Ep 4. Heroes

In the "Heroes" episode of JAG season 2, the military lawyers at the Judge Advocate General's office are faced with a difficult case. A Marine helicopter crashes into the ocean while on a training mission, and four crew members are killed. The lone survivor, Master Sergeant Ross, is hailed as a hero for managing to save the lives of several other Marines before the crash. However, the investigation into the crash reveals that Ross was actually responsible for the accident.

The JAG team, including Harm (David James Elliott) and Meg (Tracey Needham), are tasked with prosecuting Ross for his role in the crash. However, they quickly discover that Ross is not willing to back down without a fight. He is represented by an aggressive civilian defense attorney (played by the late John Spencer) who is determined to paint Ross as a hero and discredit the military's investigation.

As the trial begins, it becomes clear that there is a lot more at stake than just this one case. The military brass are worried that a conviction of one of their own during a time of war will send the wrong message to the troops. Ross, meanwhile, is convinced that he did the right thing and that he is being scapegoated for the failures of others. Harm and Meg are stuck in the middle, trying to do their jobs while navigating these competing interests.

As the trial proceeds, the characters are forced to confront their own beliefs about heroism and duty. Harm, a former fighter pilot, must grapple with the idea that sometimes the most heroic thing to do is to admit one's own mistakes and take responsibility for them. Meg, meanwhile, is torn between her loyalty to the military and her compassion for Ross, who she knows is not a bad person.

The tension continues to mount as the trial takes unexpected turns. Witnesses are called who were not on the original list, and new evidence emerges that casts doubt on Ross's guilt. In the end, it is up to the JAG team to sort through the conflicting testimony and decide what really happened on the day of the crash.

Overall, "Heroes" is a gripping episode that showcases the dramatic potential of JAG's legal procedural format. The characters are nuanced and the stakes are high, making it a standout installment in the show's second season. Fans of legal dramas and military stories will find plenty to love here. So, the episode is a must-watch for all JAG fans.