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Angels 30, November 3, 1998 |
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By Shirley
previous episode review//next episode review
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Angels 30, November 3, 1998 |
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By Shirley
previous episode review//next episode review
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I
have very mixed feelings about this episode. There had been a fair amount
of chatter on the mailing lists about the possible effect of the American
elections on this episode, i.e., would we get to see it in its entirety or
even at all? Production insiders had assured us that CBS would be
broadcasting, but that the network had requested that 3 minutes be cut to
allow for election coverage updates. Worry, worry, worry ... 
Let's
get the bad out of the way first. I don't like the way TPTB are handling
the pregnancy situation. This is quite aside from my enjoyment of the
really fine work done by JMJ and KT in those scenes. Those two are good!
However, I object to all these old clichés being trotted out one after
another. I admit, this is most likely due to the fact that I am a woman
who knows what it's like to be pregnant. But I like to think that a large
part of my unease is due to the change in approach that is being taken
with Harriet's character. Harriet is an officer in the US Navy. Sure, she
is pregnant. But I don't buy the theory that she would not be able to
handle herself and her duties with impeccable professionalism throughout
her pregnancy. Pregnancy is not a disease, you know, TPTB. I know, it's
good for comic relief. But just be careful how and what you do with these
characters that we have grown to admire and love. And please remember that
JAG isn't just any other show. Thank you. 
On
to what I liked ... yes, the sequences aboard the Coral Sea. Isn't it
terrific to see Harm fly again? Every time they are sent to a carrier, or
where there are Tomcats, I'm on the edge of my seat, wondering if he'll be
flying. Okay, the footage is old stuff (how often have we seen Tomcat
#104), but I still enjoy watching. I think that this is an information
episode, done in a most entertaining way. When was the last time millions
of people were glued to the TV absorbing such technical details? We were
literally inundated with information about Tomcats and the laws of
physics, as well as more of the neat slang. I guess TPTB must have figured
that the fans are more than ready to learn the finer details of the world
of the naval aviator. It was most educational. However, there is one
caveat. I already have trouble making sure I don't say 'six, deck, head,
scuttlebutt,' etc. in ordinary everyday conversation. Now I have more
things to remember! This episode also paves the way for the future ones,
from all the scuttlebutt I've been hearing on the lists. It's now
confirmed, Harm is not just a good pilot, he's a Top Gun. He'll be flying
again. 
Mac's
character is still being retooled. She's more playful and acts younger. In
the scene in the weight room, her hairdo makes her look really youthful
(and she's not old, by any stretch of the imagination). Her not entirely
kidding reminder to Harm to come back before the streetlights go on is
further indication of her deep concern and love for him. However, manlike,
he's paying her minimal attention. He's already up in the air doing what
he loves best - flying - and she can only watch and wait. ("Mom?!!!") 
The
story of Rice hearing the voice of God was promising, so I was rather
disappointed that it partially turned into uh-oh, faulty O-rings again.
Art Hindle did a nice turn as CAG. I'm not that familiar with his work,
but I saw him on The New World Wine Tour one time, as the celebrity guest
eater/drinker. He was really charming and funny.