Ep 13. Standards of Conduct

The JAG Season 8 Episode 13, entitled 'Standards of Conduct,' explores the ramifications of one Navy pilot's decision to both disobey a direct order and subsequently lie about it to his superiors. When Lt. Westin is tasked with piloting a training mission alongside Russian counterparts, he is told to not engage in any aerial maneuvers that could be considered provocative. However, when one of the Russian pilots seemingly taunts him, Westin disobeys orders and ends up getting into a dogfight with the Russian plane. After landing back on the aircraft carrier, he lies to his commanding officer about the events that transpired during the mission, further compounding the situation.

The crux of the episode centers around Lt. Westin's impending court martial for his actions. As the trial plays out, various characters directly involved with the case grapple with the intricacies and nuances of military justice, with some advocating for a lenient sentence due to Westin's otherwise exemplary service record, while others argue that his blatant disregard for orders and subsequent lying merit severe punishment, including a dismissal from the Navy.

Throughout the episode, we see flashbacks of Lt. Westin's interactions with his former commanding officer, the late Admiral A.J. Chegwidden. These flashbacks serve to remind the audience, as well as the characters involved in the trial, of the high standards of conduct that were expected of JAG officers under Chegwidden's stewardship. This element adds an overarching sense of gravity and import to the proceedings, as the decision made by the tribunal will not only have consequences for Lt. Westin but also for the wider JAG community and the Navy as a whole.

As the trial progresses, various witnesses are brought to testify on Westin's behalf, including his friends and commanding officers. Conversely, the prosecution attempts to implicate him further by calling the Russian pilots involved in the dogfight to the stand to testify about their version of events. Ultimately, however, the episode is less concerned with the specifics of the trial itself and more with the emotional and ethical dilemmas that arise as a result of these proceedings.

One particularly poignant moment comes when Lt. Westin is shown talking to his wife about the trial. She expresses her concern that if he is dismissed from the Navy, their family will be left without a source of income. Lt. Westin retorts that there are some things more important than money, such as one's honor and integrity. This exchange highlights the difficult choices that military service members and their families often have to make, where following orders and upholding standards of conduct can come at significant personal cost.

Overall, JAG Season 8 Episode 13 is a compelling exploration of the intricate legal and ethical questions that surround military justice. While the specifics of the trial may be unique to the show's fictional universe, the themes of accountability, responsibility, and the weight of one's actions in a larger context are certainly relevant today. Fans of the show will no doubt appreciate the return of characters such as Admiral Chegwidden and the continued exploration of the JAG universe, but even newcomers to the series may find something to appreciate in this thoughtful and nuanced episode.