Colonel Sherman T. Potter, portrayed by Harry Morgan, was a key character in the beloved TV series MASH*, introduced as the new commanding officer of the 4077th MAS*H unit following the departure of Colonel Henry Blake. His character came to symbolize a shift in leadership style from the laid-back, often distracted Blake to a more disciplined and experienced “regular army” figure, someone who had spent most of his career in the military and was nearing retirement.
Potter’s entrance into the 4077th was met with some initial unease, especially by the main characters Hawkeye Pierce and B.J. Hunnicutt. After Henry Blake’s tragic death, the soldiers were mourning their loss and were not exactly thrilled about the arrival of a new commanding officer, particularly one with a more traditional military background. The men feared that Potter’s leadership would be authoritarian and inflexible, as they had grown accustomed to Henry Blake’s more lenient, albeit bumbling, style. The show took a moment to introduce Potter in the final moments of Welcome to Korea, where the P.A. system announces his arrival in a dramatic and somewhat ominous way. The announcement that he was “Regular Army” and that “God help us all” was met with a mixture of skepticism and apprehension by the camp.
Potter was fully introduced in Change of Command, where his stern demeanor seemed to match the expectations of a career military man. He came to the camp with a no-nonsense attitude, making it clear that his military experience would not allow for the chaos and rebellious antics that had become commonplace under Blake’s watch. In his first conversation with Klinger, Potter admitted that his first few days at the camp were “a mite uneasy” and that he didn’t receive a warm welcome. Hawkeye and B.J. were particularly on edge, fearing that Potter’s military background would make him just another hard-nosed figure like Frank Burns, with whom they had frequently butted heads.
However, their initial fears quickly dissipated as they witnessed Potter’s competence in handling a medical crisis. When the camp was hit with a sudden influx of casualties, Potter proved his mettle as a leader. His medical expertise, combined with his calm under pressure, helped him earn the respect of the camp’s medical staff. In a pivotal moment, Potter worked alongside B.J. to save the life of a patient, and the two bonded over a night of drinking and storytelling, which helped humanize the colonel and deepen the camaraderie between him and the other characters. During this moment, Potter shared his own experiences of wartime stress and the way he had once coped with it, giving him a relatable, grounded presence that resonated with the team.
Potter quickly became more than just a commanding officer; he became a father figure to many at the 4077th. His leadership style, though firm, was grounded in a deep sense of care for those under his command. His respect for the men and women in his unit and his fatherly approach made him an approachable and beloved figure. The relationships he developed were a testament to his genuine concern for others. For instance, his relationship with Radar O’Reilly evolved from one of unease to a true father-son bond. Radar, who had been nervous around Potter at first, warmed up to him when he saw the kindness and respect Potter offered. This relationship deepened when Potter received a horse as a gift from Radar, a nod to Potter’s love of horses that was reflected in the many horse pictures that adorned his office. Radar’s thoughtful gesture helped solidify their relationship, and Potter’s affection for the horse brought out his softer, more sentimental side.
Beyond his bond with Radar, Potter was a steady and supportive figure for many others, including Father Mulcahy, Klinger, and Major Houlihan. His nickname for Father Mulcahy, “Padre,” was a sign of the warmth and respect he had for the chaplain, and he became a voice of reason and compassion when tensions in the camp escalated. He also developed a special rapport with Klinger, who often tried to avoid military duties through outlandish schemes. Rather than condemning Klinger, Potter typically responded with patience and a healthy sense of humor, often allowing Klinger to get away with his antics, knowing the young man was just looking for a way to cope with the hardships of war.
In the end, Colonel Sherman T. Potter became a central and beloved figure in MASH*, providing the show with a grounded, fatherly figure whose military experience and no-nonsense leadership style were balanced by his genuine affection for the people in his command. His character demonstrated that strength in leadership could coexist with kindness and empathy, making him an essential part of the show’s dynamic and contributing to its enduring legacy.