Ep 2. A New Life (2)

A New Life (2) is the second episode of the first season of JAG. In this episode, we see a very busy Commander Rabb, who is working hard on a case involving a Marine who has been accused of assaulting a civilian cab driver in Virginia. The accused Marine, Private First Class Eugene "Buddha" Sitzer, who is a new father, claims that he was acting in self-defense after the cab driver tried to rob him. Commander Rabb has to work quickly to gather evidence and witnesses to prove the accused Marine's innocence.

Meanwhile, one of Rabb's colleagues, Lieutenant Caitlin Pike, receives some unexpected news. Her father has died, and she has to leave immediately to attend the funeral. Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of Caitlin's emotional turmoil as she tries to come to terms with her loss, but also balance her military duties.

Additionally, we are introduced to a new character in the JAG team, Lieutenant Meg Austin. Austin is a lawyer and an officer in the United States Navy, who joins the team after completing her training. Throughout the episode, we see her trying to fit into the team, but also struggling with her confidence, especially when her past experiences with a case involving a child's custody are brought up.

As the episode unfolds, the team is dealt with some unexpected twists and turns. The accused Marine's alibi is proven to be false, and Commander Rabb and Lieutenant Pike have to work together to find another witness quickly, before it's too late. Additionally, Lieutenant Austin is tasked with handling a custody case involving a young boy whose mother is an alcoholic. This case stirs up some old memories for Austin, and she is visibly shaken when she speaks to the boy's alcoholic mother.

Eventually, all the subplots converge towards the end, with an unexpected twist that ties everything together. The accused Marine is proven innocent after a surprising turn of events, Lieutenant Pike comes to terms with her loss and returns to work, while Lieutenant Austin learns to overcome her insecurities and earn the respect of her colleagues.

Overall, A New Life (2) is an emotionally charged episode that delves into the personal and professional lives of the JAG team. With its mix of authentic military drama, compelling characters, and nuanced performances, the episode sets the tone for the rest of the series, and introduces its viewers to the world of JAG.