Who played the best "Trapper" on M*A*S*H?  Elliot Gould in the movie, or Wayne Rogers on the T.V. show?  ?

Wayne Rogers.........

Wayne Rogers on the T.V. show

Acting isn't a competition. Each one of the actors brought their own strengths and take on the character.

It really isn't fair to compare the two. 

Elliot Gould's total time as the character was much shorter. Clocking in at just under two hours he had only the movie script to work from. There was very little arc and he played the same version of the character all thru the movie.

Wayne Rogers played the role for 73 episodes spanning 3 years. Thus there was far more time for the writers and Rogers to develop the character. He got to play the character for both drama and humor.

Personally I preferred Rogers portrayal as I found Gould just not very likable in the movie.

The film was very good and I enjoyed Altman's direction very much though my personal favorite Altman movie is The Player. IMO the single best film made about Hollywood.

YMMV

Wayne Rogers hands down. Elliot Gould is a good actor but I personally prefer Wayne Rogers as trapper

Wayne Rogers was the best.

The main dude lolol