The St Elsewhere and MASH Connection
Fans have speculated about a connection between the classic MASH and the St. Elsewhere universe. This is sparked by references made in St Elsewhere to BJ Hunnicutt, a major character in MASH. These references have fuelled theories among fans that the shows share a universe.
What Are the References in St Elsewhere?
The series St Elsewhere does include references to MASH. Dr. Mark Craig (played by William Daniels), a central character in St. Elsewhere, mentions he and BJ had a similar experience during their service in Korea while treating a patient who has been shot with an explosive round. Another episode features a scene with Dr. Craig and his toy trains, mentioning that "I haven't had this much fun since BJ Hunnicutt and I closed the Kimchi Palace."
St Elsewhere and the "Tommy Westphall Universe" Theory
The series' ending in the final season features a controversial and perplexing twist. This twist leads to a theory among fans that all shows tied to St Elsewhere, including MASH, actually take place within the mind of Tommy Westphall. The implication of this twist, a theory known as "The Tommy Westphall Universe", is that the entirety of St. Elsewhere has been a fantasy of a child named Tommy. This makes it a mind-boggling theory.
MASH: Legacy and Cultural Impact
MASH was an incredibly successful TV Show. It left a significant impact on the world of television, lasting eleven seasons, despite its poor start. Its lasting popularity and cultural influence have made it one of the most memorable medical dramas, and helped pave the way for many other shows.
How MASH Has Inspired Other Shows
The series, MASH has served as inspiration to a long line of medical dramas, like ER, and Scrubs. While there are direct connections with the shows, they were indirectly influenced by the storytelling, pacing, and humor that was part of the series’ makeup. The creators of MASH wanted to remove the laugh track but CBS wouldn’t allow it.
Other Connections Beyond MASH
The series, St Elsewhere isn’t just connected to MASH. A crossover episode in Cheers saw the hospital staff interacting with iconic characters from the sitcom. The series has references to other shows including Homicide: Life on the Street, The Fugitive and even Oz. The series was popular in the 1980s, a time where it wasn't uncommon to make references to other popular shows of the day.
The MASH Universe?
While there is no official confirmation that the two series share a universe, the references made in St. Elsewhere are fun and engaging, prompting fans to theorize and consider these possibilities. Even the Tommy Westphall Universe theory is a sign of the series' lasting power in the hearts and minds of the fanbase.
