Ep 1. King of the Greenie Board (1)
- September 21, 1999
- 44 min
JAG season 5 episode 1, titled "King of the Greenie Board (1)," opens with a group of naval aviators engaging in some friendly competition on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. They are playing a game called the "Greenie Board," which involves throwing a frisbee onto a small target on the flight deck. The winner of the game is deemed the "King of the Greenie Board."
Lieutenant Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. (played by David James Elliott), one of the main characters of the show, is participating in the competition and is determined to win. However, his focus is interrupted by the arrival of Commander Sturgis Turner (played by Scott Lawrence), his partner in the JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps. Turner informs Rabb that they have been summoned to meet with Rear Admiral A.J. Chegwidden (played by John M. Jackson), their boss and the head of the JAG Corps.
Chegwidden informs Rabb and Turner that a Navy captain has been accused of killing an unarmed civilian during a mission in Bosnia. The captain, named Pete Arnett (played by Dean Stockwell), is a highly decorated and respected officer, and the accusation is causing a major scandal. Chegwidden assigns Rabb and Turner to investigate the case and determine whether Arnett is guilty or innocent.
As Rabb and Turner begin their investigation, they discover that the situation is more complex than it initially appeared. They learn that Arnett was part of a covert mission to capture a war criminal, and that the mission was approved by high-level officials in the Pentagon. However, they also discover evidence suggesting that Arnett may have exceeded his authority during the mission and may have been responsible for the death of the civilian.
Rabb and Turner interview various witnesses and gather evidence, but their investigation is complicated by the fact that many of the key players in the mission are reluctant to speak. They also encounter resistance from Arnett's lawyer, who is fiercely protective of his client's reputation and is determined to clear his name.
Meanwhile, Rabb's personal life is also causing him stress. His father, who is a retired Navy pilot, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and Rabb is struggling to reconcile his feelings about his father's illness with his duty as a Navy officer. He also finds himself attracted to Lieutenant Loren Singer (played by Nanci Chambers), another JAG officer who has a reputation for being ruthless and ambitious.
As the episode progresses, Rabb and Turner become increasingly convinced that Arnett is guilty of the civilian's death. However, they are also aware that their findings could have serious implications for the Navy and for the government as a whole. They must navigate the complex politics of the situation while also remaining true to their duty as JAG officers.
Overall, "King of the Greenie Board (1)" is a suspenseful and complex episode that explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the gray areas of military justice. The episode sets up a multi-episode arc that will continue throughout the season, as Rabb and Turner continue to investigate Arnett's case and navigate the complicated world of military law.