How MASH’s Favorite Supporting Character Spoiled His Ideal Conclusion After the Series Ended

Walter “Radar”O’Reilly, one of the most beloved characters from the iconic television series M*A*S*H, was given an emotional farewell that resonated deeply with fans. However, his return in subsequent spinoffs tarnished that poignant ending. Throughout its 11-season run, several notable actors departed from M*A*S*H, with McLean Stevenson’s abrupt exit after the third season—marked by the shocking death of his character, Henry Blake—being particularly memorable. Despite these departures, many cast members remained with the series, likely understanding that it would define their careers.

The last significant cast change occurred in season eight when Gary Burghoff’s Radar was sent home. Burghoff was distinctly notable as the only actor to reprise his role from the original 1970 film to the television series, making his exit an impactful moment. Radar’s endearing naivety and warmth provided a counterbalance to the harsh realities of war, allowing him to become a favorite among viewers. Burghoff’s portrayal added an emotional layer to the character, and his departure was handled with equal sensitivity.

Radar’s Departure: A Fitting Sendoff

A Heartfelt Farewell to Radar

Burghoff made the decision to leave M*A*S*H to focus on family commitments, originally planning to depart near the end of season seven. Ultimately, his exit was postponed to season eight, culminating in a two-part finale titled “Goodbye Radar.”In this storyline, Radar receives news of a family death which compels him to return home. Torn between his loyalty to his comrades and the urgency of his family crisis, Radar hesitates to leave until Hawkeye encourages him to go.

The episode concludes with an attempted farewell party at the 4077th; however, due to an influx of wounded soldiers, everyone is preoccupied and unable to properly say goodbye. Before his departure, Radar checks in on the operating room, leading to a rare and memorable moment when Hawkeye salutes him. Radar reciprocates the salute, marking a bittersweet and touching end to Burghoff’s tenure on the show, creating one of the series’ most emotional moments.

Radar’s Resurgence in AfterMASH & W*A*L*T*E*R

The M*A*S*H Spinoffs: A Missed Opportunity

After M*A*S*H concluded—largely due to a consensus among the cast that it was time to finish on a high note—CBS found itself reluctant to let go of a cash cow. The network offered spinoffs in hopes of keeping the franchise alive, resulting in the launch of AfterMASH several months later. Despite being a modest success, reviews were lukewarm, highlighting the challenges faced by the spinoffs.

CBS’s determination to reinvigorate the series led them to seek major guest stars; however, many actors, including Alan Alda and Mike Farrell, opted out of guest appearances, leaving only Burghoff willing to continue. His two episodes in AfterMASH provided some closure on Radar’s life post-war, yet they did little justice to his perfect exit in M*A*S*H.

W*A*L*T*E*R, a pilot featuring Radar transitioning into law enforcement, was also produced but failed to gain traction, with CBS ultimately choosing not to greenlight a full series. Although Burghoff’s return was intended to attract viewers, the resulting episodes did not capture the original’s charm.

The Disappointment of W*A*L*T*E*R: A Lesson for CBS

Closure has Its Place

The series finale, titled “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,”remains the most-watched scripted television episode in history, a testament to its successful conclusion. CBS’s drive to extend the franchise ultimately backfired, as evidenced by the underwhelming responses to both AfterMASH and the W*A*L*T*E*R pilot.

In an unfortunate turn, Burghoff’s final portrayal of Radar in the pilot became one of the lowest points in the M*A*S*H legacy. Ideally, the character should have remained in the hearts of fans, allowing them to speculate on his future after the series ended. Instead, Radar’s appearances in spinoffs diluted the emotional weight of his sendoff, although many viewers may have forgotten these efforts over time.

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