Dreams (M*A*S*H) - Parallel Story

Parallel Story

Interspersed among the cast's dreams is a side plot involving the 4077's struggles with evacuating casualties from the compound. A young, inexperienced second lieutenant, Lt. Garvey, from Battalion Headquarters refuses to send ambulances to the 4077th because he fears they will be damaged by the heavy fighting and he will have to account for the expense (with his own money, he fears). Colonel Potter angrily tries to convince him that damage to the vehicles is imminent and expected and the Army won't hold him accountable, but to no avail. Potter vows to take the problem up the chain of command at the first opportunity.

Finally, General Coogan (Ford Rainey), who is interned at the 4077th due to a superficial injury, grows exasperated at the crowded conditions and demands to see Potter. Potter explains the situation and Gen. Coogan, in no uncertain terms, requests an opportunity to call the "pimply-headed lieutenant" on the 4077th's landline phone. Once on the phone, Coogan requests that Lt. Garvey come himself to the 4077th to explain why he won't send the ambulances. Fearing reprisal, Lt. Garvey agrees to send the ambulances immediately.