This episode was a real letdown. The
first two episodes were so strong and well done that I thought season 4
was going to be one continuous high. Well, this was the first dip.
The story itself was awkward, and therein lies the entire problem. I admit
a rape story involving a young Japanese schoolgirl is a tough assignment.
Even an experienced JAG scriptwriter like Dana Coen had trouble. As a
result, the characters did not behave like themselves at all. At best,
they were 'fallible'; at worst, they were caricatures of themselves. The
Admiral snarled and threatened emptily; Harm blustered about blindly; Mac
was reduced to showing off language skills; and Bud just stood in the
background. It was pathetic. All this because the story didn't stay true.
Oh some of the one liners were priceless, but we don't watch JAG just for
the one liners. As for the ending - (prolonged scream). I thought of
writing a very bad haiku as revenge, but then decided that it wouldn't be
cricket to inflict further pain on the world.
The saving grace of the episode, and probably what most fans will remember
is the softball game - JAG versus the God Squad. It was a treat to see our
favourite people dressed in their ball outfits (sexy!), and know that
there is lots more going on than what they've shown us thus far.
