It’s one of those TV situations where I feel bad for the actor and think the network was short sighted. I loved Switt on MASH, although now those earlier seasons with her character really highlight sexism played for laughs. But the TV movie was successful, she was still a big enough name on CBS at that time, and others leaving MASH hadn’t decimated the show. They should have let her out to do the series, which would have probably made it more solid from day one and given her a great role and her career more longevity.
I like Meg Foster, she’s a good actor and I think if the show was airing in more modern times her harder edged portrayal would have been more accepted. She’s intense. But Daly and Gless made a great pair, and I think ultimately the right pair for both of them as actors and the characters. The writing supported Cagney better as growing up wealthy but romanticizing her father’s blue collar life. Gless could also be intense but it came with more layers. As @Soaplovers said, she was ballsy, sexy, and funny. She brought out a competitive edge too. And I think Tyne Daly got to shine more with her co-stars not being favored. Switt might have created a situation where Lacey was more supporting than full equal.
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titan1978 ·
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