Directed by James Whitmore Jr.
Written by David Ehrman
This episode of JAG, which takes place in October 2001, begins with a navy test pilot Commander Webster (Brian Cousins) flying a stealth fighter prototype assumed to be a JSF contender with Commander Rabb flying a chaser plane. As soon as the stealth fighter lands, Webster is informed that he is being charged with fraternization with his female RIO, Lt. Winters (Bonnie Root).
Rabb agrees to defend Webster, but uncovers evidence of something more serious — espionage. This places him in an ethical dilemma as a defense lawyer — he cannot report the espionage since it hasn’t technically occurred yet. Rabb reluctantly continues to advocate for Commander Webster on the fraternization charges, and eventually wins an acquittal. However, after his legal obligations to this client are done, he reports the espionage. Admiral Chegwidden gives Rabb twenty-four hours within which to substantiate the espionage, else Rabb may be looking at disbarment.
It turns out that Bill (Rodney Scott), Commander Webster's son, stole some stealth coating to sell it to Siecle Tech for $50,000, but after the news of 9/11, decided not to go through with it. This will still end Commander Webster's naval career, but at least he'll be able to land on his feet as a highly sought-after civilian consultant. As for Rabb, Chegwidden decides not to refer him for disbarment.
Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie tries to help Lt. Isabele Maat (Candice Rose) get sole custody of her abused daughter. The father, Seth Maat (Bruce Nozick) is a lawyer who draws a "conservative" judge in family court. Mr. Maat shrewdly objects to Mac calling the girl to the stand.
Lt. Roberts recommends Mac call prominent feminist Beth Salluci (Tricia O'Neil) as an expert witness to help corroborate the allegation that Mr. Maat injured his own daughter. Salucci's testimony seems to do more harm than good. The judge awards joint custody.
However, when Mr. Maat shows up at base housing to get his daughter, she's not there, nor Lt. Maat. In fact, Lt. Maat and the girl were seen leaving the base with a blonde woman lieutenant.
Furious, Mr. Maat shows up at JAG headquarters and, assuming Lt. Sims (Karri Turner) to be the blonde woman lieutenant mentioned by base security, almost attacks Sims in front of her husband, Lt. Roberts. Mr. Maat explains his actions as a mistake, but Mac calls it "assault" and will use it as evidence to appeal the judge's ruling on custody.
Later, Lt. Singer (Nanci Chambers) shows up, seemingly oblivious to what just happened with the Maats. The viewer might conclude that this was Singer's doing, though this is not stated outright on the show.
Tropes found here are
- Cool Plane: A stealth fighter assumed to be the X-32.
- Domestic Abuser: Mac tries to keep one from getting custody of a female naval officer’s daughter.
- The Fettered: According to his son, Commander Webster "is the straightest arrow in the Navy."
- Minor Crime Reveals Major Plot: Harm looks into his client’s computer to see if fraternization did actually take place. He instead finds an email soliciting the sale of radar absorbent paint formula to a competing defense contractor - industrial espionage.
- Straw Feminist: A desperate Mac brings one of these to Family Court to testify that her client’s daughter was abused by the father. Her testimony is rendered moot when the father gets her to admit on cross that she has never ever testified in favor of a father in a child custody hearing.
