The Army-Navy Game (M*A*S*H) down, Father Mulcahy wins the football pool, having placed the only bet on Navy. The Army-Navy Game (M*A*S*H) "The Army–Navy Game" is episode #20 of the first season of the TV series "M*A*S*H", originally airing on February 25, 1973; its repeat on September 9, 1973 was the last official telecast in "M*A*S*H"s first season on CBS. The episode was co-written by cast member McLean Stevenson ("Lt. Col. Henry Blake"). Excitement runs high in the camp on the day of the Army-Navy football game, with several members of the 4077th putting money into a betting pool. As the game starts, the
Alan Alda left the series, Alda gained increasing control, and by the final seasons had become a producer and creative consultant. Under his watch, "M*A*S*H" retained its comedic foundation, but gradually assumed a somewhat more serious tone, openly addressing political issues. As a result, the 11 years of "M*A*S*H" are generally split into two eras: the Larry Gelbart/Gene Reynolds "comedy" years (1972–1977), and the Alan Alda "dramatic" years (1977–1983). Alda disagreed with this assessment. In a 2016 interview he stated, "I don't like to write political messages. I don't like plays that have political messages. I do not think I am responsible