A divisive moment for MASH enthusiasts: B.J. Hunnicut and Infidelity
Mike Farrell's beloved character B.j. Hunnicut was always shown as Peg's committed husband. One contentious episode, "Hanky Panky," however, raises questions about B.J.'s possible cheating on her This page explores the episode, the causes of the controversy, and why B.J. might have become a more complex character as a result.
Did B.J. Cheat on Peg in "Hanky Panky"?
Although "Hanky Panky" never says specifically what happened between B.J. and a nurse called Carrie, it's strongly suggested that they shared a bed. B.J. spends the evening in Carrie's tent; his guilt and confession to Hawkeye, where he acknowledges "falling off the fidelity wagon," imply that the two did in fact have intimacy.
While some Mash viewers try to understand the episode differently, the data suggests B.J. was disloyal. For the character, this is a turning point since it shows how the pressures and solitude of war might tempt even apparently committed spouses like B.J.
Why Was B.J.'s Infidelity Uncontroversial?
Given Peg's absence from the show—only seen once in a dream sequence—many Mash fans were offended by B.J.'s infidelity. For some, the episode broke their view of B.J.'s image as a committed and loyal husband.
Still, "Hanky Panky" is a sophisticated episode examining the emotional toll war takes on relationships. Showcasing Mike Farrell's acting abilities, it shows B.J.'s inner conflict with guilt and the surprising relationship he develops with Carrie. The episode shows how personal relationships might be tested and changed even in the middle of war.
B.J.'s Infidelity as a Character Development Turning Point
Although some viewers would have found "Hanky Panky" challenging, it also gave B.J.'s character additional levels of complexity. It demonstrated how imperfect even the most apparently flawless people are and how easily circumstances can entice those with strong beliefs.
The episode also set the path for a later episode, "War Co-Respondent," in which B.J. resists temptation with a war correspondent, so reaffirming his allegiance to Peg. This demonstrates B.J.'s awareness of his past errors and deliberate decision to keep his values true.
Beyond the Controversy: a More Human and Complicated B.J.
Even if "Hanky Panky" might have been a divisive episode, it's evidence of the show's openness to investigate the whole range of human experience—including the messy and less appealing sides. It made B.J. a more complex and sympathetic character who wasn't perfect but who finally chose to grow and learn from his errors.
Thus, even if B.J. might have "fallen off the fidelity wagon" in "Hanky Panky," it does not diminish his character necessarily. Rather, it introduces a level of complexity that accentuates his human appeal.
