In a good sitcom, actors become friends with one another. But in the cast of a truly great series like M*A*S*H, the people on the series not only became friends to one another, they became mentors.

One of the show’s stars, Mike Farrell, who played B.J. Hunnicutt, spoke highly of the show’s writing staff, calling the creatives diamonds in the rough.

“The characters stay consistent because we have a nurturing atmosphere,” said Farrell during an interview with The Buffalo News. “It started when Gene Reynolds was producing the series. The cast came in, sat around a table, and read the script. When the reading was finished, Gene asked everyone to think about his part and to offer suggestions. This is unheard of in television. On most shows, they not only don’t care what the actors think, but they would prefer actors who don’t think.”

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In addition to acting, Farrell also began working as a producer and director. The actor admitted that frequently, he looked to co-star Alan Alda for guidance.

“My inspiration for directing and writing comes from Alan,” said Farrell. “He’s such a dynamo. It’s very easy to say nice things about him.”

So bonded were the two men that their friendship didn’t end in 1983 when the series wrapped filming.

“When people in wartime become very close, as is the case with the people we portray, then the war is over,” said Farrell during an interview with The Boston Globe. “Sometimes their lives don’t allow for that relationship to continue. And the entertainment business is such that I don’t know where our paths may cross again. Alan may be in different parts of the world, and so may I. But when I think about the fact that we may not spend a lot of time with each other in the future, it’s a curious kind of heart tug.”