Colonel Henry Blake (played by McLean Stevenson) was replaced on MASH* because Stevenson chose to leave the show after its third season.
🔹 Why did he leave? McLean Stevenson was looking to pursue other opportunities, including hopes of having his own TV show and expanding his career beyond MASH*.
He reportedly felt that other cast members, especially Alan Alda (Hawkeye), were getting more attention, and he wanted a larger role elsewhere.
🔹 How was he written out? In the season 3 finale, titled "Abyssinia, Henry", Colonel Blake is honorably discharged and heads home.
In a shocking twist, it's revealed at the end of the episode that his plane was shot down over the Sea of Japan and he died, making it one of the most memorable and emotional moments in TV history.
🔹 Who replaced him? Colonel Sherman T. Potter (played by Harry Morgan) joined the show in season 4 as the new commanding officer.
Unlike the laid-back Blake, Potter was a career Army man with more discipline, though still kind and humorous.
Blake’s departure and the way it was handled marked a turning point in MASH*, signaling a shift toward more serious storytelling alongside the comedy.
Colonel Henry Blake (played by McLean Stevenson) was replaced on MASH* because Stevenson chose to leave the show after its third season.
ReplyDelete🔹 Why did he leave?
McLean Stevenson was looking to pursue other opportunities, including hopes of having his own TV show and expanding his career beyond MASH*.
He reportedly felt that other cast members, especially Alan Alda (Hawkeye), were getting more attention, and he wanted a larger role elsewhere.
🔹 How was he written out?
In the season 3 finale, titled "Abyssinia, Henry", Colonel Blake is honorably discharged and heads home.
In a shocking twist, it's revealed at the end of the episode that his plane was shot down over the Sea of Japan and he died, making it one of the most memorable and emotional moments in TV history.
🔹 Who replaced him?
Colonel Sherman T. Potter (played by Harry Morgan) joined the show in season 4 as the new commanding officer.
Unlike the laid-back Blake, Potter was a career Army man with more discipline, though still kind and humorous.
Blake’s departure and the way it was handled marked a turning point in MASH*, signaling a shift toward more serious storytelling alongside the comedy.