February 28, 1983, is a date etched in television history. It marks the original broadcast of “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” the epic two-and-a-half-hour finale of M*A*S*H. The event was more than just a TV episode; it was a cultural phenomenon. Looking back through the lens of time, especially through the pages of vintage publications like a Detroit Television Guide, we can truly appreciate the immense anticipation and media buzz that surrounded this television milestone.
Long before the era of streaming and on-demand content, television guides were essential for navigating the week’s programming. In cities across America, including Detroit, these guides weren’t just listings; they were cultural artifacts, reflecting the viewing habits and media landscape of their time. As the M*A*S*H finale approached, these guides became ground zero for the hype surrounding the event.
Detroit Tuned In: M*A*S*H Mania in Local Guides
Detroit, a major media market, was no exception to the M*A*S*H fever. Examining Detroit television guides from February 1983 reveals the extent to which the finale dominated the media conversation. Publications like The TV Book, the Detroit Free Press‘s television guide, and Television, from The Detroit News, showcased M*A*S*H prominently.
The TV Book from the Detroit Free Press didn’t just feature M*A*S*H on its cover; it delved into the future of the cast in an article titled “M*A*S*H cast is Tired of War and Ready to Move On.” Bettelou Peterson, the article’s author, offered readers a glimpse into what might be next for beloved characters and the actors who portrayed them. Interestingly, even before the finale aired, the article hinted at the spin-off AfterMASH, mentioning the likely involvement of Jamie Farr, Harry Morgan, and William Christopher. This demonstrates the forward-looking perspective of even a Detroit television guide, anticipating the future of the M*A*SH universe.
Similarly, Television from The Detroit News also placed M*A*S*H front and center on its February 27th issue cover, using a striking cast photo. While this particular Detroit television guide didn’t include a feature article, it clearly highlighted the broadcast time for “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” – 8:30 pm on February 28th. Even without a dedicated article, the cover placement spoke volumes about the finale’s importance.
These Detroit television guide examples are not isolated cases. Across the nation, both major publications and local guides joined the M*A*S*H media blitz.
National Media Blitz: M*A*S*H Finale Coverage Across America
The national media was equally captivated. TV Guide, a staple in American households, dedicated its February 12, 1983 edition to M*A*S*H. This wasn’t just a cover feature; it was a M*A*S*H takeover. The issue boasted a special fold-out cover of the cast and three separate articles. Alan Alda himself penned “My Favorite Episodes,” sharing personal insights into the show. Alistair Cooke contributed “M*A*S*H was one of a Kind,” a tribute to the series’ unique blend of comedy and drama. Adding a writer’s perspective, Burt Prelutsky, who had written for M*A*S*H, offered “The Troops Scatter – but the Memories Linger.” For any M*A*S*H enthusiast, this TV Guide issue is a prized collectible, representing the peak of the show’s cultural impact.
Newsweek magazine also joined the chorus, featuring M*A*S*H on its February 28, 1983 cover. Their main article, “Farewell to the M*A*S*H Gang,” pondered the show’s legacy and its influence on future television. The article, alongside a 4077th diagram, a piece on “M*A*S*H Hysteria,” and a profile of the “real Hawkeye Pierce,” Richard Hornberger, cemented Newsweek‘s contribution to the finale frenzy.
Even regional publications like TV Week (The Philadelphia Inquirer), TV Prevue (Chicago Sun-Times), and Tele-View (Chronicle-Tribune, Marion, Indiana) participated, demonstrating the nationwide reach of M*A*S*H mania. Television Times from the Los Angeles Times went a step further, not only featuring the finale but also highlighting local channel reruns of the original movie and early episodes, showcasing the complete M*A*S*H programming block available in Los Angeles.
Why Detroit Television Guides Matter for M*A*S*H Fans
Detroit television guides from this era offer a unique, localized perspective on a national television event. They are time capsules, transporting us back to a pre-internet age where weekly guides were the primary source of TV information and anticipation. For collectors and fans of M*A*S*H, these guides, alongside national publications, are invaluable pieces of television history. They illustrate not just the finale’s broadcast details, but also the cultural significance and widespread excitement surrounding the “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” episode.
The M*A*S*H finale broke viewing records and remains a landmark moment in television history. Exploring the media coverage through publications like a Detroit television guide helps us understand the true scale of this event and appreciate the lasting legacy of M*A*S*H. These guides are a testament to a time when a single television event could unite a nation, and remind us of the power of shared cultural experiences.
