Nurse Doctor

I've always loved the episodes that focus on Father Mulcahy, and this one could have been one of the best, if it wasn't for "Nurse Doctor" Gail, who is kind of a bore. Father Mulcahy is the only one who offers to help her study to become a doctor, and they grow very close. Considering his sweetness and interest, I can understand why she falls for him, but maybe because of the actress, I'm just not convinced. Besides, it would have been nice if Father Mulcahy felt something for her as well, it was always great to see how he faced his doubts and still kept his faith, like we saw on episodes such as "Showtime" and "Dear Sis". Gail's reaction to Father Mulcahy subtle and gentle rejection was exagerated, and made me like her even less. But Father Mulcahy's conversation with Hawkeye and specially Col. Potter's rant are extremely funny. Besides all that, I just adore the moment Father Mulcahy talks to Gail about the loneliness of his position; he had talked about that on "The Interview" episode, mentioning there were no other priests there, and although we always see him with the guys, there is some distance between them, maybe partially because (at least before the later seasons), Mulcahy felt his work was less important than theirs.

There are two plot components here. First of all, the camp is really short of water and there is little relief in sight because of enemy combat on access roads. People are getting really testy and uncomfortable. Only Charles seems to be just fine. The other is a rather touchy nurse who has aspirations of being a doctor. She is defensive and hard to live with. She interrupt during surgery with advice, especially for Winchester. The one who has taken an interest in her is Father Mulcahy. His motives are pure but she suddenly starts to have feelings for him. At one point she grabs him and gives him a big hug. He is embarrassed and things get tense between them. She develops a real persecution complex, blaming everyone for her problems. Anyway, both plots are interesting.

A young nurse who's studying to be a doctor is having trouble getting along with much of the 4077th especially head nurse Margaret. The only one who really seems to reach out to her is Father Mulcahy but when she embraces him maybe a little too long, he steps back and that affects their friendship. So he talks about it to Hawkeye who laughs when he hears about it. Oh, and there's also a water shortage and only Winchester seems to be nonchalant about that...The first real post-Radar ep seems to move along fine without him as this one serves as a fine showcase for the military chaplain. Nice to also see Margaret realize how bullheaded she can become at times and willing to help a fellow woman along in her dreams. So that's a recommendation of "Nurse Doctor".