The Trial of Henry Blake (TV series episode)

Template:Infobox M*A*S*H episode V2

The Trial of Henry Blake was the eighth episode of Season 2 of the TV series M*A*S*H, also the 32nd overall episode of the series. Written by McLean Stevenson and directed by Don Weis, it originally aired on CBS-TV on November 3, 1973.

Synopsis

Col. Blake attends a hearing to consider whether he should be court-martialed for allegedly sending medical supplies to North Koreans, among other charges. Frank Burns (in temporary command) confines Hawkeye and Trapper to quarters, but both manage to escape and present evidence to exonerate Henry. They convince Frank to drop the charges using the only method they know how - blackmail.

Full episode summary

Henry and Radar, dressed up, leave on a trip to HQ, but don't say why. Meanwhile, Frank is walking around with a nasty grin on his face, and when Hawkeye and Trapper mouth off to him, he warns them that he might soon be in charge, so they better knock it off.

At HQ, we see why Henry and Radar are there--Henry is on trial, after charges were filed by Frank and Hot Lips. The trial is led by General Mitchell (Robert F. Simon) with Major Murphy and Captain Fox.

Examples of Henry's supposed lack of leadership are read out, like when he was the announcer for a race involving doctors pushing nurses on gurneys. Or when he allowed Radar to hawk Style-Rite wingtip shoes to everyone in camp. Or the time when, under Henry's command, Klinger almost went AWOL, via a hang-glider that he hoped would sail him out of Korea.

Henry doesn't deny these events, but says it doesn't mean the 4077th isn't doing its duty.

Gen. Mitchell is unimpressed, and places Henry under arrest. He tells Henry that he should have Cpl. O'Reilly head back to camp to collect material to defend Henry against the most serious of the charges--providing aid and comfort to the enemy.

Radar makes it back, and tells Hawkeye and Trapper what's happened. They plan to prepare a defense, but Frank has them arrested, and placed in a tent with just their boxer shorts on. But not for long. When Klinger brings in their meals, Hawkeye and Trapper manage to secretly tell Klinger to drug the M.P. guarding them, allowing them to escape and head off to HQ.

In the meantime, Henry is accused of faking requisitions and then channeling supplies to Meg Cratty, an American nurse who lives and operates a clinic inside North Korea, but who doesn't ask people's politics when they need help. Henry, again, doesn't deny the charges.

Gen. Mitchell tells Henry that given his admission, he has no choice but to recommend that Henry be referred to a court-martial. Henry simply offers "I was only trying to help."

Just then, Hawkeye, Trapper, and Radar arrive, along with Meg Cratty (Hope Summers). Nurse Cratty gives a forceful speech to Gen. Mitchell and the rest, and as an example has brought along a young pregnant woman, who is alive because of Henry Blake's generosity. She says Henry Blake is a good, decent man, who just wants to help, "which is more than I can say for any of you high-priced bellhops."

Henry then makes a speech of his own, admitting he is guilty, but not of giving aid to the enemy: he tried to do the human thing, and help people in need. He says that no money changed hands and he didn't deprive wounded soldiers of one thing.

Frank and Hot Lips also arrive, just as Gen. Mitchell concludes that there isn't much of a case. He tells everyone that he is inclined to expunge the record but first Frank and Margaret have to agree to drop the charges. Frank naturally refuses. This leads Hawkeye to show Frank "some new evidence" scribbled on a sheet of paper, which causes Frank to change his mind.

Frank and Margaret storm out, while General Mitchell invites everyone for a drink. Henry asks what this new evidence is. Radar finds the crumpled sheet of paper and reads it out. It's a note addressed to Mrs. Burns telling her that her husband, who she is so proud of, is frequently out of uniform ... and perhaps she ought to know with whom.

The trial is over, and Henry returns to the 4077th with Gen. Mitchell. The whole camp turns out in formation to greet them ... wearing Style-Rite wingtip shoes!

Research notes/Fun facts

Frank could also be charged later for obstructing justice by impeding witnesses, but Henry probably didn't know the system or the regulations well enough.
In this episode, Radar is wearing an enlisted mans dress peak hat. This hat, according to regulation, was only to be worn during formal events stateside. Radar should be wearing a garrison cap like Henry.