Ep 12. Complications

The JAG season 8 episode 12 titled "Complications" introduces an intriguing political premise. The episode begins with a group of Congress employees discussing the vote on an upcoming missile defense bill. At this point in time, the United States is currently in the midst of a heated missile defense program, and this bill could make or break the program.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. is investigating a fatal helicopter crash that occurred in Afghanistan. While investigating, he discovers that the helicopter may have been shot down by a Stinger Missile, which is a shoulder-launched ground-to-air missile. The United States does not use this missile, and it is strictly prohibited by the Geneva Convention. This revelation makes Rabb question whether someone may have given the Stinger Missile to the Taliban.

As Rabb delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the only way a Stinger Missile could have ended up in Taliban hands is if it was stolen from a U.S. warehouse. This realization has serious implications, as it means someone in the United States military has stolen a weapon and sold it to the Taliban.

Simultaneously, Rabb is navigating personal issues. He is struggling with guilt over the death of a fellow pilot and is dealing with his own health complications. Rabb is constantly putting his work first, and his issues with his health take a back seat until a potentially fatal episode forces him to confront his personal issues.

Overall, "Complications" is an engaging episode that balances the personal struggles of the characters with a complex political storyline. The missile defense program storyline feels relevant and intriguing, and the personal issues of the characters add an extra layer of depth to the episode.