friends because of their shared circumstances. With Trapper back home and having other people to spend time with, he was never compelled to reach back and check up on his war friend. Considering the way he was shipped out of Korea, one would assume that Trapper would have at least sent Hawkeye a letter to say farewell and thank him for the companionship that they shared.
Why Hawkeye Was Better Partnered With BJ Than With Trapper
MASH didn’t waste time introducing Hawkeye’s new partner after Trapper left. Smartly, the show debuted Mike Farrell’s BJ Hunnicutt, who was straighter than his predecessor. A devoted married man, Hunnicutt mostly maintained his loyalty to his wife throughout his stint in Korea. Hunnicutt and Hawkeye quickly bonded over a series of unfortunate events, and by the time they returned to 4077, they were already good friends.
Hawkeye and Hunnicutt made each other better, which meant that arguments were normal, but they were always resolved.
While they can both be a menace, the pair wasn’t always fun and games, which was oftentimes the case for Hawkeye and Trapper. Hawkeye and Hunnicutt made each other better, which meant that arguments were normal, but they were always resolved. This allowed MASH to easily stage more dramatic moments and tackle more serious narratives. They were different enough that they complemented each other, which made for a more complex and interesting relationship.
