Margaret's Engagement

As I have often said in these comment, Frank is such a jerk (and socially clueless) that I have wondered why Margaret's character would continue to find him attractive. But she does and he bumbles around, enjoying a friend with benefits. This episode begins with a call from Houlihan telling Colonel Potter that she has great news that she will deliver when she gets back from a conference. It turns out she has met a Lieutenant Colonel, Donald Penobscot, and they are engaged. She is so electrified that she forgets the impact this will have on a certain incompetent doctor. There is a terrific scene where after hearing the news, Frank kindly congratulates her and wishes her well. Then he walks out of the mess tent, ripping the doors off their hinges. Margaret is so cruel to him and rubs his nose in her happiness that Frank actually becomes sympathetic. Hawkeye and B.J. are actually kind to him and support him. This, of course, is a new crossroads in the whole MASH melieu.

Major Margaret Houilhan is attending a medical shindig, when she phones home to the 4077 with her "Magnificent News".

The Major has much more to report, than any advances in medical techniques, on her return to the M. A. S. H. The most important news to her, can't be expected to be exactly welcome to everyone.

Major Houilhan has never exactly been known for her tact and diplomacy, but on this occasion she is positively effervescent, and seemingly incapable of confining her joy and happiness.

Major Frank Burns or "Blood & Guts Burns" as he likes to consider himself, reacted on the face of it with aplomb, when presented by Margaret's 'News' but was this simply his brave face?

Margaret's Engagement was a turning point for M*A*S*H. It served two purposes: 1. The coming exodus of Larry Linville. Larry Linville most likely told the producers that he will not resign his contract for more seasons due to the writers did not evolve Frank Burns which caused his final season Frank Burns became sillier than ever.

2. The evolution of Margaret. Loretta Swit most likely campaigned the change of Margaret due to the current climate at the time where female characters was becoming more independent.

As for M*A*S*H it was a transition for the series. It was shredding the early anti war comedy antics into a dramedy dealing with the characters issues.