Introduction

China Beach is an American dramatic television series set at an evacuation hospital during the Vietnam War.

The title refers to My Khe beach in the city of Đà Nẵng, Vietnam, nicknamed “China Beach” in English by American and Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. The ABC TV drama aired for four seasons, from 1988 to 1991.

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Outline

In 1967, Dr. Richard confirms K.C. is pregnant and several months along. Boonie asks K.C. if she thinks Mac is the father, but she declines to answer him. She greets Mac with the news of her pregnancy when he returns to China Beach and Mac asks her to come to the Philippines with him, but pours cold water on the idea of her running a store or business if she does. Boonie continues to help K.C., developing a rivalry with Mac after K.C. has a fainting spell. He urges her not to follow Mac and promises to always take care of K.C. and her baby. Mac is severely wounded when he is hit in the groin and abdomen by enemy fire while in a helicopter. K.C. still intends to travel with Mac on his evac flight and argues with Boonie over her future. The two share a passionate goodbye, but K.C. decides not to leave and sends Mac off. Warned by Richard she will not be able to travel much longer without risk of premature birth and loss of the baby, she tells him that she had her first experiences with the baby moving, which has changed her perspective on her future.

In 1985, Boonie’s adopted teenage daughter Karen (guest star Christine Elise) confronts Boonie that she now knows that someone, likely her mother K.C., has been sending Boonie checks over the past few years to help pay for her college. Karen leaves the family at a hotel and visits Richard again. She and Richard discuss K.C., Boonie, McMurphy, and memories of the past. Richard recommends she seek out McMurphy, as she knew K.C. best, but urges Karen not to shut Boonie out like K.C. did. Karen acknowledges that Boonie is afraid to let her get hurt like he was years ago. Boonie arrives at Richard’s practice and he and Karen share a tearful embrace.

This episode is also known as History: Part II.

China Beach Series

You can find a full index and overview of China Beach here.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 06 October 1990.
• Running Time: 46-47 minutes.
• Rating: Unknown.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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