Ep 9. Family Secrets

In the JAG season 6 episode 9 Family Secrets, the storyline centers around the highly topical issue of sexual harassment in the military. The episode opens with Captain Harm, Lieutenant JG Bud, and Lieutenant Vukovic all completing a grueling obstacle course that is used to test the fitness and skills of the Marine Corps. However, their peaceful training session is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Jane Goodwin, the wife of Brigadier General Gordon Cresswell, who asks Harm to represent her when she sues her husband for sexual harassment.

Goodwin claims that her husband forced her to engage in sexual acts with him against her will, but Cresswell vehemently denies the allegations, insisting that he and his wife are in a happy and loving marriage. Harm takes on Goodwin's case and quickly realizes that it is rife with complicated familial and political issues.

As the case unfolds, Harm finds out that Goodwin and Cresswell's marriage has been plagued by a long history of infidelity, betrayal, and lies. Cresswell's top priority is to protect his reputation and career, and Goodwin seems to be struggling with mental health issues that make her a less than trustworthy witness.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Roberts is dealing with his own family crisis as his estranged father, a retired Lieutenant, is accused of stealing sensitive government documents. Roberts is shocked and dismayed by the allegations and goes to great lengths to prove his father's innocence, even risking his own career in the process.

The tension continues to build as Harm, Bud, and Vukovic deal with their own ethical and moral dilemmas while trying to navigate the complex web of legal issues that they are faced with. Each character must grapple with their own personal values as they try to do what is right for their clients and themselves.

As the episode draws to a close, all of the characters are left to process the events that have unfolded. Some have been successful in their pursuits, while others have been forced to confront difficult truths about themselves and their families. In the end, the viewer is left with a sense of the precariousness of justice in a system that is deeply flawed and impacts the lives of real people every day.

Overall, Family Secrets is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that tackles important issues such as sexual harassment and the challenges of family relationships in the military. The writing is compelling, the acting is top-notch, and the tension is palpable throughout the episode. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this intense and emotionally charged installment that leaves plenty of room for reflection and discussion.