AboutNancy Pratt Expertise My main area of expertise is the character of Admiral A. J. Chegwidden portrayed by actor John M. Jackson. I created and maintain "The Admiral Fact Book," which covers all information known about the Admiral so far from the show. However, I have watched JAG since the first episode and been involved in on-line JAG Fandom for several years and believe I can answer most general questions about the show.
Experience I run the John M. Jackson Admiration Society, the unofficial fan club of actor John M. Jackson, and maintain its website. I also was involved in putting on the first ever JAG Convention and then went on to found the JAGFanFest - both west and east coast events. I have met almost all the actors as well as many of the writers, directors, and production staff. I occasionally write JAG fanfic, and I am the editor of The Jackson Journal, the on-line newsletter of the JMJAS.
Expert: Nancy Pratt Date: 11/7/2006 Subject: Meg's character from season 1
Question Why did Meg's character leave JAG? There seems to be no explanation or reason behind it, so I was curious.
Answer Hi Sara,
There was never any explanation given on the show itself - she just disappeared between Seasons 1 and 2 without any word. What happened was that JAG originally aired on NBC. Harm's original partner was Kate Pike, played by Andrea Parker, who was DPB's pick for the role. As a condition of picking up the show, NBC asked Don Bellisario to recast the role of Harm's partner to bring in a blonde. They felt it would be better ratings-wise. They also asked him to shift focus from courtroom drama to more action adventure. And so the character of Meg was brought in and played by Tracey Needham. NBC did not renew the show after its first season. But CBS did pick it up, and they allowed DPB to make the show he originally wanted to make. Having discovered the limitations of having a partner who was junior in rank to Harm, he decided to give Harm a new partner - one who was his equal in rank and so would not have to defer to him, someone who could go toe-to-toe with him and not have to back down. So the character of Sarah MacKenzie was created, and Catherine Bell was eventually given that role.
So, while it has nothing to do with the storyline of the show, that is the explanation behind Meg's departure. I missed her sorely when she left; I really liked Meg. :)
