War Stories, January 13, 1999

By Shirley

Okay, this is part two of the two-parter that wasn't. Mac doesn't have the "hot hand" in JAG, and she's just barely scraped through her Article 32 hearing, plus an Admiral's Mast, but here she is, lead counsel on the hot case of the month, with Bud as junior. Harm, meanwhile, is left in charge as the temporary JAG while poor Admiral Chegwidden is forced to take his accumulated leave time. Brumby, the guest who has worn out his welcome, is prosecutor.

As far as dramatics went, the Resnicki trial was interesting and had good intensity. I don't find Mac's initial approach to the case justified. She tried to use the General's past service record as justification for Resnicki's decision. That just is not good clean lawyering. It may be effective lawyering, but it ain't clean, folks. This is why Bud could not, in all conscience, tell Harm that he agreed with the approach. He could only say that he supported his lead counsel. (BTW, I bet that's why Bud fumbled the file when Mac asked for it, too. It was a Freudian slip. He did not want her to go that route. That's more plausible than Bud's being nervous and unable to find his bearings in court. He may be inexperienced but he certainly handled his previous case with aplomb.) And Mac accusing Harm of playing politics now that he is in charge is so petty that I blushed for her. Yes, Harm went against the Admiral's advice many times, but he always had good reasons. It was never win at all costs. And I do find Mac's action rude when she abruptly said "Excuse me." and left the office. She and Harm may be equal in rank, but in that office and on that day he was the JAG. She owed the office respect.

Bud has now retrieved his character. Mr. Roberts, you're forgiven for your part in the November soaps. You saved Mac's six in this trial, and I do hope that you fully appreciate the faith and confidence that Harm has in you. After the scene between Harm and Resnicki, no one can carp at your hero-worship of Harm, or complain that he does not appreciate your unique abilities. In this scene, Harm shows that he is more than equal to the task of being the JAG. Harm may be the temporary JAG, but he is still Lt.Cmdr. Rabb talking to Cmdr. Resnicki. He not only gets Resnicki to agree to Bud, he got him to see Bud in a new light, and to delve beneath the surface. One can see the dawning respect in Resnicki's eyes as Harm's words hit home. Touché!
 

This episode proved conclusively that I do not want Harm in charge. It would be death to the show. We need Harm to be the catalyst, and he can't be that if he were in charge. JAG has gotten to where it is by allowing Harm full rein. Don't mess with what got you there, TPTB.

This episode is chock full of in-jokes. I got some of them, but I'm quite sure that I've missed a lot more. A note to the production insiders, I'm sure that you guys crammed in lots of jokes, and you know, jokes are even funnier when shared <G>. Which few did I get? - Harm/DJE's height, the baby name, a few of the ones on the "movie set", the closeups...

I enjoyed AJ on and off the movie set. He was truly a "Stranger in a Strange Land". Now we know that the surest way to AJ's heart is through his stomach. Guacamole, chili and sweets, huh? I'm glad that he managed to while away his time on leave. My advice, Admiral, is to get yourself a few hobbies. The keyboard is a good idea, but you need more ... I know, talk to Bud!

Now for the really important issue, that of the Roberts child's name. I like David, for obvious reasons, but I guess Roland Sims has more pull. With all due respect to your father, Mr. Bellisario, Albert Jethro does not find favour in my eyes. It does not sing in my ears. I make you free of my choice, Harmon Clayton. If you want to know why, please read my fanfic How the Roberts Baby Got His Name. LOL. <wink, wink>
 

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