| "The Incubator" | |
|---|---|
| M*A*S*H episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 12 |
| Directed by | Jackie Cooper |
| Written by | Larry Gelbart & Laurence Marks |
| Production code | K412 |
| Original air date | December 1, 1973 |
| Guest appearances | |
| Robert F. Simon Logan Ramsey | |
"The Incubator" was the 36th episode of the M*A*S*H television series, and the twelfth episode of season two. The episode aired on December 1, 1973.
Henry Blake has taken delivery of a new barbecue, and with Radar's help, is assembling it in preparation for barbecuing steaks.
Meanwhile, Hawkeye and Trapper express concern that a cell culture will have to be sent to a laboratory in Tokyo, which will mean a 72-hour wait for the results. They look into requisitioning an incubator for the 4077th. Supply Officer Captain Sloan (Eldon Quick) tells them they cannot have one, according to the Basic Equipment List for a M*A*S*H unit, but they can have a pizza oven or other non-essential equipment.
Another supply officer, Major Morris (Ted Gehring), has hoarded three incubators but refuses to release any of them, and his superior Colonel Lambert (Logan Ramsey) is selling military equipment for personal profit. Hawkeye and Trapper eventually take their frustrations to General Mitchell (Robert F. Simon) at a press conference, leading to chaos as the journalists begin questioning both the doctors and Mitchell.
Back at the camp, Hawkeye and Trapper have to explain their actions to Blake. As they leave his office, Radar reveals his latest acquisition—an incubator, for which he has traded away Henry's barbecue.
