I started watching Mash only recently, about a month as of writing this (21st Jan) and i'm currently just started series 6 (Update finished 29th April!).I knew that it was older show that was all the time on regular programmed TV. I wasn't expecting a lot when I first got into it, but by golly did it catch. I was hooked from the first episode!! The first time I watched it i was in the living room with my dad and he talked about how he used to watch it a lot, or it was often used as background noise in his childhod. He mentioned how one of my uncles really liked Mash as well. He passed away last year and I never really knew him but it made me feel really connected to him. Anyway on to the show itself!!

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

A quick run down -- The show is set around a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (AKA MASH !!) in the Korean war, that was in the 50s. The Korean war lasted 3 years, where as M*A*S*H lasted 11 years over 11 seasons The main characters of the show are the surgeons and other army personnel that live there. These people include Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce, "Trapper" John McIntyre (My Fav!), '<--' the main two protagonists. The show does cycle through beloved characters often, 'Trapper', as well as the Commanding Officer Henry Blake, leave show at the end of series 3, and a couple other beloved (or hated) leave throughout the series, which is always saddening. But i suppose in 11 years there's gotta be some change. My favourite character was Trapper when was around, then after he left i really enjoyed all them equally, Radar, Father Mulchay, Potter, Winchester, I even like Igor.
I like that the show doesn't really have one main plot or storyline that they follow, instead it is rather different snapshots of their days. I sometimes get frustrated at shows when they drag out a story too long, or too short. But i found myself not experiencing that.

Although it is a sitcom, it does have its serious moments and drama, especially around series 6. I really appreaciated that, I also really aprecciated how the show doesn't glorfy war or make heroics out it, i was surprised at how modern the show felt, i was fully expecting to cringe at some parts.
Hawkeye hates the war and the army, he speaks out and degrades war and patriotism, often calls out others when they use offensive language or actions. He is often in support the local villages/people and comments on imperialism and colonialism. One character Frank Burns, who I mentioned earlier is most often the target of correction as he would be the main constant antagonist.
Another point i have to make is the homoromaticism between the Hawkeye and BJ. Sometimes it is so blatant it might as well be heated rivialry. Whilst i dont believe the writers intended for hawkeyes banter to come across as flirtacious, it does, especially with my modern eyes. He is just meant to be a character that's very subersive to your classic American G.I. A post by @depressedraisin on tumblr goes more in depth about it. Something that happens over the course of the show is the change from unserious to serious. You see this with the plot, with Margaret, with how she was originally meant to me a sexist joke but grows into a very strong character, and Klinger. Klinger originally cross-dresses to get out of the army, out of Korea, he is also seen to a scheming underhanded guy who is always thinking of a new way to scam. This is accepted by most people with only a bit of mocking. Eventually however he decides to stop attemping to leave, and he seem committed to his job as a clerk, he even decides to stay in Korea for his wife, to help find her family, ultimately he is a kind, dedicated guy.
Alongside the tv show, there is a fil and a book (i think?) that came before neither of which i have seen/read yet! If anyone is interested in watching it (as u should) it's available on disney +, binge and on the internet archive without the laugh track