“Hawkeye Is Devastated To Learn Trapper John Has Died:" The Cruel Joke Producers Played On MASH's Forgotten Spinoff
When the producers ofMASHfound out about CBS' spinoffTrapper John, MD, they decided to play a mean practical joke on the network. Followingthe shock death of Henry Blake inMASH’sseason 3 finale, the show was dealt a blow when Wayne Rogers decided to leave immediately afterward. When the series began, the “Trapper” actor had been assured his character would be the co-lead, but after Trapper’s role gradually diminished, Rogers decided to exit. That’s whyTrapper left without saying goodbye to supposed best pal Hawkeye(Alan Alda) when season 4 began....