Throughout the 1970s, the medical dramedy "MASH" was consistently one of the biggest hits on TV. And for good reason, as it deftly blended elements of medical procedural, situational comedy, and grim war story. Though set in the Korean War of the 1950s, it was all an allegory for the then-current Vietnam War, and as such was able to lay out some serious social commentary on controversial issues. But while the series has gone on to be legendary, it also had a sorely underrated spinoff, "Trapper John, M.D."
Spun out of the goofball title character played by Wayne Rogers in the first three seasons of "MASH," the series moves the action to the 'present day' of 1979, where the veteran Vietnam medic has gone to work at the San Francisco Memorial Hospital as Chief of Surgery. Now an older, wiser man, Trapper (now played by Pernell Roberts) is joined by young doctor George Alonzo Gates (Gregory Harrison), and together they work to save lives and deal with the problems that come from working within the rigid medical system.
Despite being mostly overlooked by modern audiences, "Trapper John, M.D." had a long and successful seven-season run. It may not have been the only "MASH" spinoff, but it's definitely the best, with a different tone and feel, while still providing all the heavy medical stories you could ask for.
