The Unseen Finale
The M*A*S*H franchise is a significant part of American television history, but did you know its final episode never aired in the U.S. and remained lost for 30 years? The series, known for its unique blend of comedy and drama, ended with a lesser-known sequel, AfterMASH. This spinoff followed Colonel Potter, Father Mulcahy, and Klinger in a veteran’s hospital post-Korean War. Despite its potential, AfterMASH failed to capture the original’s magic and was ultimately overshadowed by shows like The A-Team.
The Final Episode: "Wet Feet"
AfterMASH's intended finale, "Wet Feet," was an ordinary episode where the staff gets trapped in the hospital due to heavy rain. It wasn't designed as a series conclusion but became the franchise’s accidental finale. CBS chose to air a news special on tax reform in its slot, and the episode was never broadcast in America.
This decision marked the end of the M*A*S*H saga abruptly.
Why It Was Never Aired
The failure of AfterMASH, compounded by its poor second season ratings, led CBS to pull the plug swiftly. "Wet Feet" became almost impossible to view, further adding to the spinoff’s obscurity. It aired in some international markets but was largely forgotten in the U.
S. The network’s lack of confidence in extending the M*A*S*H property meant no further attempts were made to air or revive the series.
Rediscovery Decades Later
In 2016, AfterMASH's elusive episode resurfaced online, much to the surprise of die-hard fans. A YouTube channel uploaded "Wet Feet," finally allowing American audiences to witness the lost episode.
Although the video was later taken down due to copyright issues, it became available on the Internet Archive, offering a glimpse into what could have been a more fitting end to the beloved franchise.
Legacy of AfterMASH
AfterMASH remains a cautionary tale of failed spinoffs, but it wasn’t entirely without merit.
Episodes like "Wet Feet" showcased its potential had it not been placed against the formidable A-Team. Reports even suggested guest appearances from original MAS*H stars like Alan Alda, which never materialized. Despite its struggles, AfterMASH deserves a nod for its efforts to continue the legacy of one of TV's most iconic series.
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