Hawkeye Pierce (Played by Alan Alda)

Hawkeye Pierce (Played by Alan Alda)

Show: M*A*S*H

Years: 1972 – 1983

Network: CBS

Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce is the brilliant, irreverent, and deeply humane chief surgeon of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) during the Korean War. He’s a complex character—a gifted surgeon committed to saving lives, but also a rebellious soul who uses humor and sarcasm as a defense mechanism against the horrors of war. Hawkeye is fiercely anti-authority, constantly pushing back against military bureaucracy and absurdity. He relies on his quick wit, practical jokes, and a healthy dose of moonshine to cope with the daily trauma of his job. He’s a romantic and a flawed idealist, often seeking solace in friendships with fellow surgeons and nurses. While outwardly a jokester, Hawkeye is deeply sensitive, plagued by a moral conscience and the psychological toll of war that often reveals itself in moments of quiet contemplation and his need to protect the weak. His journey throughout the series is one of learning to balance his need for levity with the devastating reality of his environment. He became the anti-war poster boy of the 1970s.

Key Episode(s):

“Abyssinia, Henry”: The heartbreaking finale of season three, in which Hawkeye is forced to face the profound impact of loss and how it affects a large group of people.

“The Interview”: Where Hawkeye has to defend his actions and those of his colleagues to a visiting journalist. This showcases his intelligence and also his flaws.

“Sometimes You Hear the Bullet”: Explores Hawkeye’s trauma in greater depth, revealing the hidden costs of his coping mechanisms.

“Goodbye, Farewell and Amen”: The series finale, which highlights Hawkeye’s complex emotional journey and his need to go home.

Legacy: Hawkeye Pierce remains one of television’s most beloved and enduring anti-hero characters. He redefined the portrayal of the wartime protagonist, moving away from the stoic hero and embracing vulnerability and humanism. His biting humour and anti-establishment stance influenced a generation of television characters, particularly those in dramedies. Hawkeye remains a significant example of a character who uses humour to highlight a difficult reality and to mask his personal trauma.

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.