59. Adam's Ribs

November 26, 1974 (B-316)

Written by: Laurence Marks
Directed by: Gene Reynolds
Guest Stars: Joseph Stern, as Master Sgt. Tarola. Basil Hoffman, as Major Pfeifer.
Semi-regulars: Jamie Farr, as Corporal Klinger. Jeff Maxwell, as Igor.

Plot: Hawkeye is absolutely sick to death of the food at the 4077th - a river of liver and an ocean of fish, as he says. After throwing a tantrum that makes the tent rattle, and getting food on Klinger's stole, Henry rakes him over the coals. Hawkeye realises that what he wants is barbecued spare ribs, specifically from Adam's Ribs in Chicago. He goes to extraordinary lengths to get them; he phones in an order to the store, then tries to get Klinger's uncle to pick it up, but he won't do it without a section 8; Trapper rings up an ex-girlfriend (Mildred) to pick up the ribs and put them on a plane; the ribs get there but are tied up in red tape; Hawkeye and Trapper go to rescue them; the sergeant in charge demands some of the ribs and sauce in order to release them. The ribs are cooked, and are just being served when wounded arrive.

AWOL: Did Hot Lips show up at all this episode?

BIMOL: I don't recall Burns doing over much.

Great Lines: Hawkeye, to Klinger: 'Don't you come from Chicago?' Radar: 'No, he's from Toledo.' Klinger: 'But I get my lingerie from Chicago.' Trapper: 'And it's beautiful. (big pause) I hear.'

The Klinger Collection: A stunning pink brocade evening gown with elbow gloves, fur stole and turban hat. Then his pink housecoat and curlers on sentry duty. Later his green polka-dot dress with his blue hat. And finally a grey print blouse with black skirt and blue hat.

Notes: Henry spent a huge amount of his childhood at the Deerborne Street station in Chicago. That's where he met his wife.

Comments: This was really very silly - a tit for tat episode which by any normal logical progression should never have come off. It was a little contrived, but then it was still quite entertaining.

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