The "deep" or main plot focuses on the legal and ethical aftermath of a hostage rescue mission in Kosovo that went tragically wrong.
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 [S4E13] War Stories
" 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 The "deep" or main plot focuses on the
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." The Subplot: Admiral Chegwidden in Hollywood " War
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.).
Mac and Bud Roberts defend Risnicki, arguing that the extreme weather conditions (cold and heavy fog) made the original order a "suicide mission." They contend that proceeding as ordered would have needlessly sacrificed the lives of his entire team.
Commander Risnicki, the leader of a SEAL team, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and disobeying orders after a rescue mission resulted in the deaths of all NATO hostages.