"Rivers' Run" is an episode of JAG that first aired on February 16, 1999. Directed by Greg Beeman. Written by Larry Moskowitz.
Lt. Rivers (Montel Williams) is supervising a Navy SEAL training exercise at Monongahela National Forest when he takes fire from an unexpected source. He switches to a magazine with live ammo and shoots back, apparently killing a young man, Brian Yarrow.
Admiral Chegwidden gets a visit from FBI Special Agent Al Grenin (Martin Rackham), who worries that the incident could jeopardize the FBI hunt for homegrown terrorist Warren Toobin (Richard Speight Jr.). Over Grenin's objections, Chegwidden dispatches Lt. Commander Rabb and Major MacKenzie to investigate Rivers, who is now restricted to base.
Rabb claims to have "an understanding" with Rivers, which Mac, puzzled, questions because it would seem to be based on one fistfight (from "Above and Beyond").
Rivers "goes UA" to go back to the scene of the shooting. Rabb and Mac go after him, and they all wind up prisoners of the Appalachian militia. Rivers is tried for the murder of Brian Yarrow by the Appalachian People's Court. Rabb and Mac defend, Joel Yarrow (Ernie Lively), Brian's father, prosecutes.
Warren Toobin shows up to testify. The defense points out that Toobin's testimony is inconsistent with the autopsy report. Nevertheless, Rivers is found guilty and sentenced to execution.
Chegwidden and Lt. Roberts show up with FBI agents and a tense stand-off ensues; Toobin escapes unseen by the FBI. Rivers is willing to be executed so no one else is killed. Joel is ready to pull the trigger, but his daughter Amy (Sally Livingstone) implores him not to. Joel puts down his rifle, and the Navy personnel leave the area.
With title cards, we are told that Rivers is exonerated by the JAG inquiry and resumes his duties as SEAL instructor, that Grenin is temporarily suspended from duty and is to be investigated for his trickery in getting Navy SEALs to hunt down Toobin (and could face manslaughter charges in Brian Yarrow's death), and that Toobin remains at large.
Tropes
- Alliterative Title: The episode's title alliterates the letter R.
- Kangaroo Court: Rivers's guilt is a foregone conclusion, the jury doesn't even bother to deliberate. After the verdict, but before sentencing, Rivers defiantly proclaims that "Any punishment this kangaroo court wants to give me, it's not in the name of justice. It's in the name of vengeance."
- Rank Up: Ensign Sims (Karri Turner) is promoted to lieutenant junior grade. Her husband, Lt. Roberts, changes her uniform's shoulderboards.Sims: (to Roberts) Now I don't have to call you "sir."Roberts: At least until I get my promotion.
- Right-Wing Militia Fanatic: Toobin and his enablers.
- "Where Are They Now?" Epilogue: A quick epilogue just before the end credits tells us that Rivers was cleared of all wrongdoing, Agent Grenin is likely to face charges in connection to Brian Yarrow's death and domestic terrorist Warren Toobin is still at large.
- With All Due Respect: Rivers doesn't hold out much hope that Rabb and Mac will be able to keep the Appalachian People's Court from hanging him.Mac: There's no relay stations in the valley.Rivers: So that means the cavalry's not coming?Rabb: No, but we're here.Rivers: With all due respect, major, sir that doesn't leave me much hope.
