The Game of Go, February 28, 1997

By Shirley

I did not like this episode. There were so many awkward things in it. It also had the misfortune to be broadcast back to back with a really terrific episode - Washington Holiday. After enjoying the complexities and sheer fun of Washington Holiday, The Game of Go seemed to me even more insipid than it probably was.

This was the first episode of Season Two to be filmed, judging by Harm's haircut, and the really strange and strained characterization of Webb. TPTB haven't really figured that one out yet. This wasn't the only thing TPTB haven't figured out. They don't know which way to go with the Harm/Mac partnership either. They must have decided on the slightly romantic option, which would account for Mac grabbing Harm and almost kissing him, and their little flirtation on the dress whites and gold wings theme. This really seemed out of place when taken in the context of the nine previous episodes. It's a real aberration. TPTB made a wrong turn. They have ignored it thus far. I plan to do the same.

What can I say about the story? It's okay, but nothing to write home about. I had suspicions that there was a mole in the American Embassy almost right from the start. The secretary was too obvious. (Sure she listened in on his phone calls. That's what a good secretary does. How else can he or she be the eyes and ears?) The ambassador as spy? Ludicrous. That left Rincon. End of story.

I don't suppose that the back to back broadcast of these two particular episodes was planned when they filmed them. This would account for the weird and funny effect produced when we saw the same hallway and circular staircase in both episodes. Well, when you find a good shooting locale, it is a shame not to reuse it. And how were they to know that it would be shown back to back?

I found the bits with Webb and Mac rather unsettling. This would be directly attributable to the fact that I have become used to them as established characters. In this episode, they are acting like newly introduced characters, with extremely rough edges.

There were lots of other bits that I enjoyed, mainly Harm in dress whites. (Yeah there is something about Harm in dress whites and gold wings ... ). Of course, only someone on TV would be fighting in the jungles in dazzling dress whites. Who cares, he looked marvellous and so sexy, sitting there smoking a cigar, all the while watching Estruga like a cat at a mouse hole. Is there any doubt in anyone's mind anymore as to why JAG's primary audience is female? <long wolf whistle>

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