M*A*S*H fans will surely recall the fact that the show's cast was a bit of a revolving door. It's easier to gloss over in hindsight, but producers at the time must have been... concerned.  Sure, the star of the show was the realistic drama and wartime commentary. But a show needs its actors. And when those actors come and go, the series' creators are forced to deal with the aftermath while still presenting a good product. 

When Wayne Rogers left M*A*S*H, there wasn't already a precedent set for what to do when one of the show's ensemble members departed. Later, the show would have the privilege of experience: As castmates such as Gary Burghoff and Larry Linville left, the writers could follow a blueprint of writing the characters off, as established when Trapper John exited. 

So too did those actors have the chance to follow in Rogers' footsteps in their approach to later work. He was the first actor to leave the show and prove that there was life after M*A*S*H. However, that didn't always mean the work was at the same calibre he was used to.

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In a 1976 interview with The Huntsville Times, Rogers spoke about how the scripts he was offered couldn't hold a candle to what he had been a part of on M*A*S*H.

"Week after week, Larry Gelbart with the help of Larry Marks and other writers, came up with perfect material that was right on the money as to character and attitude and wit. Gene Reynolds, the producer, gave us a full day of rehearsal so we could work with the scripts, improvise business, test lines."

Fortunately for Rogers, a few years later, he'd find a role that would stick, as his series House Calls was well-regarded and lasted three seasons.