Ep 1. Collateral Damage

In Army Wives season 4 episode 1 titled "Collateral Damage," fans are reintroduced to the wives and soldiers of Fort Marshall. It is two weeks before deployment, and everyone is preparing for the long journey ahead. However, this season’s opener throws in several twists, highlighting the issues military families face.

The first shot of the episode is the four wives – Claudia, Roxy, Pamela, and Denise – enjoying a day out with their children at the park. They’re laughing and having a great time, but the reality of war is never far away, and they’re all feeling the pinch. Roxy, in particular, seems strained as she struggles to manage her four children in the face of her husband’s upcoming deployment.

On the other hand, Pamela and her husband Chase are struggling to rekindle their relationship after Chase’s infidelity. Pamela admits that she isn’t sure if she can forgive Chase and move on while he promises that he’ll do anything to make things right. Also, Claudia Joy and Michael are trying to navigate their daughter’s pregnancy as they struggle to set boundaries and explain the difficulties of military life.

Denise, however, faces an entirely different challenge. Denise’s husband, Frank, suffered traumatic brain injury during his last tour in Iraq. Fans witness the devastating effects of Frank’s condition as Denise struggles to help him with everyday tasks. She also faces stiff opposition from the military’s bureaucracy as she tries to get her husband the medical help he needs.

The episode takes a particularly dark turn when one of the wives receives news that her husband has been injured in Iraq. The wives react in different ways, with some offering support and others feeling resentful of the extra work they’re being forced to take on in their friend’s absence. Meanwhile, a new soldier, Jeremy Sherwood, is introduced, and we glimpse his backstory, which is sure to have far-reaching consequences later in the season.

As she tends to her wounded husband, the episode highlights the ups and downs of army wives’ relationships. The women struggle to connect with their spouses through crackling screens while the children miss their fathers, but they also come together to support each other. Throughout the episode, fans get an insight into the dynamics of military bases and the struggles of being away from their loved ones for long periods.

Overall, Army Wives season 4 episode 1 is an authentic portrayal of military life for both soldiers and their loved ones. The show grapples with the complexity of life in the army, the joys of family, and the pain of separation. Through its fully developed characters and intricate plotlines, Army Wives gives fans a glimpse into the lives of those who serve and those who love them.