To Market, to Market (M*A*S*H)
| "To Market, to Market" | |
|---|---|
| M*A*S*H episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 2 (2nd overall) |
| Directed by | Michael O'Herlihy |
| Written by | Burt Styler |
| Production code | J303 |
| Original air date | September 24, 1972 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
|
Jack Soo as Charlie Lee |
|
Jack Soo as Charlie Lee
Robert Ito as Lin
G. Wood as General Hammond
Odessa Cleveland as Ginger
John C. Johnson as Truck Driver
"To Market, to Market" is the second episode of M*A*S*H. It was first aired on September 24, 1972 and repeated on April 29, 1973. Like many other M*A*S*H episodes, this one parodies army bureaucracy.
Thieves and blackmarketeers hold up a truck load of medical supplies for the 4077, thus rendering them in desperate need of Hydrocortisone. In retaliation, Hawkeye and Trapper meet with a notorious black marketer, hoping to get some replacements. When they realize they have nothing reasonable to trade with him, they go to drastic measures to get what they need.
While operating on a general, Hawkeye discovers they are out of Hydrocortisone, so he and Trapper go to angrily complain to Major Houlihan. Major Burns comes to defend her, and explains that it, along with half of the other medical supplies, was hijacked by the black market. He also explains that a new shipment is waiting outside, but when they open up the truck, they discover it's been stolen.
Angry about the theft, Hawkeye and Trapper go to tell Col. Blake about it. When they walk into his office, they find him showing off his 100-year-old desk. They inform him of the theft and suggest that he call General Hammond and demand some action, but he is too nervous, so Hawkeye calls him. When Blake asks Hammond for more Hydrocortisone, he adamantly refuses.
Radar is able to find the name of a black marketer, Charlie Lee. Hawkeye and Trapper meet him to ask about getting some Hydrocortisone. When they realize they could never afford it, they offer to trade Henry's desk. Soon afterward, Charlie Lee shows up at the 4077 dressed as a South Korean General. Burns sees Lee's jeep parked in the middle of the camp and orders him to move it, only to have the man try to sell him a stolen watch. Meanwhile, Lee agrees to the trade with Hawkeye and Trapper, but says the desk must be ready to be put on his truck at exactly 0600 the next morning or the deal is off.
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