"Wedding Bell Blues" is an episode of JAG that first aired on May 12, 1998. Directed by Alan J. Levi. Written by Stephen Zito and R. Scott Gemmill based on a story by Larry Moskowitz.
Seaman Carruthers (Gary Simpson) is charged with desertion for his decade-long absence from the Navy, living in town close to Andrews Air Force Base.
Lt. Commander Imes (Dana Sparks) defends, Lt. Roberts prosecutes (his first case as first chair) with Major MacKenzie as co-counsel and mentor. Mac suggests charging Carruthers with unauthorized absence rather than desertion, since the penalty is almost the same and the elements are easier to prove; Roberts rejects that idea. Despite that and various other missteps, Roberts wins the case.
Rabb's dress uniform, which he needs for the Sims-Roberts wedding, has apparently been stolen by a male stripper. The owner of the dry cleaner (Iqbal Theba) seems to not understand Rabb's predicament, but uses it to get his daughter (Mercedes Colon) a date.
A confluence of unfortunate events at the bachelor party causes Ensign Sims (Karri Turner) to worry her wedding to Roberts might be called off. But they do get married the next day. For the recessional, Rabb and other naval officers form an arc of honors with their ceremonial swords. A clip will be used in later season opening credits.
Tropes
- Shotgun Wedding: Bud Roberts Sr. wonders if this applies to his son's wedding to Sims.
- Shout-Out:
- To American Gladiators: "This is a courtroom, not American Gladiators," says the judge after Bud Sr. cheers for his son upon the reading of the verdict.
- To Matlock:Bud Sr.: I never met an officer with a sense of humor.Bud Jr.: I thought you were taking Mikey over to Norfolk?Bud Sr.: And miss you playing Matlock?
- Wealthy Yacht Owner: Bud Jr.'s future father-in-law is one.
- Wedding Episode: Although there is a court case, the main focus of the episode is the build-up to the Sims-Roberts wedding.
