" War Stories " is the 13th episode of the 4th season of the military legal drama , which originally aired on January 12, 1999. The episode features two contrasting storylines: a serious court-martial involving a botched SEAL mission and a more lighthearted subplot where Admiral Chegwidden becomes a Hollywood technical advisor. The Primary Story: The SEAL Mission in Kosovo
Chegwidden quickly becomes frustrated with the production's lack of realism. He clashes with the director over details like an actress’s long fingernails and a stuntman’s unrealistic movements during a fight scene. [S4E13] War Stories
The episode explores the "war stories" that shape military perspective. Mac challenges General Plesac, a witness who once obeyed a disastrous order in Vietnam, highlighting the complex morality of following orders versus exercising field discretion to save lives. The Subplot: Admiral Chegwidden in Hollywood " War Stories " is the 13th episode
Harm serves as the acting Judge Advocate General while Chegwidden is away and deals with a "political" problem involving the Secretary of the Navy, who has nicknamed him "Harmful Rabb." He clashes with the director over details like
Bud Roberts receives high praise for his work on the defense, and the episode ends on a personal note as he and Harriet discuss names for their upcoming son (eventually settling on A.J.).
The "deep" or main plot focuses on the legal and ethical aftermath of a hostage rescue mission in Kosovo that went tragically wrong.
Major Brumby argues that Risnicki’s decision to delay the mission past the terrorists' deadline—without consulting his chain of command—directly led to the execution of the observers.