All the latest news on JAG...1998
All the
latest news on JAG...1998
Extra Episodes in January. JAG will not air on Tuesday, December 29th. But there will be an episode airing later that week, on Friday, January 1st. "The Return of Jimmy Blackhorse", from last season, will air at 9pm. Additionally, JAG will air in its regular timeslot on Tuesday, January 12th and another episode will be shown on Wednesday, January 13th. (posted 12/21/98)
JAG Breaks into the Top Ten! "The Black Jet", which aired on November 30th, marked JAG's first appearance in the Nielson ratings top ten. JAG ranked 9th. (posted 12/1/98)
Here's what we've heard about upcoming eps: There will be a Christmas episode, which is entitled "Jaggle Bells", which will air in December. "Mostly fun and games", is how that one was described. "Dungaree Justice" is the investigation of the beating of a civilian bartender by three sailors who will not admit the reason for their revenge. Bud's brother Mikey makes a return appearance after signing up for a hitch. And, of interest to those wondering about the fallout from "The People vs Mac", Sarah Mackenzie gets her Article 32 hearing. Also in the works is an episode on a submarine, the first time since "Shadow". (posted 11/23/98)
JAG Edges Towards the Top Ten: JAG rated its highest rankings ever for the two episodes that aired during the November "sweeps" period. "Mr. Rabb Goes to Washington" and its followup, "The People vs Mac", both ended up drawing record numbers, leaving JAG positioned at the number 11th spot in the weekly ratings. A flurry of news articles heralded JAG's success, as everyone from CNN to the Chicago Tribune noted the ratings gain. (posted 11/23/98)
What we heard about the ep "Vision
Quest" being delayed was apparently true. It
was scheduled to air on 11/24. It's now been
swapped with an ep called "The Black
Jet." We haven't heard when "Vision
Quest" will air.
(posted 10/26/98)
JAG Flies High in the Ratings! JAG has been on quite a ratings roll since the beginning of the fourth season. JAG landed in the top twenty three times since the season premiere. "Gypsy Eyes" ranked 16th, "Embassy" ranked 21st, "Innocence" ranked 16th, "Going After Francesca" ranked 17th. (posted 10/24/98)
Some info on upcoming episodes:
JAG filmed on location in Washington D.C for an upcoming
pair of episodes, "Mr. Rabb Goes to Washington"
and "The People vs. Mac." In "Mr.
Rabb", Harm is assigned to Congresswoman Bobbie
Latham to probe reports of the usage of nerve gas in the
Gulf War. This of course mirrors the real story
from this summer, when a CNN report stated that nerve gas
was used in Vietnam. JAG has been getting alot of
press lately for this "ripped from the
headlines" story.
This episode is tied to the next one, "The People vs
Mac", in which Mac must face charges of murder and
is confronted by someone in her past. John
Schneider and Joe Lando guest star.
And coming later this season: The Australian
recurring character we heard about this summer is a
handsome exchange officer, who will apparently pique the
interest of Mac. His name is Mic Brumby, a
recurring character played by Trevor Goddard.
(posted 10/23/98)
"Vision Quest" is scheduled to air on 11/24. No spoilers on that yet, but we hear it will be last new ep for a few weeks, as they will run out of production time. We also heard that "Vision Quest" might be delayed, or swapped with another ep, due to production delays. (posted 10/23/98)
More spoilers for upcoming eps, from the Paramount information packet: Harm will regain his night vision, and return to flight status. He will be assigned to a flight squadron in the Persian Gulf. He will fall in love with a beautiful woman who will "change his life forever." Check out the Paramount JAG page for more information. (posted 10/23/98)
There was a behind the scenes feature on
JAG on tonight's Entertainment Tonight. Check out
the ET website at http://www.etonline.com
for the full text of the interview with DJE, a few DJE
pics, a few Real Audio sound clips
of the interview and a DJE bio. (posted 9/2/98)
Nielsen ratings for the week of Aug.
24-30 - "At 8 p.m., ``JAG'' cruised to its
strongest rating of the summer,
finishing just 2 shares out of the slot lead in adults
18-49." From Reuters/Variety
(Posted 9/2/98)
From the L.A. Times:
It's "JAG" and more "JAG" as CBS
offers a marathon of the series
By Jay Bobbin, Tribune Media Services
One good "JAG" deserves another. And another.
And still another.
CBS feels that way, since it's giving the adventure
series a big workout this week.
The show about military lawyers airs in its usual slot
Tuesday (8 p.m. ET), and it also gets extra runs
Wednesday through Saturday (also at 8 p.m. ET each
night). David James Elliott stars as Navy Lt. Cmdr.
Harmon "Harm" Rabb Jr., an ex-pilot turned
Judge Advocate General who's assisted in his cases by
Maj. Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie (Catherine Bell).
"It was my idea," executive producer Donald P.
Bellisario says of the so-called "JAG-a-thon."
He lobbied for a similar festival for his previous show,
"Quantum Leap," which NBC agreed to. "I
suggested doing the same thing with 'JAG' to Leslie
(Moonves, CBS' programming chief), and his people came
back to me about a month later and said they would."
Just like CBS executives, Bellisario hopes the five-night
push for "JAG" sets it up well for the coming
season, its fourth (including the year it initially spent
on NBC). "Tuesday has become a very competitive
night, especially in that first hour. With sitcoms
banging heads on the other networks, we'll hopefully be
able to attract an audience looking for a different type
of entertainment.
"We feel the 'JAG-athon' is going to bring in a lot
of new viewers to sample us, so we mixed it up. We put in
examples of different types of shows. One is
action-driven, one is a courtroom tale, and another is
more of a personal story."
When "JAG" launches its new year Sept. 22, the
show will resolve last season's cliffhanger. An airborne
Harm was in the crosshairs of enemy pilots after he stole
a MIG to find his father, a missing-in-action officer who
reportedly had been located in Russia. Harm's torment
over his dad has been an element of "JAG" from
the start, but Bellisario claims it hasn't always been
easy to retain.
"There's so much to keep in mind for each character,
we sometimes get a little crazed. The opening story of
the new season will finally resolve what happened to
Harm's father, in what I think is a very unique way. A
lot of fans want him to find his father alive, while
others want that mystery to go on. We're going to put it
to bed, but in upcoming episodes, Harm finds a new
obsession to hook onto. That keeps the show
psychologically interesting."
Many series that switch networks have a year left in
them, at best, after the move. "JAG" has been
an exception, since its ratings have risen since it left
NBC. "Leslie Moonves tells me this is the first show
in 20 years that has changed networks and gained in
audience size," Bellisario reports. "I always
thought it was an excellent show, and we did at CBS what
we'd planned to do all along.
"I wanted the show to be a more realistic, which
meant doing a little less action and a few more courtroom
stories. CBS said, 'Go do it,' and we did. Now that CBS
has gotten NFL football back, 'JAG' is one of the few
prime-time shows that they can use to promote it. They're
thinking, 'You know, a lot of young guys like action,' so
we're trying to accommodate that by including 'boys'
toys' as much as we can."
Incorporating such machinery has meant bigger budgets for
some "JAG" episodes. "Our first two
stories have gone over-budget quite a bit,"
Bellisario concedes, "but I've got great stock
footage of ships at sea, and we have permanent sets
resembling a ship's interior. The U.S. Navy has invited
us to go out on an active carrier to film two shows, so
they've given us great cooperation. They feel 'JAG' is
good for them, because it honorably represents those who
serve in the Navy." (posted 9/1/98)
Word is that there will be an Australian character recurring in a few upcoming eps. No word on who the actor is, or whether its a male or female character. We've also heard that Francesca, Chegwidden's daughter, will also definately be returning. (posted 9/1/98)
Here's what TV
Guide had to say about JAG in their Fall Preview
issue:
The Big News: Lt. Comdr. Harmon "Harm"
Rabb Jr. (David James Elliott, left, with Catherine Bell)
finally resolves his search for his father, an MIA
suspected of being a KGB agent. "This has been his
obsession ever since the series started three years ago,
and it's time for him to have some closure," says
creator and executive producer Donald P. Bellisario.
Growth Spurt: Emotionally liberated from his past,
Harm finds room in his life for a new and potentially
serious relationship.
Slot Machinations: JAG goes head-to-head
with Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well as King
of the Hill, Home Improvement and Mad About
You. "We're the only action show with boys'
toys, so we have to make the best of it," Bellisario
says.
Change of VENUE: With the U.S. Navy's cooperation,
JAG moves aboard an aircraft carrier for two
episodes that will take to the skies during ratings
sweeps. In October, the series goes on location in
Washington, D.C., to shoot cameos with real government
officials.
Matt Says: This shipshape, mainstream paean to
patriotism is likely to stay afloat no matter the
competition.
(posted 9/1/98)
Here's a piece from TV
Guide about JMJ:
Like most stars, John Jackson, who plays Admiral
A.J. Chegwidden on CBS's JAG, loves getting fan
mail. But then there was that letter from a 12-year-old
viewer. "She said she really liked David James
Elliott and that her father loved Catherine Bell,"
says Jackson about the two leads on JAG. "But
the reason she was writing me was because King, her
German shepherd, walks up to the TVscreen and barks every
time I appear.King wanted my autograph." So, Jackson
sent her a signed photo for the dog. Jackson's wife,
Jana, put it all in perspective: "She says,
‘Honey, you don't need a publicist. You need
shots.'" (posted 9/1/98)
Here's some comments about JAG and the
upcoming season from Mr
Showbiz:
"JAG defied the odds this season by
outlasting some high-
The fourth season premiere, which is the
conclusion of the cliffhanger from last season, is titled
"Gypsy Eyes." Don't ask us...we have no
idea what the title is all about! I guess "To
Russia With Love, Conclusion" is out.
Here's the schedule of reruns for the rest of the summer:
| August 4th | The Return of Jimmy Blackhorse |
| August 11th | Tiger, Tiger |
| August 18th | The Guardian (Season 2 episode) |
| August 25th | Yesterday's Heroes |
| September 1st | Wedding Bell Blues |
And the JAG Marathon:
| Tuesday, September 8th | Clipped Wings |
| Wednesday, September 9th | Chains of Command |
| Thursday, September 10th | The Stalker |
| Friday, September 11th | Code Blue (Second Season ep.) |
| Saturday, September 12th | The Imposter |
The 3rd Season finale
cliffhanger, To Russia With Love will air on 9/15.
According to this schedule,
JAG's 4th season premiere is now airing on 9/22.
Remember, all schedules are subject to change.
(posted 7/27/98)
Here's some great info we got
about next season: Filming started on
July 15th. The second episode,
"Innocence" is being filmed first.
"Innocence" deals with the defense in civil
court of a young sailor accused of raping a schoolgirl in
Japan. Navy assistance has been quite forthcoming this
season. Also look for more action shows this
season. Jag intends to shoot one episode partly in
DC this season. There should be some familiar face
returning. We should see more of Mac's family, Buds, and
the Admirals. (posted 7/21/98)
The episode being aired on August 4th will be The Return of Jimmy Blackhorse. That's the ep that guest starred Trisha Yearwood. (posted 7/21/98. Submitted by Laura Goates.)
JAG will appear for five
consecutive nights starting Sept 8th!
Here's an article about that which appeared in the 7/6
issue of USA Today: "JAG" GROWTH.
Shows that switch networks are usually doomed to failure.
But CBS's JAG is a rare surprise, actually improving 10%
in ratings since NBC dropped it in 1996. "CBS stuck
with it, and we made the show we wanted to make,"
says executive producer Donald Bellisario. CBS
hopes to jump-start the military drama by airing five
consecutive nights of JAG repeats, starting Sept. 8th at
8 ET/PT, to be promoted heavily on Labor Day weekend
during the network's first NFL games in five years.
"It's a stunt to help showcase one of our
fastest-growing shows," says Kelly Kahl, CBS' vice
president of scheduling. (submitted by B. Christie.
Posted on 7/6/98)
Here's the Summer Rerun schedule, as its
been announced so far:
6/30 - Intent to Die, 7/7 - Someone to Watch Over Annie,
7/14 - Against All Enemies,
7/21 - Death Watch, 7/28 - Chains of Command
(posted 6/23/98)
Catherine Bell will be co-starring in a CBS TV Movie called Cab To Canada, which is scheduled to air Thanksgiving-time. Jason Beghe and Maureen O'Hara star. (posted 6/22/98)
JAG's Fourth season is scheduled to start on Tuesday, September 15th, with the airing of the season premiere, which will be the conclusion of the Third season cliffhanger, To Russia With Love. The first part is scheduled to be repeated the week before the season premiere. (posted 6/22/98)
The season finale cliffhanger started filming yesterday, May 28th. No word yet on the ep title. (posted 4/29/98)
There will be a live chat with David James Elliott on the TV Guide web site on Mon., May 4, 10 p.m./ET, 7 p.m./PT. You'll need a Java-enabled web browser to participate. For details: http://www.tvgen.com/chat/index.htm (posted 4/29/98)
The 4/28 episode, "The Return of Jimmy Blackhorse", came in first in its time slot, with a 9.9 rating and a 17 share of the audience. (posted 4/29/98)
Watch out for a possible appearance by DJE on the Seinfeld finale. We've heard alot of rumors that is a possibility. We know that many past guest stars will be making appearances, and DJE played Elaine's boyfriend...Carl, the moving guy. The Seinfeld season finale airs on May 14. (posted 4/29/98)
Belisarius alluminus Jeff McKay, "Mac" on Magnum PI and "Corky" on "Tales of the Gold Money" will appear in 5/12/98 episode "Wedding Bell Blues". Also Michael Bellisario who will be making his second appearence in the series. (Posted 4/21/98)
A spoiler for the 4/28 episode, from Ultimate TV:
MEMBERS OF THE JAG TEAM ENCOUNTER RESISTANCE FROM
NAVAJO TRIBAL ELDERS, ON "JAG," APRIL 28
Grammy Award-Winning Country Singer Trisha Yearwood Guest
Stars, In Her First Dramatic Role for Television "The
Return of Jimmy Blackhorse" -- Members of the
JAG team encounter resistance from Navajo tribal elders
when they insist on DNA testing to verify that
human remains are those of heroic Navajo
"code-talker" Jimmy Blackhorse, who has been
missing since World War II, on JAG, Tuesday, April
28 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Alan Levi directed the episode from a script by
Dana Coen.
Forensic pathologist Lt. Cmdr. Teresa Coulter (Grammy
Award-winning Country singer Trisha Yearwood, in her
first dramatic television role) joins Harm and Mac on the
case. The Navajo elders consider it a sacrilege to tamper
with the remains of the dead and, furthermore, the
Navajo medicine woman is certain that the remains do not
belong to the esteemed Blackhorse. While the veracity of
scientific evidence is argued against that of
tribal custom and the metaphysical, Teresa finds
herself falling for Harm and putting the entire
assignment in jeopardy. (posted 4/12/98)
JAG episode "Tiger, Tiger" airing on 3/24/98 is the first with complete Navy cooperation, including filming aboard the guided missile frigate USS John A Moore in San Diego. (posted 3/13/98)
Trisha Yearwood is guest starring in an upcoming episode that pits Harm against the Navaho Nation in a dispute between cultural beliefs and hard science. (posted 3/13/98)
JAG's "lost" episode...Skeleton Crew (aka Death Watch) will be re-formulated into a flashback type of clip show to be aired sometime this season. Thirty minutes out of the 46 original minutes of this ep have been purchased and will be used to make the new episode. Skeleton Crew was originally intended to be the First Season cliffhanger, but when CBS picked up JAG for the second season, after NBC had cancelled the show - NBC refused to air the episode. It has never been seen in the US, although it was aired in many foreign countries. The reason for this move is that JAG is behind in their shooting schedule, and in need of a show that could be completed quickly, in order to fulfull the 24 episode order from CBS. Word is that the 16 extra minutes of the new ep will consist of new scenes with: "Harm, Mac and perhaps Bud....AND, (notice it's a big AND) with the killer." We'll also get a glimpse of Harm's partner for the first season, played by Tracey Needham. Meg will appear in scenes already shot. (Posted 3/9/98)
From TV Guide Online - regarding Father's
Day, which is scheduled to air on 2/3 -
"JAG series creator Don Bellasario has a cameo when
his lawyers happen upon a meeting of fans of
Quantum Leap, another Bellasario creation. Also
appearing is Pat Skipper, familiar to X-Files' fans as
Scully's brother Bill." (posted 1/26/98)
Some info on the upcoming episodes: An ep titled Father's Day (no, it's not about Harm's father; Marine corporal kidnaps his son, runs amuck in tank;) is scheduled to air on 2/3/98. We've heard there might be some special cameos in this ep. The episode aired after that will be "Yesterday's Heroes" (Clear and Present Danger crossed with Cocoon). (1/9/98)
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