Florida Straits
by Carolyn M Cash, 27 February 2001

True to form, JAG bases its storylines on news headlines. Florida Straits is based on the Elian Gonzales story.

Elian Gonzales was only six years old when he fled Cuba with his mother. She drowned at sea whilst his father remained in Cuba. The story became world headlines as relatives campaigned to have the boy stay in America. Some celebrities also joined the protest, including Gloria Estefan.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight (16 October 2000), David James Elliott said he believed the whole matter could have been resolved sooner, as it cost taxpayers a lot of money. He added the boy's place is with his father regardless.

A thirteen-year-old girl, Reynalda Mantilla, is rescued from a shipwreck within Cuban waters by a US navy vessel. She was escaping from Cuba with her father. She is treated for shock, especially after being mauled by sharks. She believes her father is dead.

The Cubans aren't very happy and demand that Reynalda be handed over to them.

However, the Captain refuses. The question arises whether father and daughter should be separated in the name of freedom, or reunited under totalitarian rule? Will Reynalda seek asylum in America?

Harm is sent to investigate the matter, much to Renee's annoyance. She resents his regular absences but he explains it is part of his job. (How would she cope if her boyfriend was away at sea for most of the year, like most Navy wives?)

He confides to Renee about his half-brother, Sergei, and ponders how his mother will react once she hears the news.

On the home front, Mac and Mic Brumby deal with relationship issues. Mic obtains employment with a civilian firm and invites Mac along to meet his new colleagues at a garden party. Mac is upset after Larry, Brumby's boss, makes a joke at her expense.

"It has an interesting ending," David James Elliott tells ET. "You gotta tune in."

© 2001 Carolyn M Cash

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