M*A*S*H: Fade Out, Fade In, Part 1 (1977) Reviews

M*A*S*H inaugurates its sixth season minus the irascible Maj. Frank Burns, who, it is explained, is taking R&R in Seoul to get over the marriage between his longtime sweetie Margaret Houlihan (Loretta Swit). Although Frank is never seen in this episode (actor Larry Linville had left the series for good), the 4077th continually receives reports of his erratic behavior, culminating in a desertion and arrest. Meanwhile, Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and B.J. (Mike Farrell) are having their own troubles adjusting to Frank's temporary replacement: Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester II (David Ogden Stiers), a brilliant and erudite surgeon--and an insufferable Back Bay Bostonian snob. Originally telecast as a 60-minute "special," "Fade Out, Fade In has since been reedited as two half-hour episodes for syndication. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi