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8 things you never noticed in the M*A*S*H episode ''Good-Bye, Radar''
You might have missed these Dodgers references and Arabic insults.
Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution
"Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" remains the greatest series finale in television history. It's not the only goodbye that brings tears to your eyes on M*A*S*H. The series was exceptionally skilled at farewells, beginning with the shocking departure of Henry Blake.
Another exit that never fails to tug our heartstrings is "Good-Bye, Radar," the final episodes with Gary Burghoff and his lovable character Radar. (The teddy bear stayed behind.) Look, when Potter cries, we cry.
The two-part tale aired early in the eighth season. It was meant to be the finale for season seven. The network worked a deal with Burghoff to briefly return to his role for the Fall '79 season, at least through sweeps.
Here are some more things you might not know about this brilliant piece of television.
1. They took Radar's head out of the opening credits.
For seven seasons, M*A*S*H began every episode with helicopters arriving over the mountains. Radar is the first to hear him — after all, that's why they call him Radar. The back of Gary Burghoff's head appeared as the first shot in those opening credits. At the start of season eight, Burghoff announced his departure from the show. The producers thus removed his head from the opening. In addition, in those first few episodes of season eight before "Good-Bye, Radar," the opening altered his credit to say, "Also Starring Gary Burghoff as Radar."
2. It is also the last episode with Zelmo Zale.
Radar was not the only character to bid adieu in "Good-Bye, Radar." Johnny Haymer made his first appearance as Sergeant Zelmo Zale in season two, and was last seen at the 4077th in "Good-Bye, Radar: Part 1." The electrician character was known for manning the generator, which plays a major part in the sub-plot of "Good-Bye, Radar." Maybe he washed out after the generator failed?
3. It is the last time "Hot Lips" was uttered on the show.
You call her "Margaret." Here's another lesser-known "Last" from that episode. The "Hot Lips" nickname was better associated with the MASH film and the character's depiction in the early episodes M*A*S*H. By this point in the series, Major Houlihan had evolved into a far deeper, headier character. In "Part 2," she kisses Radar, who then exclaims to Winchester, "Wow! Hot Lips!"
4. Klinger says, "You son of a dog!" in Arabic.
Meanwhile, Klinger seeks a new generator. He nearly succeeds at one point, until Maj. George Van Kirk claims the machine. Klinger then "mutters in Arabic," according to the subtitles. He actually curses, "Yaibn al kalb!" That means "You son of a dog!"
5. Radar's love interest was also Rose's daughter on Golden Girls.
Radar meets the love of his life while waiting in an air transfer hut. Lt. Patty Haven even loves Grape Nehi — that's how you know this is serious. After a mere hour together, he vows to find her following the war. Marilyn Jones, who charmingly played Patty, made her television debut in this episode. Seven years later, she turned up in an episode of The Golden Girls as Bridget Nylund, daughter of Rose (Betty White). Look for her in the episode "Family Affair."
6. "Patty Haven" was an ex-girlfriend of the screenwriter.
Ken Levine was one of the masterful scribes in the M*A*S*H writing room. "Good-Bye, Radar" would also be his last episode for the series, along with co-writer David Isaacs. "We wanted to title the show 'Goodbye Levine & Isaacs' but CBS nixed it," Levine joked on his blog. He also admitted, "We named [Radar's love interest] Patty Haven, one of my former girlfriends."
7. Burghoff did not want to wear his hat in the end.
Ken Levine also confessed that Radar's trademark cap became a sticking point in production. "Gary decided he didn’t want to wear his hat. This became a big issue and remains a sore spot with me to this day," Levine wrote in 2006. "Our contention was that without the hat he no longer looked like a kid, he looked like a balding man rocketing into middle age. Also, for reasons I still can’t fathom, he chose to play the character somewhat angry throughout."
8. There are characters named after L.A. Dodgers pitchers.
Other minor characters in "Part 1" include "Sergeant LaGrow," "Private Hough," "Forster" and "Private Reuss." LaGrow hops aboard the crowded Jeep, forcing Radar off his ride. Longtime Los Angeles Dodgers fans might recognize the names. Terry Forster, Lerrin LaGrow, Jerry Reuss and Charlie Hough were all pitchers for the team in 1979.
68 Comments
It was sweet that he met Patty Haven and hit it off with her. I full expected him to marry Patty Haven in the spin-off show WALTER. But that's not what happened. WALTER was a disaster from start to finish. What were the writers thinking?
