"Rogue" is an episode of JAG that first aired on November 2, 1999. Directed by Tony Wharmby. Written by Larry Moskowitz. Very clearly inspired by the Rogue Warrior novels by Richard Marcinko.
Lt. Roberts works with SEAL Commander Raglin, an old friend of Rabb's, infiltrating bases and staging mock terrorist attacks. Raglin was hired by Admiral Kly (Andrew Robinson), who underestimated how far Raglin would take things.
When concern over Raglin's methods and success arises Lt. Commander Rabb attempts to talk Raglin down, only for him to push Roberts into working with him to actually steal the USS San Pedro, a nuclear submarine, and, it is feared, attack New York.
A ship commanded by Commander Burke (James Pickens Jr.) is called in to try to intercept the San Pedro before it's too late.
Meanwhile, at JAG headquarters, Lt. Singer (Nanci Chambers) joins the staff to take over Roberts's cases, which Lt. Sims (Karri Turner) has helped Roberts prepare. From the very beginning, Singer demonstrates a mean streak, by making Sims worried about her husband.
Tropes
- Affectionate Pickpocket: Subverted. Raglin lifts Rabb's wallet when they meet for drinks, demonstrating that Rabb's carelessness could allow someone to swipe his credentials. However, Rabb opens the wallet to show that he had replaced his military ID with a piece of paper saying "ARREST THIS MAN".
- Rabb returns the favor by lifting Raglin's wallet, successfully.
- Continuity Nod to "The Return": Commander Burke from that episode recurs, along with fleeting references to "the Nelson court-martial."
- False Flag Operation: The whole point of Raglin's team, with Roberts serving as legal advisor. When Raglin looks like he will launch a nuclear strike on New York this is also a false flag to draw attention to the need for better security.
- The General's Daughter: The general's wife actually, Raglin targets her twice in a bid to scare the hell out of his CO.
- Jurisdiction Friction: Part of Raglin's problem is how he is so good he embarrasses the people he tests the security of, and his CO wants his head because of the heat Raglin throws on him.
- Navy SEALs: The team, as well as Delta and Force Recon, naturally since they are Writing Around Trademarks to Red Cell.
- Off on a Technicality: Raglin escapes court martial due to the embarrassment the theft of a nuclear submarine would cause, and how his orders could be twisted around.
- Only in It for the Money: Subverted: the ransom demand and suggestion of selling the sub to terrorists are a smoke screen to mask their real intentions.
- Our Lawyers Advised This Trope: The episode begins with a note that it is not based on any real person or event, which might have worked were it not for the title or using every single trope from the novels.
- Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right!: The reason why Raglin launched the terrorist attack, he wanted to scare the Navy enough to treat security seriously.
- Sexy Silhouette: Raglin sneaks into his CO's house to try and kidnap his CO's wife, who is in the shower. Except Rabb anticipated this and the woman in the shower is really a Marine NCO being used as bait.
- Training from Hell: Roberts is put through SEAL training so he can hang with the team he is serving as legal adviser for.
- Walk and Talk: Raglan gives his recommendations to General Flannik as the two of them walk behind a fence.
- Whip Pan: Several when Raglan and his team with Roberts board the USS San Pedro, perhaps to suggest that it is too close quarters to get more than one camera in there.
- Whole-Plot Reference: The episode is basically a live action, shot by shot, telling of the Rogue Warrior with the only concrete difference being Raglin looks less like Marcinko and more like Dave Tash.
- With All Due Respect: Raglin, with the underlying message to kiss his ass clear.
- Worth It: Court martial, prison, being seen as a disgrace and a terrorist is worth it to Raglin if it means the reaction will help the Navy stop real terrorists.
- Worthy Opponent: Commander Wallace Berg, who is sent to collar Raglin, treats it like a real mission and shows a great amount of respect for him. He also treats Rabb as such, making him think he would kill Raglin as a scare due to a previous court case.
- Writing Around Trademarks: To Red Cell, Marcinko's terrorist group.
