Ratings: JAG: A+ Mac: A+

This was an outstanding episode, and a far cry from the usual holiday fare on episodic television. Most shows get lazy and do a riff on "It's a Wonderful Life" or "A Christmas Carol." Not JAG. This was an original plot infused with a healthy balance of serious storyline, humor and character development, with warm fuzzies for the holidays. I admit, I have not been a fan of R. Scott Gemmill's past scripts, Imposter and Embassy, but his writing has definitely improved. This episode was perfect.

The teaser, coming on the heels of the revelations in People v. Mac, was hysterical! I could just imagine Bud and Harriet thinking: "Well, she had a husband we didn't know about. Maybe she does have a daughter we didn't know about." In fact, there were two moments in the episode where I felt Gemmill was making pointed remarks about what happened in the People v. Mac. The first was when Mac said to Chloe: "You're old enough now to understand that what you do affects other people." (Listen to yourself much, Mac?) The second was when Chloe said to Mac, "Haven't you ever lied?" and after a meaningful  pause, Mac replied: "We're not talking about me." Hmm. I have a feeling Mac is doing much introspection these days.

After catching her performance in "Cab to Canada" and seeing this episode, it's clear that Catherine Bell does know how to interact well with children. Mae Whitman, who played young Chloe, did a terrific job, as always. It was pretty obvious the kid was "crying wolf" about the abuse by her stepfather, but it was still interesting to see the real story unfold slowly.

Don't kids say the darnedest things? I loved how Chloe told Harm that "all Mac ever talks about" is him, and later, when she spilled the beans to the Admiral that Mac thinks he's sexy and asked him why he never asks her out! Poor Mac. She's been telling her secrets to the wrong person! Of course, I loved the scenes between Mac and AJ--not only the scene with Chloe, but also the follow- up scene, when AJ gave Mac his speech about "duty." All of this has been implied by the subtext before, but it was nice to see them finally come out and talk about it in an overt way. Since The Stalker, I've been fascinated by this storyline, because to me, it adds more depth to the characters to know that they have these feelings they would like to pursue, but can't because of duty. How poignant is that? That's the stuff of which good drama is made.

Re the Harm subplot: Liked it. A lot. I like Lt. Commander Parker; she has a great sense of humor. I loved her story about her car accident and how she plowed into the Nativity scene. I was amazed at Parker's ability to sum Harm up so well so quickly--how he's trying to "live up to past expectations," and how she could see him in a relationship with a single mother in order to get a "ready-made family". It was so accurate, it was spooky. I was equally amazed at how quickly Harm opened up to her. I really enjoyed their interactions, though. They seemed very comfortable together. It was nice to finally get some
confirmation from Harm's own lips that yes, indeed, the reason he's been running amuck this season is the void in his life now that his search for his father is over. Maybe that will change now. I can't wait to see how his relationship with Parker develops.

Finally, the multiple plot elements were juggled very expertly here: Harm's personal interactions with Parker as well as the discovery that it wasn't alcohol, but her cough medicine that skewed her breathalyzer test; Mac's interactions with Chloe, especially given Mac's own difficult childhood; Chloe's "Christmas present" from the JAG staff of a real father; AJ's desperation to get to Italy for Christmas; and the interactions between Mac and AJ regarding their feelings about each other. That's a lot to deal with, especially in a light-hearted holiday episode, but Jaggle Bells succeeded brilliantly. This episode really was a great Christmas present for viewers.

Favorite Quotes:
Lt. Cdr. Parker: You must've been named after your father. Grandfather? Cherished family pet?

Chloe: Commander Rabb. Mac's told me all about you. In fact, you're all she ever talks about.
Harm: Really?
Chloe: Although, sometimes it's hard to tell what parts are true and what parts are--well, you know, her fantasies.
Mac: Chloe! What have I told you about lying?
Chloe: You told me a woman never lies, unless it's about her age, her weight, or her best friend's husband.

-- Gray Cargill