Newsletter Editor: Nancy P.

Asst. Editor: Jenni M.

Website of the Month

In honor of Valentine’s Day this month, we offer you:

A Shipper's Web Site

February is the month for true love. If you are a true AJ and Mac shipper, you will love the web site of the month: Gray's JAG Page at http://www.uvm.edu/~gcargill/jagpage.htm. It is a shipper's paradise that all JAG fans will enjoy. This easy-to-navigate site has four main areas: JAG episode reviews, JAG fanfictions, a forum for AJ and Mac fans to express why they think this duo should be together and finally general information on other great JAG/JMJ/CB sites and lists to check out.

Gray has written all the reviews and fanfictions in this site. Gray is a dynamic, creative and wonderful writer. Her reviews and stories keep you intrigued until the very last word. I personally love to read her reviews each week. The episode reviews found in the site are for part of season three and all of season four. Starting at the end of season three and continuing on through season four, Gray offers both AJ's and Mac's perspectives on the events that happened during the show. The reviews tie in past episodes by showing how the different stories are inter-related. The reviews are a complement to the terrific job the production staff of the show does at maintaining accuracy and consistency in the storylines.

Did you ever think, however, that something was missing from an episode's storyline? Gray did. In the fanfiction section, she created MIA stories. They are the missing scenes that answer the question what if they did…it is a fan's dream conclusion to the story arc.

In the fan's forum section is where AJ & Mac shippers can share their opinions about the chemistry and true passion they see between their favorite Admiral and his favorite Marine. And in case you aren't quite sure who I am referring to, there are over a dozen pictures of the handsome couple for you to look at while traveling through this site.

One last thing I love about Gray's reviews is the favorite quotes she puts at the end. Although the following quote came from the Christmas episode, Jaggle Bells, I think it is appropriate for Valentine's Day. AJ speaking to Mac says "You know, Major, there are two sides to duty. Occasionally, we have to do things we don't want to do. And sometimes, duty can be about resisting the temptation to do things that we would like to do." So until all of our shipper's dreams can come true and love finally out ranks duty, we will just have to unite at Gray's JAG Page, the shippers' true love paradise on the web.

PATTYOS@aol.com is our website feature editor. She will be scouting out JMJ (and JAG) websites and reviewing them so you'll know the best places on the web to go for your JMJ fix! If you know of a good JMJ site or if you yourself have a JMJ site, please let Patty know - yours may be next to be our Website of the Month.

Trivia Corner

I had had a request for a really hard trivia question, and last month’s certainly seemed to fill the bill. Only two people came up with the right answer(s). If the picture above from "Washington Holiday" jogs your memory at all, you’ll remember that AJ tells the King that he visited his country (Romania) in 1994. As for the other countries AJ has been in, here’s the list that we know of and where we found out about it: Russia ("Gypsy Eyes"), Japan ("Innocence"), Italy ("Going After Francesca" and "Someone To Watch Over Annie"), Vietnam ("Black Ops" and "Ghosts," among others), and Saudia Arabia (check his medals for that one). A couple of people mentioned Puerto Rico; however, since that is a Commonwealth of the United States, we didn’t count that one.

Now, on to this month’s trivia question: Who does AJ credit with having saved his life in Vietnam? (Worth 3 points)

To play our trivia game, e-mail your answers to admiralslady@oocities.com by Feb. 28. Answers will be in the next issue of The Journal.

JMJAS Shirts!

We are pleased to offer to you the first official "unofficial fan club" merchandise - got that? We have JMJAS shirts that you can purchase for yourself or as a gift for a friend. The shirt is a Navy blue, medium-weight, polo shirt - very nice and very sturdy. Our source will purchase the shirt and then embroider the SEAL trident with "JMJAS" above it on the left chest area. Your name will go on the left sleeve.

The cost is $35/shirt, which includes shipping. Please send a money order only - no checks, please. You may send cash at your own risk! Each shirt is made to order, so please allow 6-8 weeks to receive your shirt. As with the SEAL merchandise, the JMJAS makes no money from the sale of this shirt - we have simply found a supplier. If you would like to order a shirt or would like more information about this shirt, please e-mail chris45@jaguarsystems.com Or print out this newsletter and drop it in front of your "significant other" as a helpful hint for Christmas shopping!

From the Admiral's Desk

This feature is our new book review section. We will let you know about interesting JAG-related books, both fiction and nonfiction. This review was submitted by Chris West.

Combat Swimmer: Memoirs of a Navy SEAL, by Captain Robert A. Gormly, USN (Ret) (ISBN 0-525-94326-9). I found this book at my local Barnes and Nobel while I was shopping for a birthday present for my father. Since I was attempting to write a fanfic centered on AJ, I thought this would help me ‘get into his head.’

The book covers the author’s career as a Navy SEAL. In the preface, Capt. Gormly states: "I want to provide the reader not only with ‘war stories’ but with serious analyses of events in the evolution of SEALs into the best fighting force…" He does this by giving a first hand account of his training. He started out describing the UDT training. Reading those chapters, I could see how the SEAL teamwork is developed. He made it clear that this is the place where the SEAL develops the utter and complete trust in his team.

The first half of the book was devoted to his training and his missions in Vietnam. That was the most interesting part. The second half of the book was post-Vietnam and it did not move quite as quickly. I had the feeling that everything after Vietnam was an anticlimax. Of course, Capt. Gormly was also progressing in rank, so he was removed from participation in the missions to planning them. According to him, the best position is in a platoon.

All in all this is a good book. Would I recommend it? Yes. My copy has already made the rounds to my brother and father. Did Gormly achieve his goal as stated in the preface? I believe so. I’ll probably reread it as some point and glean more information from it.

If you have read a JAG-related (in one way or another) book that you think others might like, please send your review to us at moviesii@aol.com.

(From "Washington Holiday" - Season 2)

Welcome New Members

We would like to extend a warm welcome to the following members who joined the fan club during the month of January:

• Marty

• Marny Koch

• Melissa Bostrom

• Vickie Rogus

• Julie Scharff

• Cheryl Crawford

• Cathy Locks

• Ricky Mitchell

• "Jnitz"

Welcome aboard! We're glad to have you join our (not-so) little family.

February Birthdays!

We would like to wish a Very Happy Birthday and a joy-filled year to the following members with February birthdays:

Pat Murray - Feb. 11

Alise Recupero - Feb. 23

HughesFan - Feb. 27

Meet Our Members

Hi. My name is Donna Morgan, but I go by Story--I earned that from my telling stories. I live in Seguin TX, a small town east of San Antonio, TX. I used to be a Sheriff’s Deputy, but quit in order to take care of my ailing Parents. I lost my mother 2 years ago, but I still take care of my father as a full-time caregiver. I have a small ranch, and live with a lot of animals. I have 5 horses (Tenn.Walkers), 4 dogs, 3 cats, 2 parrots, and one Dad. <G> I'm 40 years young, single now with one daughter (21) and the grandmother of 2 beautiful grandkids--a boy (2) and a girl (4). I started watching JAG from the Pilot on and was already in love with JMJ from his days on Wiseguys. I have met DJE once, and he was very nice and really tall. My hobbies are horseback riding, reading, and trying to write fanfic.

My name's Kelly Ludwig, I'm 30, married, with 3 little kids (5, 3, and 21 months). I'm a born and bred Jersey girl *g* who loves the ocean and storms. I've worked in banking and accounting, now I'm home with my brood, but starting school again in the fall to become a paramedic (I've been an EMT for 9 years now).....let's see.....i'm a voracious reader and music wise, anything from the 80s *l* and Garth Brooks.

Hi, I am Susan. I live up in the wine country in Northern California which is a good thing since my family owns a winery--Foppiano Winery. I have two boys ages 19 and 15 and of course hubby. I enjoy horseback riding, JAG, all kinds of music, and just plain being outdoors but not too cold though. Our pets includes 3 horses, 3 dogs, 4 cats and numerous sheep. Oh! I forgot the chicken. It is a good thing we live out in the country. Also I LOVE chocolate. If anyone gets to come out to the wine country (Healdsburg to be exact), please stop by and visit me in the little red caboose. Or visit our website at http://www.foppiano.com

If you would like to introduce yourself to the group, please send a one-paragraph bio to Jenni at gypsy77@home.com. We'd love to get to know you.

(From "Secrets" - Season 2)

Favorite Quotes

Our favorite quotes this month come from "Secrets."

"I don't care if he's got a tank! No son of a bitch is taking over my office."

(Admiral Arleigh A. Burke

Courtesy of the U.S. Navy)

 

FanFic Forum

A Father's Love

Author: Sandra Martinez

Rating: PG-13

Classification: Action/Adventure/Romance (Harm/Mac, AJ/Other, Webb/Other)

Summary: What would happen if AJ turned out to be Webb's father?

A Father's Love is a twisting tale of an act of love that happened decades ago but comes back to change a certain Admiral's life. AJ is forced to realize that a certain person in his life is his child. All the major players are in this in a good balance. Harm, Mac, Webb and even Webb's mommy. Just when you thought the story is going one way, it turns around and goes just the way you didn't think. It is written really well. This a definite read for any Webbie or a Harm/Mac shipper. I really enjoyed this story and I hope you do too.

You will find a link to this story on the FanFic Archives on the JMJAS site.

About the Author

Name: Sandra L. Martinez

Where are you from: Born in Venezuela ( S.A ) but came to California as a young child.

What do you do for a living: Police Communications Supervisor.

What got you into JAG: Harm. I fell in love with him the first time I saw him. His passion for justice and truth, his righteous-to-a-fault personality and the way he smiles. What an incredible-looking man !! But something was missing, and I could not really get into the show until "Mac" came along. I was hooked! Those two are wonderful together.

Why did you start writing fanfic: At the end of season 3 there was so much speculation about what would happen with Harm's search for his father that I wrote a little story about it. I was VERY surprised to get e-mails from JAGniks wanting a second part to it, so for the heck of it I wrote a second part. Again I was completely surprised when I got more positive responses. I had never written anything in my life before, so I had great doubts that anyone would actually read my stories. But fellow JAGniks kept writing in with their support, and I started having fun writing down what I thought should happen, what was missing according to my shipper mind, and what I would like to see happen in the show. I keep telling myself "this is the last one", but then I'll hear a song....or remember a specific quote or a missing scene and the story comes to life.

What inspired you to write this piece: One night I was talking with a fellow Webbie (Carol P) about the character of Clayton Webb. I became a 'Webbie' the first time I saw Webb on JAG. His mysterious character intrigues me to no end. Webb and AJ have one of the most interesting and powerful relationships on the show, and I think this season they have shared some of the best lines and scenes together on the screen. Carol and I started talking about exploring this relationship in depth, and as we usually do, we started joking around. "Can you imagine what would happen if AJ found out that Webb is....." and the story was born !

Do you have any plans for a sequel: No. I think I went as far as I could with this one.

Do you have any other stories in the works: Yes. I have a H&Mac shipper story that may not end as expected by shippers, but I don't know if I will pull it off, being the huge shipper that I am ! Definitely another Webb story ! We need more of him out there ! I also have plans for a couple of fan fics that may not have very happy endings... but that should not come as a surprise, after all I killed Harm in the very first story I wrote !

The Jackson Vibe

This is our section for insider information and rumors, etc. As we hear or learn things, we'll pass them on to you.

DSBPost at JAG Productions let me know that shots of the Admirals' house are filmed at the Peter Strausser ranch in Malibu. He says they don't get out there very often.

He also mentioned that JAG gets their main vehicles free for promotional purposes, so they get a new batch each year. However, Harm's vette, Mac's jeep, and Bud's VW are rented from the owners as needed.

Favorite Quote

Bud: "Think of this as a gavel, sir."

AJ: "My imagination doesn't extend as far as yours, Lt."

[Also from Secrets]

Since it was established when Admiral Chegwidden was introduced to the series that he has ambitions to become Chief of Naval Operations and that his "hero" (if you will) is Admiral Arleigh Albert Burke, I thought it would be appropriate to learn a little bit about this man and the position he served that AJ covets.

The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is the Navy’s senior flag officer. He serves on the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) as the Navy’s representative. He also keeps the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) informed of JCS activities and decisions and is responsible to SECNAV for the management of the Navy.

The post of CNO was created by Act of Congress dated May 11, 1915, with Admiral William S. Benson serving as the country’s first CNO. CNO’s generally serve 2 three-year terms, although some have served only one term and some have served three years rather than a full two terms. I am assuming this may be due to death or removal from office for some other reason. However, in 1955, President Eisenhower appointed Admiral Arleigh A. Burke as CNO. He served with distinction in what would become an unprecedented three 2-year terms as CNO.

Arleigh Albert Burke was born October 19, 1901, in Boulder, Colorado. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1923 and began his career on the battleship Arizona as a junior watch and division officer. During the next few years, he served as the Arizona’s torpedo officer, assistant engineer, and ship’s secretary. He developed an interest in gunnery and qualified to be head of the ship’s plotting room, handling range direction for gunnery exercises.

When his bid for post-graduate work was denied, Burke was posted to the auxiliary vessel Procyon, flagship of Rear Admiral W. W. Phelps, Commander, Fleet Base Force. He served as assistant navigator and ship’s secretary before becoming Admiral Phelps’ flag lieutenant and force personnel officer in June 1928. In 1929, after another bid for post-graduate work was approved, he reported to the Post-Graduate School at the Naval Academy in Annapolis and Ann Arbor, Michigan, for 15 months of intensive instruction in ordinance design, fire control, and ballistics. He received an M.S. degree in 1931 and spent a year in visits to the major private plants and military installations involved in developing, producing, and storing explosives.

In 1932 he served as the main battery officer aboard the heavy cruiser Chester, and then became assistant officer-in-charge of the Battle Force Camera Party in 1933, working on developing and using photographic equipment to ‘triangulate, tabulate, and analyze’ the fall of shot in gunnery exercises. Two years later, he was sent to the Bureau of Ordinance (BuOrd) in Washington, D.C., where he was given prime responsibility for dealing with the purchase, storage and distribution of ammunition charges.

In May 1937 Burke went to the recently-launched destroyer Craven as the prospective executive officer. He was promoted to Lt. Commander in 1938 and received his first sea command in June 1939, when he assumed command of the Mugford, the flagship for Destroyer Division (DesDiv) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DesRon) 4, Battle Force.

He was relieved of this command in 1940 to return to Washington to serve as an inspector at the Naval Gun Factory. However, following the American entry into WWII, he sought to return to sea, where he commanded, in turn, DesDiv 43, DesDiv 44, and DesRon 12. It was when he received command of DesRon 23 that he emerged as a combat leader, earning the Navy Cross for leading the "Little Beavers," as DesRon 23 came to be nicknamed, in the first bombardment of the Buka-Bonis area and the first daylight bombardment of Japanese positions in the Shortlands and the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay.

The "Little Beavers" earned a Presidential Unit Citation under Burke’s leadership, and Burke himself won the Distinguished Service Medal for his "indomitable fighting spirit and great personal courage." Burke later earned the Legion of Merit for his leadership during the battle off Kavieng, New Ireland, and Duke of York Island in February 1944. His ships destroyed two Japanese auxiliary vessels, one large cargo ship, a minelayer, and four barges as well as inflicting considerable damage to enemy shore installations, then withdrew without damage.

He earned the nickname "31-knot Burke" for his highspeed combat performances and became chief of staff to Vice Admiral Mitscher, Commander, Fast Carrier Task Force, TF 58, in March 1944. He held this position until June 1945, planning and executing a long series of offensive operations. His work earned him a second Legion of Merit, a second Distinguished Service Medal, and a promotion to Commodore.

On May 11, 1945, two kamikaze planes crashed into the Bunker Hill, Admiral Mitscher’s flaship. Arleigh Burke, despite fire and heavy smoke, got through to a compartment in which men were trapped and evacuated all the sailors there. He received a letter of commendation for his actions of courage. Three days later, on May 14, 1945, another kamikaze plane crashed into Admiral Mitscher’s new flagship, the famed carrier Enterprise. Burke again proved himself heroic, and for his conspicuous gallantry on both occasions, was awarded the Silver Star. He was also awarded a Purple Heart.

Admiral Burke continued through the rest of his career to serve in both ship and shore duties. In 1945 he returned to Washington to serve a Director of Research and Development for BuOrd. In 1946 he went to the Mediterranean to serve a chief of staff to Vice Admiral Mitscher. He stayed with Admiral Mitscher until he died in 1947. He commanded the light cruiser Huntington for a short time before returning to shore duty as head of the new Organizational Research and Policy Division which was established to advise the CNO during efforts to implement the National Security Act of 1947. He served as Navy Secretary on the Defense Research and Development Board.

When the Korean War broke out in 1950, Burke became deputy chief of staff to Commander, Naval Forces, Far East, and received a third Legion of Merit for that service. In May 1951, he was given command of Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5 off the coast of Korea but left in July 1951 to join the United Nations delegation to the truce talks in Korea. For that service he earned an Oak Leaf Cluster from the Army in lieu of a fourth Legion of Merit.

In December 1951 Arleigh Burke returned to Washington to head the CNO’s Strategic Plans Division, then he served as Commander of CruDiv 6 in the Mediterranean and Commander, Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet, before President Eisenhower promoted him over 92 more senior flag officers to become CNO on August 17, 1955, a capacity in which he served until August 1,1961, when he retired from the Navy. Burke is the only officer to hold that post for 3 two-year terms, and during his tenure, he acted as a major force in developing the Navy’s "Polaris" submarine missile program, and he utilized the Forrestal-class aircraft carriers in a nuclear-deterrence role.

After his retirement, he devoted part of his time to advisory committees and boards of directors of such organizations as veterans’ organizations, patriotic groups, and educational institutions, as well as to the Navy.

Admiral Burke was so well-loved and well-respected that the Navy afforded him one of their highest honors - they named an entire class of destroyers, the most modern and capable destroyers ever built, after him. During the commissioning of the USS Arleigh Burke in 1991, Admiral Burke issued a challenge to the ship’s crew: "This ship is built to fight," he said. "You’d better know how." The USS Arleigh Burke is only the third Navy ship named for a living individual.

When he died on January 1, 1996, at the age of 94, then CNO Admiral Boorda said, "Admiral Arleigh Burke defined what it means to be a naval officer; relentless in combat, resourceful in command and revered by his crews. He was a Sailor’s Sailor. The entire Navy grieves as it remembers ‘31-knot’ Burke." In his honor, the President ordered all Burke-class guided missile destroyers and "Little Beaver" squadron ships underway to steam at 31 knots for 5 minutes at noon on the day of his funeral.

In accordance with his wishes, his epitaph says simply, "Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, sailor."

As a MEMBER-ONLY benefit, you can place an order through the JMJAS for selected SEAL merchandise. Merchandise available includes bumper stickers, SEAL Team 3 patches, baseball caps, and a variety of t-shirts. The JMJAS makes no profit on this merchandise - prices quoted are what we pay. Please allow 6-8 weeks to receive merchandise. To order SEAL Merchandise, please print out the order form you'll find at that link, fill it out completely, and mail it with your check or money order to the address given. Be sure to include your e-mail address or phone number (we will call collect) so we can contact you in case of a question or problem with your order. Again, this is a member-only benefit, so if you do not already belong to the JMJAS, please join before placing an order. Thank you.

In this feature, you - the viewer - get to be the critic. We invite you to review the JAG episodes and give them two ratings - one for the overall episode and one for the episode as a showcase for JMJ. Please rank them based on a system of 1-10 where 10 is the best. You can review every episode or just your favorites. You can write two sentences or two paragraphs or two pages. You can write about the plot (although you do not need to summarize the plot as we will have seen the episodes ourselves), the special effects, the acting, "bloopers," whatever aspect appeals to you. But do write! This is truly a case of "the more the merrier." This column is being compiled by HughesFan so send your reviews to HughesFan@aol.com. The subject line should read "JAG/JMJ Review." Please do not put anything else in the reference line. Send your reviews in as early as possible, but the deadline is the 25th of each month. So for March, you may review the Feb. 9, 16, and 23 episodes - the Feb. 2 episodes was a repeat and so has already been reviewed.

Ratings: JAG: 5 AJ: 7.5

This episode would not have warranted a 7.5 AJ rating but for the presence of one outstanding scene. (Guess which one?) I don't know about the rest of you, but my biggest question throughout this episode was "What is 'dungaree justice'?" "Kip" was kind enough to provide an answer: "In years past, Sailors and Marines would occasionally get tacit approval to go on liberty in their work uniform (dungarees for Sailors, fatigues for Marines). These liberties were to right some wrong that had been done to shipmates by someone in the civilian population, usually a bar or a gang." According to Kip, Donald Bellisario participated in such a liberty back when he was on active duty as a Marine.

Tsk, tsk. Hopefully it wasn't the kind of glaring example of vigilantism we saw in this episode. The trouble with people taking the law into their own hands, as we saw here, is that it's not always the guilty who wind up on the receiving end of a two-by-four. The poor bar owner, Reardon, was guilty of nothing but trying to do the right thing by this drunken girl whose friends had ditched her. For his troubles, he gets the hell beat out of him. This on top of the fact that he had served his country during Vietnam and received a war wound that he's got to live with for the rest of his life. Cripes. They should call it "dungaree injustice."

I can't say I was impressed with the main story line of this episode; it was okay, but not spectacular. I think the main reason it wasn't as powerful as a rape story should be was a result of the casting (with the exception of Leo Rossi, who played the bar owner). The young actress who played the rape victim just didn't have the acting chops to carry off this particular story line. The plot was somewhat predictable--I figured out early on that the bar owner was innocent of the rape and suspected that one or all of the sailors might be guilty. But the guilty party wasn't the sailor I thought it was going to be, so that, at least, was a surprise.

At first I was disappointed that Mac's Article 32 hearing was over in about two minutes. But the scene between Mac and AJ which followed more than made up for it. This was precisely the scene I'd been hoping to see since "People v. Mac." What appeared to be a glossing over of Mac's transgressions in the Article 32 hearing turned into a punishment far worse than any the court could have awarded her: It cost her the regard of a man of whom she thinks very highly, and whom she wants to think highly of her. We've seen evidence of Mac's attempts to win AJ's respect over the past year since she left JAG. She's had to work very hard to build their strong working relationship, and it was just heartbreaking to see her wind up back at square one again. I really felt both characters' pain in this scene--AJ's hurt and bitter disappointment, and Mac's shame and sadness over this turn of events. Kudos to John Jackson and Catherine Bell for their (as always) fabulous acting.

The resonance of this scene to the scene between AJ and Harm in "To Russia With Love" was very nicely done. Just as his response to Harm lying to him was a very personal one ("You didn't just lie to your commanding officer, you lied to me!"), so was his response to Mac's behavior from "Mr. Rabb Goes to Washington" and "People v. Mac" ("You didn't trust me," "I expected better of you," and "You let me down"). This is the SEAL in AJ. Loyalty to the team is everything, and the team is family. There's no worse betrayal than when family lets you down.

This would have been a wonderful scene if it were only viewed from the perspective of their professional relationship. But when viewed within the context of their year-long struggle to overcome a mutual attraction, and all of the resulting personal interactions, the scene becomes even richer. It was painfully beautiful. By the time AJ uttered his closing line of "You let me down," I was probably as affected as Mac was.

Admittedly, I have very little knowledge of the mysterious ways of the military, but I thought it was a cop-out that the only professional punishment Mac was awarded was not receiving an accelerated promotion which she hadn't yet received anyway. How can you miss something you never had in the first place? According to various persons on the mailing list who have greater understanding of the military culture than I, this can actually bring her career to a screeching halt. Okay, I'll take their word for it, but DSBPost essentially stated in a message on the mailing list that the main reason the writers went in this direction was so that Mac wouldn't be busted down a grade, putting her at an inferior level to Harm. What this means is that they didn't necessarily follow the natural progression of the plot, but rather manipulated it to their own ends. This is what is known as plot-driven drama. Since I prefer character-driven writing--let the characters' personalities and behavior determine in which direction the plot goes--I disliked the choice they made, but I accept their right to make that choice. (However, I still can't figure out what Mac has done over the past two years to warrant an accelerated promotion in the first place. It's pretty obvious from the way AJ hands out assignments that he considers Harm the "star" of the office, so if anyone was going to receive an accelerated promotion, you'd think it would be him.)

The sibling interactions of Bud and Mikey were also a nice addition to the episode. When Mikey told Bud "You sound just like Dad. I hope you do a better job with your kids than he did with us," I cringed. Ouch. Siblings always seem to know our sorest spots and don't hesitate to use them to win a fight. Luckily, Bud is maturing in leaps and bounds. Not only does he readily forgive his brother, he teaches Mikey that living up to his obligation to the Navy doesn't mean he has to give up on his dream of being an artist. Well done.

Favorite quote:

Mac: Sir, I explained my reasons for acting as I did.

AJ: Those weren't reasons, Major, those were excuses. You abused the very legal system you swore to uphold. It was bad enough you deceived the court, but you deceived me--by pretending nothing was wrong, by hiding your marriage, your affair with Farrow, by letting me believe you were a murderer.

Mac: I made mistakes, sir. I'm not proud of what I did.

AJ: You didn't trust me enough to come to me with the truth? I expected better of you.

Review by Carol Preflatish:

Ratings: JAG: 8 AJ: 8

This was a pretty good episode, not my favorite, but pretty good. I really liked the scene where the Admiral talked to Mac. I think I would have a hard time seeing Mac as a Lt. Col., though. Brumby wasn't so bad this time. Was he wearing a US Navy uniform or an Aussie one? My husband thought it looked like a US one.

I liked seeing Mikey again. He does a great job.

I guess my favorite part was TINER!!! Hoorah, he had more than one line. Loved seeing him again.

Well, what would a post about an episode be without me adding my usual...... I missed Webb!! Hurry and bring him back soon.

Review by Jenni Martin:

Ratings: JAG: 8 AJ: 7

I was glad to see the Article 32 hearing. It may be TV but it would put them in a bad light if they didn't. I was surprised with the Judge's decision to leave it up to the Admiral. I figured she would get off on it but I figured they would take pay from her. When she was with the Admiral, I thought I was going to die. I am a Mac/AJ shipper for all of you who don't know me. I was like Whoo hoo when they were together. I was surprised that the Admiral was going to try to promote her. Of course that would have probably put her out of JAG which would have been good for the AJ/Mac shippers but it would also kill the show. With her being a Lt. Col. she would have been put in charge of something. Marine thing I guess...

I thought it was really cool when someone (can't remember, I have had only one cup of coffee so far this morning) asked the Admiral about what the Pentagon was doing about the Hostages and AJ said that some of his friends were optimistic... LOL... I knew immediately they were going to send in a Seal team without waiting to see the ending...

Review by Paula Mackey:

Ratings: JAG: 8 AJ: 7

During Mac's Admiral's Mast, I think I was more on the verge of tears than Mac was. <g> I imagine it hurt AJ as much to have to say those things to her as it did for her to hear them. To have someone you look up to and admire tell you they're disappointed in you, well, that would hurt me more than just about anything else.

I just wish they would have said where Brumby's been for the past several eps. And as usual, I love Harm's responses to him. <g>

Review by Valerie List:

Ratings: JAG: 7 AJ: 7

I felt that the hearing itself was a let down since it was over so fast. I thought that Judge Morris could have said more and given a longer speech about JAG lawyers importance to the truth and what could have happened to her although he was not going to impose anything on her except an Admiral's mast.

AJ's Admiral's Mast was right on the money. You knew that as AJ was reaming her out that he was hurting definitely just as much as Mac was or even more since he is in love with her. It will be interesting now to see how he will be around her since he is going to have difficulty not wondering if she is telling the truth or not. And also if Mac starts going to him with her problems in order to gain his trust back. I believe that the lack of accelerated promotion hurt her more career wise and that the Admiral’s Mast will go on her record, right?

It was nice to see the others returning but I think that the writers could have tied into the episode somewhere how everyone's Christmas Holidays were and where they went especially since the Admiral spent it with his daughter. Also, where and what Brumby and Mattoni were doing.

I very much enjoyed the fact that the writers have been giving Bud a more mature role lately and not making him so much of a town goof. I also liked the way that Bud showed his brother how important every aspect of the Navy is, especially the Navy artist capturing how it feels in painting/drawing the battle scenes. That was priceless.

Review by Lyn:

JAG: 7 AJ: 9

As usual, there was not enough AJ in this episode, but his scene with Mac at her "Admiral’s Mast" was enough to rate this a 9 as a showcase for him. What a wonderful scene! His hurt and disappointment came through so well. It almost looked to me as if Mac thought she were going to get off easy with AJ, perhaps overconfidence because of the outcome of her Article 32 hearing or perhaps slightly prejudiced because she knows he has feelings for her. It was so AJ that he didn’t allow his personal feelings to interfere with his duty and go easy on her.

I was initially disappointed in the outcome of the Article 32 hearing and the Admiral’s Mast. It really seemed like she’d gotten off pretty much scott-free (except for having to live with knowing she’d disappointed the Admiral). But others on the list who are or were in the military have said this will pretty much halt her career. I was surprised as to why she would have earned accelerated promotion, but again military people say he was basically just continuing her on the path that was started a long time ago and that allowed her to reach Major at such an early age. According to what I’ve been told, she’ll probably stay at Major towards the longer end of the "average" range and advance very slowly from here on out. So I guess upon further consideration I’d have to say that’s a pretty serious punishment.

The Article 32 hearing did raise one problem for me, though. If the statute of limitations on fraternization and adultery is 5 years, why didn't Mac just tell Chris to take a hike? Other than bringing it out into the open, which might be personally embarrassing to her, there was nothing for her or Farrow to fear - charges would most likely not even have been brought or investigated. However, I've been told by a good friend that this is one of those things I should *not* overanalyze and just go with the flow - so that's all I'm going to say on that subject.

The rest of the episode was good but not great. I think it was pretty easy to figure out that the bar owner wasn’t the guilty party, but I hadn’t really expected quite the outcome we got. While this won’t go down as one of my favorite episodes, overall it was a good one.

Ratings: JAG: 9 AJ: 10

Dana Coen penned this very funny and very satisfying episode--satisfying for me, because of the character growth it afforded three of our regulars: AJ, Harm, and Bud. I was also pleased with the continuity in regards to the Mac character and her recent personal problems, which impacted her behavior in this episode as well. My only complaint--a minor one--is that the tie-in between this episode and the previous one, "Dungaree Justice," was forced and pointless. Obviously, because CBS was airing the two episodes on two consecutive nights, they wanted to make it appear that the two episodes were connected so viewers would tune in on both nights; I understand this. But because the episodes were not, in fact, at all related in terms of story matter, it came across as a cheap ploy to get viewers to watch the second episode. JAG fans weren't likely to turn down a bonus new episode anyway, so it really wasn't necessary.

The humor in "War Stories" was wonderful. It is probably one of the most quotable episodes of the show I've ever seen. Much of the humor came from the Chegwidden plot and the movie set. The in-jokes that I did notice left me wondering just how many I wasn't noticing and also made me wonder how much of what we saw on-screen has actually happened off-screen on the JAG set. (I wonder how the show's real military advisors feel about the portrayal of AJ as a military advisor and the conflicts he had with the movie production team?) For instance, I liked the sly remark about why the Navy wasn't allowing the movie crew to film aboard a real ship. Wink, wink. It was great to see them poke fun at their own squeaky clean image during the scene of the movie in which the hero says "I owe you one Mowbry," and Mowbry, with a bright smile and patriotic background music replies, "Your country owes you one sir." I also liked the juxtaposition between the filming of the movie's big courtroom scene with the actual courtroom scene in the Risnicki trial. But perhaps my favorite "in joke" was:

Fran: I take it you don't go to the movies.

AJ: They make them for my age group?

Ha! How wonderful to poke fun at the way the television and film industries cater to the 18-35 demographic!

AJ's suggestion that the hero of the movie get a female sidekick who bore a superficial resemblance to Mac was quite amusing--and even funnier that she ended up at his house later on for a romantic evening. Hmm.....Coincidence? I think not. Too bad she turned out to be a stereotypical Hollywood prima donna, rather than a carbon copy of Mac.

The running food gag was great fun. AJ's obsession with food began back in "Wedding Bell Blues" when Harriet used him as a taste tester for her wedding buffet and progressed to "Act of Terror" when he was so engrossed in Mac's....um, pot roast. :-) By the time of the final kitchen scene in this episode, I was just about rolling on the floor:

AJ: Are there no candy bars in here?

Harriet: No, sir.

AJ: No chili, no brownies?

Harriet. Never, sir.

AJ: Let's do something about that.

Harriet (beaming): Chili and brownies? Yes, sir!

Just between you and me, I think that's why he decided to become a movie consultant in the first place. Once Fran offered him guacamole, he was a goner! :-)

In a way, I wish the courtroom trial they used in this episode had been saved for another day, because it was very interesting (certainly more so than the case in "Dungaree Justice") and deserved more focus than it was afforded in this very full hour. Yes, Risnicki disobeyed orders, but he did it because he was concerned for the welfare of his team. Yes, the NATO observers were killed, but as Bud discovered, they would have been dead even if the SEALS had gone in prior to the deadline, and so would the SEAL team, since it was a trap from the beginning. Fascinating little turn of events there. Mac's controversial defense strategy, which placed her squarely in the SECNAV's doghouse, was an eyebrow-raiser. (But her closing argument was excellent.)

I love it when Mac and Bud team up on cases. Despite her personal problems, Mac has been such a good mentor to him; we've seen this before in "Wedding Bell Blues," and we see it here. Bud proves for the second time in two nights that he has matured a great deal this season (perhaps as a result of impending fatherhood?). His behavior was admirable: First when he acknowledged and apologized for his naivete in second-guessing Risnicki's command decisions; then when he stood by Mac's strategic decision as lead counsel, even though it meant having to go against Harm's wishes; then in the stoic way he took the news that the Commander wanted him off the case; and finally, in his determination to see the case through to the end and prove Risnicki's innocence. He really earned the Commander's apology.

It was fun seeing Harm in charge of the JAG office. That was a very nice growth experience for him. One particular shot of Harm sitting behind the Admiral's desk as the camera drew back to a wide shot made me think of the phrase "It's lonely at the top." Nothing like stepping to the other side of the boat for a fresh perspective. Suddenly, Harm found himself responsible for the actions of the officers under him and learned firsthand just how much trouble he has caused the Admiral in the past with his own rash behavior. The scene between AJ and Harm, when Harm admitted his inability to handle the situation and AJ gave him some very sage advice, was well done, especially since Harm followed the advice and really rose to the occasion as a good leader. I can definitely see him being JAG someday--but not in the near future; he still needs some seasoning. (As an aside, the repeated reference of "I think he's getting taller" was lovely, given reports we've heard that DJE so often slouches to put him at a more even height with the other actors. Nice touch.)

The conflict between Mac and Harm re her strategy to attack the General's record was good on a lot of levels. It pointed out the unenviable position Harm suddenly found himself in: a position of authority over someone who was previously his equal partner. It's hard to suddenly get people who were previously your peers to take you seriously as an authority figure, as was evident in Mac's reaction to Harm's authority. She definitely did not show Harm the same degree of respect that she normally shows the Admiral. I was surprised when she just left the office after their disagreement without waiting to be excused; that seemed like a serious breach of decorum to me.

That said, I felt that her behavior was very appropriate for her character at this particular moment in time, with everything that has happened recently—as AJ later explained so well to Harm. In addition to her embarrassment over the Ragle/Farrow business, I would also guess that she was feeling more than a little defensive and jealous of Harm. She's just been reprimanded by the Admiral and lost her accelerated promotion, only to then see her partner promoted to a (albeit temporary) position of ultimate authority over the entire office, including her. Was her behavior admirable? No, of course not. But it was very human and very understandable, given the circumstances. It happens even in the best of circumstances in the real world when one colleague is promoted over another.

The ongoing saga of the Roberts baby also provided for some very humorous moments. The first one for me was when Brumby suggested they name the baby "Mongo" (his grandfather's name), to which Bud very diplomatically responded: "I think it's too culture-specific." Quick thinking, Bud! The second was when they thought about naming him "David" after a famous military hero (not to mention a certain lead actor we all know--wink, nudge), but couldn't because it was the name of an old boyfriend of Harriet's mother. Their final choice to name the baby "after someone who has most strongly affected our lives," AJ, was touching and appropriate. Not only has AJ supported Bud's efforts to become a lawyer and allowed him to try cases before passing the bar, but he arranged for them to continue working together after their marriage, and has advised Harriet on her wedding and her pregnancy. Of course, the best part was when they learned, after the fact, that his initials stand for "Albert Jethro." The expression on Harriet's face was priceless! I thought I would die laughing.

Favorite quotes (it was tough this time--there are so many to choose from!):

Harm: I'm told the SECNAV refers to me as 'Harmful Rabb'.

Harriet: Bud, aren't you even interested in the sex?

Bud: During working hours?

 

Harm: I'm sorry, sir. It's a side of you I'm unfamiliar with.

AJ: Let's keep it that way.

Review by Paula Mackey:

Ratings: JAG: 8 AJ: 10

I loved this episode. It's always nice to see what characters do for recreation, especially those who have no clue how to have a little liberty :-)

Our dear Admiral was obviously having a problem separating movie facts from real life facts. <g>

I knew he was going to suggest a woman for the part the minute the director or whoever she was asked him to look at the pictures, LOL! Although I didn't see AJ ending up with the actress. There are a whole group of ladies waiting to help him with his relationship skills :-)

Thought the whole scene between AJ and Harm at AJ's house was totally priceless!!

When Bud and Harriet started talking about what they wanted to name their son, I knew it had to be named after AJ. :-) I thought it was very sweet. And I was ROTFL at their reaction to Albert Jethro Roberts. :-)

Review by Sheryl Miranda:

Ratings: JAG: 10 AJ: 10

I enjoyed the beginning with AJ on the synthesizer. Poor guy was so bored. I knew it wouldn't be long before he was on the phone with Harm or back at JAG headquarters checking on things. It's very apparent that he doesn't take leave very often. His new found eating habits on the "movie" set were too funny. I, also, thought of Mac when I saw that the co-star of the movie was suddenly a woman, after they talked to AJ. I think Harm's reaction to seeing a woman, of her age, with AJ was excellent. I think Harm had "this image" of the type of person AJ is outside of work and AJ shattered it. The end where AJ is rummaging through the break room was great. His remark about chili and brownies and Harriet's response were priceless. Didn't we say how neat it would be if Bud and Harriet named their baby after AJ? How cool is that? Wasn't the look on everyone's face priceless when AJ said Albert Jethro Roberts?!! AJ was just beaming with pride and poor Bud and Harriet had this look of astonishment, almost terror. It was absolutely hysterical! I loved this episode. It ranks among my all time favorites!

Review by Sue Valera:

Ratings: JAG: 8 AJ: 8

I really liked the episode especially the way AJ ate his way through the show. The man is after my own heart with candy bars, brownies, and chili. JMJ pulls it off so well. The scene where he is home playing the keyboard with the lights and flipping through the TV channels was great. Also when he told the lady where she should go for four weeks of special training and to cut her nails. Wonderful!

Review by Carol Preflatish:

JAG: 8 AJ: 10

The Admiral, well what can I say about AJ in this episode. He was soooo Admiralish (is that a word?). I never thought about his being a snacker of food, but one look at that buffet table and he was hooked. I think everyone pretty much predicted how he would be as a Technical Advisor, stern and not taking any crap off of anyone. Yep, that's AJ.

Review by Lyn:

JAG: 10 AJ: 10

This episode definitely earned a 10 from me - it is going down as one of my all-time favorites (along with such other episodes as "Black Ops," "Ghosts," "Someone to Watch Over Annie," "The Stalker," "Going After Francesca," and a few others.) The minute I saw the spoiler on the list that AJ was going to be a movie consultant, I knew he’d end up getting fired. I didn’t think for one second he’d like the way Hollywood messes around with "his Navy" as he’s so fond of referring to it. The whole subplot was hysterical - a great "fish out of water" story. I *really* wanted him to put that director in his place, but then I realized that no matter what AJ said or did, that wouldn’t have happened. The guy just plain didn’t give a darn. I loved the way they set that whole thing up. I didn’t think that was something AJ would normally do voluntarily, but set him up to be bored out of his mind and desperate for something to do and add in the lure of food (does anyone else think he’s getting tired of his own cooking??), and it was very believable that he’d decide to tackle that project. Loved it when he met the actor. [Actor] "I understand you’re the real thing." [AJ] "I understand you’re not." This whole episode was just chock full of wonderful lines.

It’s hard to know what to say about this episode - there was so much that was good about it and nothing that I really didn’t like at all. I think the case Mac and Bud were working on could have been expanded but obviously not and still kept the other good stuff going. It’s just a shame that such an intriguing and difficult case was relegated pretty much to the background.

I like the way they’ve been showing Bud maturing. He did a nice job on this case while still retaining his essential "Budness." That went nicely with the previous episode that showed him stepping in as a sort of surrogate father to his younger brother. I was absolutely thrilled that Bud and Harriet decided to name their son after the Admiral. What a wonderful tribute to a great man who has been so good to them. Couldn’t help but laugh when they found out what A.J. stands for, but I’m guessing when the baby is born, they’ll get around that by naming the baby "AJ" - no more no less. It works!

It was nice seeing Harm get a chance to see what he puts the Admiral through. There’s nothing like walking a mile in the other guy’s shoes to give you a new respect for them. I hope they’ll follow through with this in future episodes and show Harm being a little more sensitive to the position he puts the Admiral in when he goes off half-cocked. I loved the whole scene where he goes to AJ at home for advice. The comedic touches were great - Harm’s obvious curiosity about the woman with the Admiral and his difficulty in fitting her into the picture he had of the Admiral. "It’s just that this is a side of you with which I’m not familiar." "Let’s keep it that way." Very funny. But it was also a great scene because we got a chance to see inside AJ. Some of us who were getting annoyed that his decisions were seemingly constantly being second-guessed and he was letting them be, which we were afraid signalled a weakening of his character, instead learned just how strong he really is - strong enough to put his own wants aside in favor of the greater good. It takes a big man to do that.

I had no idea why AJ asked Harm if he had a handkerchief - that next scene left me rolling on the floor. Absolutely hysterical! No question about it - this was a *great* episode.