Matthew Clapham
Aug 14, 2023

This really resonates with me, Kevin. M*A*S*H was one of the shows we would watch as a family in the UK in the 1980s, one which in a sheltered, middle-class, first-world household very much informed my realisation of the cruelty, savagery and absurdity that the real world outside held in store. While being hilariously funny at the same time.

The oppressive pettiness of military rules was familiar from school, of course, as well as the low-key, light-hearted rebellious pranks of The Swamp.

Which made it the perfect bridge into understanding the adult world, its politics and conflicts, and a great basis to discuss that with my parents.

A truly iconic piece of TV history.

Hill Street Blues served a similar function, and is another special teenage family telly-watching memory.

Matthew Clapham
Matthew Clapham

Written by Matthew Clapham

Professional translator by day. Writer of silly and serious stuff by night. Also by day, when I get fed up of tedious translations. Founder of Iberospherical.

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