Divided We Stand

For the Marvel Comics storyline, see X-Men: Divided We Stand.

"Divided We Stand"
M*A*S*H episode
Episode no.	Season 2 Episode 1 (25th Overall)
Directed by	Jackie Cooper
Written by	Larry Gelbart
Production code	K401
Original air date	September 15, 1973
Guest stars
Odessa Cleveland Herb Voland Anthony Holland
Episode chronology
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List of M*A*S*H episodes

"Divided We Stand" was the 25th episode of the M*A*S*H television series, and first of season two. The episode aired on September 13, 1973.

Overview

This episode reintroduces the premise and characters of the show as Brigadier General Crandall Clayton, considering breaking up the 4077th, sends Captain Hildebrand, a psychiatrist, to investigate the camp. Henry’s attempts to make everyone get along, and thereby prevent the dissolution of his unit, are met with humorous results.

The episode ends with a camp loudspeaker announcement which is near-identical to the final loudspeaker announcement in the original MASH film, backed by an arrangement of the theme song which served as the opening music for three episodes in the first season.

Plot synopsis

Brigadier General Clayton briefs Captain Hildebrand, a psychiatrist, on the 4077th. Clayton is sending Hildebrand to the 4077 M*A*S*H unit to assess whether the unit can function as a team. He is to recommend if the unit needs to be broken up or remain intact. His briefing serves as an introduction to the main characters.

When Captain Hildebrand arrives at the camp, he tells Henry about the assignment, warning him that it is to be kept a secret. Henry is very upset at the notion of his team being broken up. Even so, he is hard-pressed to explain such things as his dire need for a drink at the moment, and Klinger's cross-dressing.

Henry arranges a late-night meeting in the shower with Hawkeye and Trapper, where he tells them about Hildebrand. They promise to be on their best behavior.

Henry next confronts Margaret and Frank about the reasons behind Hildebrand's visit. Margaret confesses to sending a report to General Clayton denouncing Blake's command. Henry counters by saying that if the unit is broken up, Frank and Margaret will also be separated.

In the meantime, Hildebrand has been following Henry, observing him tipping off the staff as to the true nature of his visit.

The trumpet is playing morning reveille. It wakes up the unit. You see them walking to the officers mess hall. Margaret, Frank, Hildebrand, Blake, Hawkeye, and Trapper are eating breakfast. They are trying to be nice to each other but can not help but looked forced. They laugh a lot too late and are snide with each other.

Margaret and Frank have a tryst. Hawkeye and Trapper nail the door shut. Frank and Margaret meet in the women’s shower. You see a male officer leaving the women’s shower carrying his clothes.

In the next scene Hildebrand is giving his report out loud to the officers, telling them they are childish and unprofessional. As he lectures them, they continue their childish, unprofessional behavior. Radar interrupts them and tells them that there are incoming injured. They race to the operating room and go into action at their best. Hildebrand watches as the team works in a wonderful rhythm together. He starts getting ill at what he sees and retires to the male officers tent. He makes himself a drink. When the general arrives, he finds Hildebrand drunk in the officers’ tent. Hildebrand gives him the following report: the 4077 are in an impossible situation, doing an impossible job, under impossible conditions, and so he does not recommend breaking them up.