3. Requiem For a Lightweight

October 1, 1972 (J-308)

Written by: Bob Klane
Directed by: Hy Averback
Guest Stars: Mike McGirr is frequently credited in online episode guides for this episode, but I don't know who he's meant to be playing and haven't found any other reference to him on the internet. All my research has led me to believe he could possibly be a phantom. Anybody with further information is invited to volunteer it - please!
Semi-regulars: William Christopher as Father Mulcahy. Marcia Strassman as Lt Margie Cutler. John Orchard as Ugly John.

Plot: Trapper and Hawkeye are both smitten with the new Lt Cutler. Hot Lips decides that Cutler is distracting them, and has her transferred out. When the boys put pressure on Henry, he says that the only way they can have the nurse back is if one of the boys enters the intercamp boxing tournament. Trapper agrees to go up against a man who resembles a brick wall. The boys formulate a plan to put ether on Trap's glove to knock the other guy out; Hot Lips and Burns find out about the plan and swap the ether for water. Although Trap is outclassed and has no hope, the other boxer leans on the ropes of the ring, which break. He falls out (on top of Hot Lips and Burns) and knocks himself out, making Trapper the winner. The nurse returns and, discovering that Trapper fought to keep her, gets friendly with him and leaves Hawkeye out in the cold.

Glitches: A lot of the outdoor shots are leaving something to be desired, but extensive outdoor filming was not really common at this time.
The sweat patch on Sgt Flacker's chest disappears from the long to the mid-shots when he's training.
There are some odd marks on Trapper's back before the fight starts which almost look like they may have been from a previous take.
Trapper's line towards the end of the episode, 'well I should hope so'. Who said that? Nobody on screen did!

Great Lines: Hawkeye, about Nurse Cutler: 'She's got two of the best--' Henry: 'I'm sure.' Hawkeye: 'hands I've ever seen.'
Hawkeye, to Mulcahy: 'Any advice for Trapper?' Mulcahy: 'Prayer. I don't think he's got one.'

Continuity is for Wimps: Well, Father Mulcahy looks a tad different now, doesn't he?

Comments: Great fun - very silly, and a lot of good laughs. Burns and Hot Lips are pretty much right on par stealing the ether; it's also nice to see Father Mulcahy's interest in boxing being seeded early (or is it convenient serendipity that they managed to match up the sport later on?). Also Lt Cutler is established early to be a recurring heart-throb for the boys.

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