The showrunners made a choice early on that once an actor left, their replacements would be totally different.
The latter was again the polar opposite of Frank; a great surgeon, an intellectual and a professional.
Despite being a detestable figure, Larry Linville still managed to make Frank Burns oddly likable.
He was even willing to get Henry Blake and Hawkeye tried for treason on trumped-up charges.
Despite being a truly detestable figure, Linville still managed to make Frank oddly likable.
MASH always blended comedy with tragedy, though it definitely got more dramatic in later seasons.
Custom image by Ana Nieves
Still, the show has many hilarious episodes.
This was at the request of Swit, who wanted more dimension brought to the character.
Linville also believed the Major had been so despicable and selfish that there was no way to redeem him.
MASH is a drama-comedy series set during the Korean War, centering on the lives of the staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital as they navigate the challenges of wartime medical service with humor and resilience.*
Larry Linville was also approached about reprising Frank Burns for the spinoffAfterMASH; he rejected the offer.
Frank is heartbroken when Margaret marries another soldier, which prompts his exit.
This would have given Frank a proper exit, but the actor passed for rather personal reasons.
