Lil was the third episode of Season 7 of M*A*S*H, also the 150th overall series episode. The episode, which was written by Sheldon Bull, was directed by Burt Metcalfe. The episode originally aired on CBS-TV on October 2, 1978.
Synopsis[]
Radar gets bent out of shape when he thinks Colonel Potter is spending too much time with a visiting female colonel, and Hawkeye tries to figure out what B.J.'s initials stand for.
Plot summary[]
The 4077th is visited for inspection by Col. Lillian Rayburn, who is not your typical hard-nosed stickler for regulations: she's warm and friendly, and seems to take a shine to Col. Potter, who is the only one in camp around her same age. They've known a lot of the same people, and immediately fall into telling each other stories from their overlapping past.
With Hawkeye spending his time trying to find out what B.J.'s initials stand for (after an off-hand remark by Col. Rayburn), and Margaret in a tizzy trying to be perfect for the inspection, Col. Potter and Lil - as she insists everyone call her - spend all their time together, sharing a bottle of scotch and going on a picnic.
Radar is not pleased at this turn of events, feeling that Col. Potter is acting improperly. Margaret, once she has a talk with Lil about her future in the Army, relaxes and recommits herself to a career in the military. They share their opposing feelings over some drinks in the Officers Club. (The scene of Radar and Margaret in the O Club - with Klinger as bartender - is usually cut from syndicated airings.)
After a few more days like this, Col. Potter and Lil only grow closer. One night, in Lil's tent over some booze, she makes a move on Col. Potter. Potter is stunned into silence, and has to awkwardly explain that nothing like what Lil expects to happen is going to happen.
He apologizes, saying that maybe he sent Lil the wrong message being so friendly - he was just so delighted to have someone of his own age to pal around with. But as long as he has a woman at home waiting for him...
Lil understands, and apologizes herself for misreading the situation. Awkward but friendly, they say good night, with Lil planning to leave for the next MASH the following morning.
The next morning, B.J., sick of Hawkeye's unyielding quest to find out his "real" name, gives it up: his parents were named Bea and Jay, hence, B.J. Hawkeye still isn't buying it.
Research notes/Fun facts[]
- This episode features a woman attempting to seduce Potter. At first, he ignores the obvious signs. But he comes to realize what is happening and ends their nightcap. We later discover in a future episode that Potter had once slipped up and had an affair with another woman.
- Klinger name-drops the date of the episode at September 10th. Potter didn´t arrive until 9/19/1952, and the Korean War ended in July 1953.
- This isn't the first time that Radar attempts to prevent his commander from having an affair with a visiting female. In "Henry in Love", Henry invites a young college girl, Nancy Sue Parker, that he fell in love with in Tokyo to visit. Throughout the entire episode, Radar attempts to find ways to disturb their private moments, including openly mentioning Henry's wife. His final attempt was calling Lorraine for Henry to talk to. This actually works, as Henry realized how much he loves his wife and stopped seeing Nancy. In this case, Radar's attempts were unnecessary, as Potter realized what was going on and ended things before it got worse.
- Margaret offers to have the nurses ready for an inspection by Col. Rayburn at "21:00 hours". This is 9 o'clock at night, an odd time for an inspection.
Guest stars/Recurring cast[]
- Carmen Mathews as Colonel Lillian Rayburn
- Uncredited appearances:
- Jennifer Davis - has a brief speaking part with Radar at the beginning just before Rayburn arrives. See Lieutenant Jennifer
- Laurie Bates - seen when Colonel Rayburn arrives. See Lieutenant Laurie.
- Shari Saba - seen with Laurie Bates when Colonel Rayburn arrives. See Nurse Shari.
Image Gallery[]
