Played by Gary Burghoff, Corporal Walter “Radar” O’Reilly became a staple of the MASH franchise, delivering some of the show’s best lines. MASH ran for 11 seasons, though Radar only appeared on eight before its exit. While Burghoff was one of several actors to leave MASHHis legacy went beyond just the show. Burghoff appeared as Radar in the film, also titled MASHWhere did the comedy drama take place? He was the only actor who played an important character in both projects. in 1984, A radar-centric spinoff was pitched and producedAlthough it was never filmed beyond the pilot.
for the series, Radar has been developed in a softer and more sensitive characterWith many other characters showing that as one of his most admirable traits, especially during a war. Because of his innocence and upbeat demeanor, Radar is considered one of the most likable characters on MASH. He’s also highly quotable, with some great quips delivered in a no-nonsense manner, capitalizing on the character’s naivety. Even with this reputation, Radar also has many great, heartfelt lines.
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“The VIP tent will be ready as soon as I move my animals out.”
MASH Season 7, Episode 6: “The Billfold Syndrome”
When a medic becomes amnesiac without signs of a head injury, The team calls in a specialist and psychiatrist, Major Freedman, to help assess the case. As Hawkeye and Hunnicutt work on their scheme to get Charles to talk after he swears not to talk to anyone in the 4077 anymore, they loop Radar into their plans. Radar agrees to give Charles a fake telegraph in exchange for a dirty journal.
When he enters the tent to deliver the telegraph, he sees Mayer Friedman and becomes more formal. He tells Freedman that his tent will be ready shortly after he removes his animals. While this is A rather passive comment from Radar, his nonchalant attitude heightens the humor. Radar doesn’t see the irony that the VIP tent would be a home for animals, showing his innocence. It also exemplifies his caring and empathetic nature, since he refers to the animals as his own, revealing that he has taken care of the creatures.
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“If you want a drink, sir, – compliments Henry Blake – brandy, scotch, vodka. And for your convenience, all in the same bottle.”
MASH Season 2, Episode 13: “Dail Me Out”
As Radar welcomes Major Friedman to the 4077, He shows his courtesy. After leading the Major into a tent, he offers him a drink, courtesy of his superior, Blake. Without a hint of irony, he says that the drink is a mixture of brandy, scotch and vodka.
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He claims that it’s easier to drink them all at once, which is probably what Blake told him when he asked himself what the combination was. Radar proves his innocence and naivetySacrificing the Lanker as a freedman would be a typical drink. Although Friedman pauses, briefly shocked, he thanks Radar, who still has a serious smile and enjoys his hospitality.
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“I know where everything is.”
MASH Season 5, Episode 16: “38 Crossing”
Radar rushes into Potter’s office to tell him about Klinger’s latest dismissal attempt. This time, the character is going to prove himself to be crazy by eating a jeep, piece by piece. After a quick exchange about what type of Jeep Clinger is edible (“The one with the squeaky seats“), Potter and Radar run out to stop the soldier.
When Potter gets up, Radar dodges him to get out of his way and allow maximum efficiency. Father asks the corporal how he can see through such dirty glasses. Radar simply says, “I know where everything is,” as he leaves Potter. The scene and exchange demonstrate the dedication and seriousness with which Radar treats his work. He is good enough at what he does that he can do it blindlyWhich it seems he can be.
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– No, sir, I’m just thinking.
MASH Season 5, Episode 10: “The Korean Surgeon
When Hawkeye and Honeycutt want to turn an injured enemy into a doctor, they approach Radar for advice. They find him alone in the dining room, picking at his food. In one of Hawkeye’s snarky quotes, he says: “Radar, you look thoughtful,” to which Radar replies, “I’m just thinking.” The irony is that radar doesn’t know what thoughtful meansDescribing itself as a synonym of the word.
Hawkeye and Honeycutt then attempt to butter Radar for advice, calling him “Naive yet smart, gentle but strong.” He suspects that they want something, which they do. When they ask how to make a new doctor, Radar is full of administrative adviceShows his knowledge of the work and the army. Although he is not always the brightest, Radar proves that he is a good worker and knows his job well.
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“Attention! By order of the new commander, all officers report to the commander’s office, gentlemen!”
MASH Season 4, Episode 2: “Change of Command”
Being part of the administrative team at the 4077, Radar often makes the announcements over the PA system. While there are many examples of comedy MASH’s PA announcements, this is the best example of Radar’s personality. Radar uses the intercom, although he has problems getting the microphone to work, with a bunch of loud comments over the speakers, which he apologizes for, saying:Sorry camp.”
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He calls all the officers to meet with Col. Father, the new commander. Radar delivers this in the form of a tongue twisterPartly written and partly due to its faded condition. This is also a great example of the smart and tight writing MASH.
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“Well, I don’t think so, and I figured as long as one of us is straight.”
MASH Season 1, Episode 4: “Chief Surgeon Who?”
This episode is an excellent example of how big and unruly the 4077 can be, even if everyone is usually good at their jobs. General Barker comes to visit and sees that the hospital is being run without much supervision. While searching for Colonel Blake, he sees Radar in Blake’s office, smoking a cigar and drinking alcohol while looking through a magazine. When he asks Radar if Blake will let him do this, he replies that Blake is against this behavior but figures they can agree to disagree.
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Radar then follows the SAS by saying that people only sleep at the 4077 when they work, implying that they don’t care much about their jobs. This is A rare instance of Radar goofing off at workSmoking a cigar and drinking alcohol. Being an early episode in the series, it is clear that Radar’s character is still developing, because he would never dare to behave like this in later seasons, especially not after Blake’s death.
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“I can’t answer that, sir. You’re the one who signed them, I didn’t.”
MASH Season 1, Episode 3: “Requiem for a Lightweight”
Radar enters the office and pours a cup of coffee, which Blake smiles at him, I think it’s a nice gesture for him. Instead, Radar drinks the coffee himself and hands Blake a stack of papers to sign. It is revealed that the papers are blank and that Radar requests that they be signed now so that they can be used for future situations and do not have to be signed later. He sees it as an innovative way for Blake and himself to reduce their workload And go ahead.
When Blake asks if it’s wise to give his signature without context, Radar seriously responds that he doesn’t know what the context would be either, but it was Blake’s choice to sign them, acting like it wasn’t his idea. Blake protests and tears up the paper, struggling while Radar picks up the phone and talks to General Barker. While Blake is on the phone with the general, Radar hands him another stack of blank papers, and Blake signs them without thinking. This move proves that Radar may not be as clueless as he thinks.
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“Good night, Superman.”
MASH Season 3, Episode 2: “Rainbow Bridge”
After an exciting day of surgery and a POW exchange, Radar raves about Hawkeye and Trapper’s work. He talks a little about himself, suggesting that he would like to be a doctor when the war is over. His admiration for the two jokers is evident when he applauds their ability to remain calm and relaxed in the face of danger. It’s quite a moving monologue, casually delivered as Radar helps pack their bags for an upcoming trip to Tokyo.
When Radar turns to see what the men are doing, they both appear to be sleeping after a long day’s work. Instead of waking them up or being upset that they are not listening, Radar taxes the people in And even takes a martini glass from Hakai’s hand. He then wishes the people good night, calling them “Superman.”
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“Get off me before I get physically emotional!”
MASH Season 8, Episode 4: “Zayed Radar Part I”
The two-part episode was the character’s last appearance on the show, as Radar left during MASHS8 season. In the two-part episode, Radar trains Klinger to take over his role, having been told that there was a family emergency and that he should return home as soon as possible. Radar goes back and forth throughout the episodesDiscuss whether or not he should go home, and deal with the guilt he feels about leaving his friends behind.
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Radar becomes increasingly frustrated with Klinger, who he believes will not take the job seriously. After Radar enters his office to see papers scattered everywhere, he yells at Klinger, who doesn’t have a good defense. He tells Klinger to leave, threatening him by saying he can get “Physically emotional.“Although Radar is typically not violent, which shows how seriously he takes his role And adds to the drama of the episode as he becomes less certain the 4077 will be able to function without him.
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“ah, bach”
MASH Season 1 Episode 14: “Love Story”
In this early episode, Radar tries to seduce one of the nurses at the camp after receiving a Dear John letter from his fiancé back home. Radar decides to get some advice from Alan Alda’s Hawkeye – the 4077’s resident viberizer, along with Trapper. Although Radar isn’t able to bring the same casualness to his words as Hawkeye does, he still takes meticulous notes. Hawkeye tells him to play politeGive him plenty of study material and pointers. He specifically says that if she brings up music to say “Ah, Bach,” Showing familiarity with the composer.
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As in any great comedy, Radar’s interaction with the nurse doesn’t go exactly as plannedWith him, he misuses all the kancer phrases that he has learned. The nurse is confused by Radar’s delivery, and even Hawkeye tells him to rewind it. However, the nurse continues the conversation, teaching Radar more about Bach and proving Hawkeye right. Although it doesn’t last with Radar and the Nurse, the line remains one of Radar’s most memorable quotes from Radar. MASH.