Madam Secretary (2014) s04e08 Episode Script
The Fourth Estate
1 (CLOCK TICKING) Did you get any sleep? Oh, a couple minutes here and there.
You? No, I kept waking up from nightmares about Russia infiltrating the top levels of our government.
- Mm.
- More coffee? Sure.
I'm already on my second pot.
So have you found any reason not to suspect the Gang of Eight? Besides the fact that they're the most powerful members of Congress and it would be treason for any one of them to share our secrets with Russia? Nah.
I've had my team working on it all night, too.
Eggs? No.
I'm feeling carby.
You'll want rock-solid proof before you take it up the chain.
Yeah, I was thinking that I would brief the committee on a fake op in Afghanistan.
See if there was any Taliban response.
A drip test.
- Right, drip test.
- (PHONE CHIRPS, VIBRATES) I like it.
But I don't like this.
"White House.
Now.
" Fresh nightmares.
RUSSELL: CDC just finished tabulating overdose deaths from last year.
How bad? Record-breaking.
Well, I'm sorry to hear that, but shouldn't you have called in a different cabinet member? The president already had the secretary of Health and Human Services in the Oval this morning.
- Russell? - (SIGHS) Harrison's back in rehab.
Oh, no.
Ah, he's okay.
Checked himself in last week before he spiraled.
Even managed to keep it out of the news, but when Conrad saw the CDC report it became a busy morning.
Do you know what he wants from me? Revenge.
Good morning, Mr.
President.
Do you know how many American servicemen died in Vietnam, Bess? Uh, 58,000 58,220.
In a war that lasted more than ten years.
Do you know how many Americans died of drug overdoses last year? - Well - 64,000.
Mostly from opioids.
It's the worst public health crisis in a century.
And it's happening on my watch.
So I'm going to do something about it.
Sergio Macias.
You familiar? He's head of the Puebla Cartel in Southern Mexico.
He's in prison in Jalisco, but he's running things from his cell.
That's why I want him extradited to the U.
S.
and put into supermax.
I'm not sure that's the right play, sir.
Why the hell not? More than 90% of our heroin comes from Mexico, and most of that from Macias.
We extradite him, it'll cripple his empire.
ELIZABETH: And some new drug lord takes his place.
If you want to focus on Mexico, we should focus on government corruption.
So you are content to let Macias keep killing Americans? State's been holding talks with Mexico about new anti-corruption measures, but it's delicate.
If we push them to give up Macias, they won't want to cut any other deals.
Fighting corruption is a noble goal, but I want Macias out of the equation.
Opioid deaths are a systemic problem, a tragic one.
So it's understandable to want to find We've known each other a long time, Bess.
You can talk to me straight.
Russell told me about Harrison, and I am, I'm so sorry for what you and Lydia are going through.
I'm worried that maybe it's clouding your judgment.
DALTON: Well, I understand your concern, but this isn't just about my son.
I meet with families who've lost loved ones to drugs almost every week.
I can't keep giving them platitudes.
I want decisive action today.
Are we clear? Yes, Mr.
President.
- Morning.
- Good morning, ma'am.
Uh, your call with the Mexican secretary of foreign affairs - is in five minutes.
- Thanks.
Are you okay? (LAUGHING): Yes.
Why? Well, your blazer is unbuttoned.
Oh, God.
I'm so sorry.
- No, that's not what I - It's, uh mean.
It's, um, I'm just all (SIGHS) My parents are flying into D.
C.
tomorrow.
- Oh! Oh.
Yeah.
- Yeah.
That's always a little challenging.
- Yeah.
Look, I-I love them - I mean, I'm sure.
More than anyone in the world.
It's just oh, sometimes they make me so mad I want to rip the skin off my own face.
Does that make sense? Yeah, I try not to think about what my kids - think of me sometimes.
- Well, I doubt that you question their career and relationship choices at every turn, - so I'm sure you're fine.
- How can they question your career choice? Well You are literally helping save the world.
My parents are private sector people.
They To their mind, leaving finance to go work for the government was like blasting a fire hose full of money off a cliff into the abyss.
Well, if they saw what you did, they'd be bragging to all your friends, - Well, I - all their friends.
- Yeah.
- Oh, come on.
You know what, bring 'em in.
What? Oh, no.
Thank you.
- That's very kind of you.
I - Yeah.
No.
We have been in this relationship for years.
It's time I met your parents, Blake.
You are aware that Macias is in prison in Jalisco, Madam Secretary? Of course you are.
You just don't trust our justice system.
Secretary Gomez, I assure you this request is solely about the U.
S.
justice system.
Macias is wanted in seven states.
He has indictments from nine federal courts.
He is also a Mexican citizen, convicted by the Mexican judiciary.
But why should you respect our sovereignty? We have great respect for Mexico.
In fact, I can guarantee we will honor your laws and Macias won't face the death penalty.
That is a start.
But to even consider this deal, President Zaragoza wants new trade provisions.
Lift the restrictions on cybersecurity software.
Well, the Pentagon doesn't give cyberweapons to any foreign country.
I'm not talking about your military.
Private companies.
You have many burdensome regulations around cyber trade with Mexico.
Well, for good reason.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep cyberweapons away from bad actors? That is a rather galling lack of faith for a close ally.
It is a well-documented fact that American guns have made their way to cartel hands.
And a gun is a lot easier to keep safe than a string of code.
Once again, you know what is best for Mexico.
Can you just knock that off? I assure you that I am negotiating - in good faith.
- But we have nothing to negotiate.
President Dalton wants Macias.
Cyber is a priority for President Zaragoza.
You need to make it work.
Or no deal.
And tell your anti-corruption unit to stand down.
My government is no longer in the mood to be educated by your bureaucrats.
Sec retary.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) (PHONE CHIMES) Great news, ma'am.
Uh, it's more like insanely amazing news.
Go ahead.
Kat found some ironclad security guarantees for - our cyberweaponry.
- Cyberweaponry.
President Zaragoza will sign the extradition agreement within the hour.
Apologies.
I promise this is enthusiasm, not impertinence.
- Understood.
- That is great.
And insanely amazing.
Ma'am, Miguel Briseño from the Washington Chronicle is here - for your interview.
- Mexican bureau chief? I'll be there in a second.
Details.
- It was all Ms.
Sandoval.
- Oh.
Well, let's hear it.
No, I just, uh, asked INR to find the American cybersecurity firm that Mexico wants to contract, Kizlet Programming, and then I made a super solid deal with their CEO, Kenny Fisk.
He guaranteed that any tech Kizlet shares will be completely traceable and can be disabled remotely at a moment's notice.
CYBERCOM signed off in, like, five seconds.
It was barely even a thing.
Usually, those private sector guys, they hate working - with the government.
- Tell me about it.
So I Facebooked Fisk.
Found he's deep into Neal Stephenson.
That doesn't ring a bell.
Yeah.
No.
Sci-Fi author.
He wrote Cryptonomicon.
- No.
- Anathem? - Mm.
- Um, Seveneves.
Wow.
Still no bells? Okay.
Now I know your Christmas gift.
Anyway, Fisk and I were way in the weeds about the reconstructed society aboard the Cloud Ark in Seveneves.
So, now he's pretty much my little nerd buddy.
(CHUCKLES) It's all about relationships, right? Good job, Kat.
Thank you, ma'am.
ELIZABETH: I actually have some breaking news for you.
Hmm.
President Zaragoza is moments away from signing an extradition agreement.
Sergio Macias is coming to the United States.
Did Mexico demand any concessions? Yes, of course.
We've agreed to relax some of our trade provisions around cybersecurity software.
Defensive software or cyberweaponry? I'm not really prepared to comment about that yet Are you concerned that if Mexico obtains American cyberweapons, they might fall into the hands of bad actors? No, we have faith in the Mexican government.
Really? You've had guarantees before, and yet American guns have still got into the hands of cartel members.
Other than trade provisions, does the U.
S.
have any solutions to fight the cartels? I mean, after all, it is government corruption that allows them to thrive.
We've been advising President Zaragoza to pursue anti-corruption measures.
And, off the record (BEEPS) You're not wrong.
Excuse me? We're never gonna beat the cartels as long as Mexican government officials stay on their payroll.
What more can the U.
S.
do? Mexico is our neighbor and one of our most reliable allies and trade partners.
We can't just force them into rooting out corruption.
It's like having a best friend who won't stop robbing banks.
We are doing everything we can, but thankfully, there are tough reporters like you who are holding the Mexican government accountable.
Because ultimately, I think it just might be the Fourth Estate that brings about change.
(CHUCKLES) (LAUGHS) (HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING) (AUTOMATIC GUNFIRE) (CHUCKLES) (LAUGHS) The extradition was rushed.
DALTON: All due respect, President Zaragoza, but I don't see how more time would have stopped a helicopter loaded with RPGs.
Well, then perhaps it never should have happened.
21 Federales were killed in the attack.
I am sorry.
Their loss is a tragedy.
I pledge our full support in bringing Macias to justice.
We're already coordinating with your DEA in Mexico City.
I have instructed them to provide whatever resources you need for the search, but our cyberweapons deal is suspended until the extradition is back on track.
The cartels undermine our relationship, Conrad.
In many ways.
I regret that.
So do I.
But I'll feel a lot better when Macias is back in prison.
We will keep you apprised.
Thank you, Mario.
(SIGHS) That was awkward.
DYLAN: After a deep investigative dive into each member of the Gang of Eight, we have three winners for most Russia connections: Senate Majority Leader Beau Carpenter, Representative Drew Emerick, Senator Carlos Morejon.
An all-star list of D.
C.
powerhouses.
Nothing illegal vis-Ã -vis Russia, but connected enough that it could point to something more.
Our plan is to send a classified brief to each congressman saying high-level intelligence agents are meeting in Afghanistan day after tomorrow, 4:00 Afghan time.
We give each congressman a different location for the meeting.
So for Emerick it's in Kunar Province.
Morejon Parwan.
Carpenter Nimruz.
We'll fly surveillance drones over each location.
- If we see a Taliban presence - We'll have our Judas Iscariot.
Let's go ahead, see what we get.
What gorgeous walnut paneling.
Imagine it with something brighter.
That'd just open it right up.
Oh, so, does State have anything to do with catching this cartel guy, Macias? I can't answer any classified questions, Dad.
- Ah.
- That's a yes.
- (LAUGHS) - Okay, - here's a D.
C.
insider question for you.
- Mm-hmm? What do you think of Shaw? Is that an up-and-coming neighborhood? Oh, it's arrived.
The streets are lined with gastropubs.
Ah.
We're thinking of, uh, buying a condo - as an investment.
- What? The real estate market here is very spicy.
Oh.
Uh, well, yeah.
I mean, Shaw's fantastic.
It's This is my desk, by the way.
Mom.
- Oh.
- Um, yeah, Shaw's really pretty, um, it's close to the metro, it's Yeah, it's great.
Well, how would you like to live there? (CHUCKLES) Why, I'd love to, but Are you buying me a condo? Like a PlayStation for my birthday? Oh, we're buying it anyway.
- Yeah, don't touch.
- Now, if you want to contribute, you can just give us what you pay in rent now.
Yeah, the open house is tomorrow.
Okay, this is feeling like charity.
Well, you're the one who said your apartment was a "postage stamp.
" Y-Yeah, but it's my postage stamp.
- And I pay fair-market value for it.
- We just thought you would like a thousand-square-foot - Two-bedroom.
- two-bedroom with a walk-in closet.
- Yeah.
- Hardwood floors.
(MOUTHING) When's the open house? ELIZABETH: Well, there's no mistaking it you must be Fred and Edie Moran.
- Yes? - Mom, Dad, this is, um, Elizabeth Secretary McCord.
- So nice to meet you.
Elizabeth - Madam Secre something.
Secretary McCord.
We've heard so many wonderful things about you.
Oh.
Well, thank you.
I've Oh.
Kat? Kat Sandoval, my new policy advisor.
- And Matt Mahoney, my speechwriter.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- My parents.
- Oh.
Hello.
- Hi, Blake's mom.
I'm amazed at how large this place is.
How many employees? I think 30,000.
Well, Kat just joined us, so 30,001.
Ah.
That's a lot of pension and health plans.
No wonder you can't pay much up front.
Dad.
What? What? Sh-She's aware.
Oh, well, it's a living wage.
But you're absolutely right it doesn't nearly match the value of our employees.
Yup.
I mean, uh uh, yeah, it's a shame.
- But it's a good stepping-stone, right? - Yeah, stepping-stone.
All right, let's go let's go, uh, this way.
- This way - You know, I just wanted to say that Blake is one of the most capable people I've ever worked with.
The sky is the limit for a guy like him.
So in-in D.
C.
terms, that's low six figures? All right, nice to meet you.
Here we go.
Going this way.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) - That's Jay.
My parents.
- Hi.
Great to meet you.
- Sorry, I have to - Yep.
There's something you need to see.
What's going on? Two-thirds of our continent is looking for this guy, and he gives an interview to an American newspaper.
Well, I don't think too many cautious types end up becoming drug lords.
(CHUCKLES) (SIGHS): Hell of a scoop.
Briseño's more impressive than I thought.
KAT: Um, this interview isn't even all of it he wrote this long exposé on corruption in the drug war.
He names Mexican politicians on the take, U.
S.
border agents who look the other way.
He even lays out how Macias gets American guns.
Macias can't be too happy about that.
(SCOFFS): Yeah.
Yeah, Macias and his ilk are only happy when inflicting pain and suffering.
They kill and rape without compunction, they wreak generations of trauma wherever they gain influence.
And if I told you of the grotesque crimes that the cartel's committed in the idyllic little Oaxacan town where my father grew up, we would all be lying on the floor, huddled in the fetal position, weeping like frightened toddlers.
Buy me a drink, and I'll tell you how I really feel.
Ma'am.
The president wants to see you.
(LAUGHING) How many more times can Sergio Macias stick his thumb in my eye? The Justice Department will get into it with this reporter, shake something loose.
I wouldn't count on him giving up his sources.
Well, maybe a contempt citation will make him rethink - his principles.
- It won't.
I've met him.
Then we fight him in court.
He can't invoke reporter's privilege if it's a criminal case.
And by the time we get a ruling, it'll be too late.
Let me talk to him.
- I think I can get him to cooperate.
- And why is that? We bonded.
MIGUEL: Look, I couldn't tell you where he was hiding if I wanted to.
They blindfolded me and put headphones over my ears.
Well, you could give me the device you recorded him on.
It is not my job to make things easier for powerful people.
That's true.
But your principles won't save you when you're arrested for contempt of court.
AG could have you on an FBI plane back to Washington tonight.
No, I-I I need more time before that happens.
More time to do what? (QUIETLY): I can't say.
But it's the kind of reporting that could really change things.
You're living dangerously.
- Excuse me? - (LAUGHS) Leaving a girl alone at a bar like this? I've already turned down two drinks and a weekend in Atlantic City.
(BOTH LAUGH) Well, sorry, I-I got hung up at work, and then the metro was slow, and Never mind that.
You look beautiful.
Uh, what are you drinking, and how do you like Atlantic City? (LAUGHS) Nice recovery.
A-plus.
So, uh, what was what was happening at the war college? Did my did my dad keep you after class, or? No, just stuff.
Oh.
Well, stuff.
Wow.
(CHUCKLES) Sounds important.
Is everything okay? This is-is probably a bad idea.
I was gonna tell you that up front, but then you were you are funny and beautiful.
Are you worried about this because you work with my dad? Yes.
Okay, look Um, here.
Both my parents work for the government, so if I avoided everyone that they work with, (LAUGHS): I would have to leave town to date, and just, you know, live life in general.
If you're really worried, I know how to do this.
Date? Sneak.
(CHUCKLES): I mean, at least until we figure out what this is gonna be.
And what do you want this to be? Fun? (CHUCKLES) I just got my heart broken, so I'm not really up for anything that involves family, negotiations or long discussions about validation - and personal space.
- (BOTH LAUGH) So, you know, if you want to keep it casual and secret, I'm your girl, Alexander.
Unless you're married or something.
No.
Not No.
- Not married.
- (LAUGHING): Okay, good.
Feel like we should probably know things like that about each other.
Okay, well, ask me anything.
I'm an open book.
Hmm, okay.
Where are you from, originally? Baltimore.
That was a joke.
(BOTH LAUGH) Oh.
Okay.
You got me.
Do you want a drink? Oh, no, I-I don't.
Uh, just club soda.
A Russian who doesn't drink? Yeah.
That's, uh, that's why they kicked me out.
- Really? - (LAUGHS) (LAUGHING): No! Damn it.
MARC: So you said "I need more time," and she just said "Okay"? Well, first, she warned me again that I might get grabbed by the FBI.
(LAUGHING): That's nice of her.
Our budget for bail money is pretty strained.
(LAUGHS) Yeah, well, I don't think the FBI would let me bail out.
All right, pedal to the metal, and, uh, whatever resources you need.
(SIGHS) Thanks, Marc.
Good night.
(MUFFLED SCREAMING) - (DMITRI LAUGHS) - STEVIE: That's, I mean, I guess.
- But I don't know.
- DMITRI: No.
Okay.
Breakfast cereal, disgusting.
Sweetened iced tea, disgusting.
- STEVIE: That's fair, that's fair.
- In fact, everything you call tea here, - disgusting.
- Mm.
But the worst, the worst: peanut butter.
(LAUGHING): Peanut butter? - (IMITATES BELCHING) - You don't like peanut butter? That's like the best American idea since, um - jazz.
- (LAUGHS) I but, probably before jazz.
- That's, that's w - You get the idea.
No, that's weird.
Why would you spread peanuts on bread? It's delicious.
(CHUCKLES) I mean, I don't know what else to say.
(LAUGHS) Aw I should probably go home.
But, um You know, maybe next time, you can ask me out.
What do you think? What? Are you serious? We just had one of the all-time greatest first dates.
Didn't we? We did.
My dad is not gonna fire you for going out with me.
- It's more complicated than that.
- He's a very rational person.
All I can say is that it's been a wonderful night, and I wish It's not that complicated.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY) Okay.
(CHUCKLES) MARC: Miguel was always the first one in the newsroom and the last one out.
On a few occasions, I found him asleep on his desk in the middle of a story.
He was a rare breed, uh, old-school, relentless and unwaveringly principled.
The world is a poorer place without Miguel Briseño.
MARC: I've lost count how many reporters were killed in Mexico this year.
Eleven? Fourteen.
(SIGHS) They guarantee you freedom of the press.
If you kill a reporter for doing his job There hasn't been a single prosecution, not one.
Miguel is an American citizen.
We're not gonna let his killers go free.
But I need your help to catch them.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY) You still want his notes? Anything you're willing to give.
I keep thinking, even now, Miguel wouldn't have helped you.
Even to solve his own murder, he would've stuck to his guns and told you no.
But I am not that principled.
BROKER: And this is the second bedroom.
Kind of perfect to start a family.
That's a little cart before the horse.
You'll find someone.
Blake is bisexual, so, twice the playing field.
Oh, my God.
So, is this a load-bearing wall? I'll check.
Oh, imagine what you could do in that kitchen.
I'm sure, but, guys, don't you think this is a little much? - Ah.
- It's a modest two-bedroom apartment for a young professional.
- I knew this was gonna happen.
- What? Well, you've been an assistant for too long.
It got up in your head.
You don't think you're worthy of bigger things.
(LAUGHING): What is so shameful about wanting to live within my means? Well, I'm not just talking about an apartment.
You used to want to do things and change things.
You know, some would view the morning that I spent preparing a binder on global water shortages so we don't have a catastrophe in sub-Saharan Africa as doing more to help the world than balancing a spreadsheet for some mutual fund.
No one is doubting the work you're doing.
We just want you to reach for more for yourself.
I've been talking to my friend Tim Williams.
Oh, Tim His cousin runs a political consulting firm, and they think a guy with your experience would be a great asset for them.
Dad, there is nothing, nothing more insufferable than spending all day with some overpaid policy bro.
You would be doing the same work you're doing now, with a chance to advance, to move up in the world.
We're just asking you to consider it.
That's all we're asking.
Oh.
(LAUGHING) (LAUGHING): I I get it.
You're buying me an apartment so you can leverage me into doing what you want.
- Leverage? No one is leveraging you.
- No, we just want Guys.
Come on, guys.
No, come on.
Come on.
- Please.
- I am happy.
Can't you see that I'm happy? I have a I have a great life.
I have a great job.
I have a small studio apartment that gets way too hot in the summer, but We think that you should - Probably want - I know what you think.
I know what you think, and I respect it.
I'm sorry you don't respect me.
- No, that's Look - Blake, that's ridiculous.
How could you even? But good luck with the investment, all right? (SCOFFS) I love you.
I'll call you later.
(SIGHS) - Good news, ma'am.
- No, not good.
Ridiculously amazing.
Go ahead.
Miguel's Briseño's notes are a treasure trove.
You figured out where Macias is? Oh, no, not at all.
That would've been amazing, too.
However, when Briseño told you that his next story could change things big understatement.
Huge, actually.
He learned that-that Macias has a friend high up in the Mexican government.
Like nosebleed high up.
We're figuring deputy level in the judiciary, something like that.
Which would explain why Macias is always one step ahead - of the Federales.
- Exactly.
Now, we don't have a name yet, but we do have an alias.
- El A guila.
- The Eagle.
KAT: Pretty good, right? As in "sees everything"? Anyway, Briseño thought that he was only days from tracking down this guy's actual identity.
So you think we can finish the job? JAY: Yes, ma'am.
Miguel discovered the names of some offshore dummy corporations that launder El A guila's money.
We have an army of INR agents, accountants basically the whole department sorting out ownership as we speak.
Once we trace the money to a name, El A guila will be el atrapado.
Encarcelado.
- All right.
- (PHONE CHIMES) And DEA just located Macias.
You are aware this is a remote intelligence office, and a U.
S.
Senator can't just barge in here.
I don't need you scolding me, Professor.
I came here in an unmarked car with no security.
Why? My staff heard about these shady characters posing as reporters, asking my PAC donors how they make their money.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Oh, of course not.
Why would you admit to doing oppo research on me to help your wife's career? Well, that's a hell of an accusation.
I don't hear you denying.
Of secret things, I am silence.
You always quote the Bible when you're backed - into a corner? - That's the Bhagavad Gita, actually.
Go with smug.
Fine.
I cannot discuss classified matters outside proper channels.
That's not smug.
That's the law.
It's also the law that the CIA is barred from spying on American citizens.
I'm getting the attorney general into this.
So, we heard all of that.
Are we blown? Is there something you need to tell me? Not a chance.
We only used real freelance reporters who have no idea who they've been working for.
It's a total firewall.
So you're telling me the senator just made a really good guess? Or this is one of many stops on a guilty conscience tour.
Except he's right.
Well, the drones go online tomorrow.
Then we'll know for sure.
Macias's hideout is in rural Veracruz.
It's a remote home, but sources say there's a large bunker underneath the residence.
Cameras are at the entrance, at least 20 guards in rotation.
If we raid the compound, you think we can pull him out alive, Admiral? Yes, I believe we can.
Good.
Organize a raid immediately.
ELIZABETH: President Zaragoza will want a Mexican Marine presence, as well.
I'm sure he would, but we are not telling President Zaragoza about this.
Violating their sovereignty.
DALTON: It's a surgical strike.
We got bin Laden without Pakistan.
Mexico isn't Pakistan, sir.
We're all concerned about cartel moles inside Zaragoza's administration.
My team at State is working at uncovering one as we speak.
But are we really willing to risk our relationship with one of our strongest allies over a cartel leader? I want Macias in supermax as much as you do, sir, but we don't know how Mexico's gonna react to this.
Mexico wants Macias locked up, too.
If their feathers do get ruffled, they'll come around.
We're talking about a lot more than ruffled feathers.
What if they were to pull out of our trade agreements? It could send our economy into a death spiral.
Do you really think that they would commit economic suicide? This whole affair has proven one thing to me: we can't trust Mexico when it comes to Macias.
And I refuse to let that monster get away while he destroys American lives.
Something needs to be done.
We're raiding his compound.
We're doing it alone.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) Got something you need to talk about? Why do you ask? Well, there's no milk in that coffee.
(CHUCKLES) (ELIZABETH SIGHS) Special Forces are moving into Mexico later today.
Covertly.
Conrad has this hawkish streak.
I mean, I get it.
The man was a Marine, head of the CIA.
But you can usually count on him to put his guns down and talk when the time is right.
You still think this is about Harrison? I do.
Well, I can see where he's coming from.
I mean, look at Dmitri.
He was this ramrod straight military kid.
He comes to the U.
S.
and within a matter of months, he's addicted to oxycodone.
Something needs to be done.
That's exactly what Conrad said when he ordered the raid.
There isn't a phrase that scares me more than "something needs to be done.
" Why? It means no one really knows - what to do.
- (PHONE RINGS) (KISSES) Love you.
Hello.
Hey, we have eyes on all three targets.
Uh, we should have results in a few hours.
HENRY: Good.
Be sure to report any suspicious movement.
Okay, I'll keep an eye out.
Should I cancel your roundtable in Palo Alto? Yeah, probably.
If we do this raid in Mexico, I'm gonna need a solid week to deal with the fallout.
Meetings with Gomez, Zaragoza.
You know what? Can we take five? I've never had to actually plan for a diplomatic crisis.
And it is giving me a massive headache.
- Of course.
- (ELIZABETH SIGHS) Oh, hey.
How did the, uh, the open house go? I decided the place wasn't for me.
Really? Why not? Turns out it was part of a larger plan to turn me into a sleazy political consultant.
They want you to quit State? It's a much larger conversation, but, essentially, they want me to be more than an assistant.
Well, I can understand that.
Blake, you are way too smart to remain at this level.
Come on, I always imagined you had a larger goal, right? (CHUCKLES) Uh, well, I mean, in-in my first year here, I kind of wanted to be a policy guy like Jay or Jay-adjacent.
And now? I would like to try something in planning, more the organizing I don't know.
- I don't know.
I feel like - Blake, I'm gonna do you a favor.
In one year I'm gonna fire you.
(LAUGHS) No, I'm serious.
And you can use that time to consider what you want to do next.
If it's at State, I'll do everything I can to get you that job.
But if it's not at State, I will write you the most glowing recommendation in human history.
Wow.
That's very sweet of you, ma'am.
And as momentarily terrifying as that was, uh, I-I really appreciate that.
Good.
Do I put you firing me into your calendar? Yeah, please do.
- Okay.
- Sorry to barge in again, ma'am.
But we just identified El Aguila.
And? Goes even higher than the nosebleeds.
It's the secretary of foreign affairs, Pedro Gomez.
What? JAY: Macias was right.
He really does run Mexico.
(SIGHS) Special Forces have been deployed? They're in the air, ma'am, ten minutes from Mexican airspace.
Good.
Sir, you need to cancel this raid.
We've been over this, Bess.
I can't trust Mexico to arrest Macias.
I completely agree, you can't.
This is definitive proof that the Mexican foreign secretary, Pedro Gomez, - is a paid lackey of Sergio Macias.
- What? RUSSELL: Where'd you find all this? Miguel Briseño's editor gave me his notes after he was murdered, and I would bet everything I own that Gomez ordered that hit.
Then why stop the raid? Because we have a real opportunity here, sir.
If we get Gomez out of power, and we use our Intel on Macias as leverage, we can get an anti-corruption measure and Macias, with Mexico's help.
Do you know who Briseño's sources were? Diplomats.
High-level government officials who were outraged by Gomez and fighting for a just government.
And with Gomez out of the picture, they'll have their chance.
If we don't raid now, Macias could leave the country.
We both know Macias isn't the real problem.
Admiral Parker, abort the raid.
Omega Team, abort.
Immediate abort.
Return to base.
Nicely done.
(EXHALES) What do you want, McCord? Beau Carpenter's leaking secrets to the Russian government.
- What? - My team has uncovered an intelligence leak implicating the Gang of Eight.
Obviously, I couldn't read you in until we knew who was guilty, but now we're confident it's the majority leader.
Beau and Russia, why? I have no idea, but it doesn't really matter why.
Once POTUS gives the order, he'll be under investigation by a lot of assiduous people.
In the meantime, I need your help.
With what? (CHUCKLES) Look, we haven't exactly made it a secret that we don't like each other, but I also know that you love this country and you would do anything in your power to keep our secrets.
As chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, you can block information from reaching Carpenter's desk.
My team is standing by to brief you.
How about it, Senator? (MEN SHOUTING IN SPANISH) (SHOUTING IN SPANISH) (HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING) (GRUNTS) (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) We appreciate you sharing your intelligence with us.
DALTON: Frankly, Mr.
President, well, after you agreed to arrest Gomez, we were happy to.
This is the first significant step toward eliminating corruption, yes, but I fear there will be many more painful steps before we achieve all our goals.
I think your government anti-corruption bill will also have a big impact.
God willing.
And now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to Mexico City.
- Buenosuerte, Mario.
- Presidente, gracias.
Thank you so much.
Mr.
President, pleasure.
Señora.
Well, it's 11:00 a.
m.
and we have put away a drug lord and a corrupt foreign minister.
That's efficiency.
You should take the rest of the day off, Russell.
Maybe catch a yoga class.
That's the funniest thing you've ever said to me.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Please, stay a minute, Bess.
I, uh I know when I get up a head of steam about something, it can be tough to get me off it.
Well, I mean, it turns out our goals weren't mutually exclusive.
They weren't.
And I'm proud of the work we did today.
But somehow it all feels small.
It's just there are so many people in this country who are addicted and desperate.
No matter what we do, thousands of them are gonna die before the opioid crisis gets better.
I've spent I can't tell you how many nights, wide awake thinking, I'm going to get a call from the Secret Service.
They're gonna be in some town I've never heard of.
And they're going to tell me my son is dead.
Conrad, I'm so sorry.
But Harrison is, he's in rehab.
He's getting help.
But that demon will always be inside him.
It can get him anytime.
And that scares me more than anything.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) Late again? Is this gonna be your thing? - Uh, maybe.
- Mmm.
So what happened to all those mysterious reasons that we couldn't see each other? Uh, they're still there.
So what made you change your mind? (WHISPERS): I stopped thinking about it.
You? No, I kept waking up from nightmares about Russia infiltrating the top levels of our government.
- Mm.
- More coffee? Sure.
I'm already on my second pot.
So have you found any reason not to suspect the Gang of Eight? Besides the fact that they're the most powerful members of Congress and it would be treason for any one of them to share our secrets with Russia? Nah.
I've had my team working on it all night, too.
Eggs? No.
I'm feeling carby.
You'll want rock-solid proof before you take it up the chain.
Yeah, I was thinking that I would brief the committee on a fake op in Afghanistan.
See if there was any Taliban response.
A drip test.
- Right, drip test.
- (PHONE CHIRPS, VIBRATES) I like it.
But I don't like this.
"White House.
Now.
" Fresh nightmares.
RUSSELL: CDC just finished tabulating overdose deaths from last year.
How bad? Record-breaking.
Well, I'm sorry to hear that, but shouldn't you have called in a different cabinet member? The president already had the secretary of Health and Human Services in the Oval this morning.
- Russell? - (SIGHS) Harrison's back in rehab.
Oh, no.
Ah, he's okay.
Checked himself in last week before he spiraled.
Even managed to keep it out of the news, but when Conrad saw the CDC report it became a busy morning.
Do you know what he wants from me? Revenge.
Good morning, Mr.
President.
Do you know how many American servicemen died in Vietnam, Bess? Uh, 58,000 58,220.
In a war that lasted more than ten years.
Do you know how many Americans died of drug overdoses last year? - Well - 64,000.
Mostly from opioids.
It's the worst public health crisis in a century.
And it's happening on my watch.
So I'm going to do something about it.
Sergio Macias.
You familiar? He's head of the Puebla Cartel in Southern Mexico.
He's in prison in Jalisco, but he's running things from his cell.
That's why I want him extradited to the U.
S.
and put into supermax.
I'm not sure that's the right play, sir.
Why the hell not? More than 90% of our heroin comes from Mexico, and most of that from Macias.
We extradite him, it'll cripple his empire.
ELIZABETH: And some new drug lord takes his place.
If you want to focus on Mexico, we should focus on government corruption.
So you are content to let Macias keep killing Americans? State's been holding talks with Mexico about new anti-corruption measures, but it's delicate.
If we push them to give up Macias, they won't want to cut any other deals.
Fighting corruption is a noble goal, but I want Macias out of the equation.
Opioid deaths are a systemic problem, a tragic one.
So it's understandable to want to find We've known each other a long time, Bess.
You can talk to me straight.
Russell told me about Harrison, and I am, I'm so sorry for what you and Lydia are going through.
I'm worried that maybe it's clouding your judgment.
DALTON: Well, I understand your concern, but this isn't just about my son.
I meet with families who've lost loved ones to drugs almost every week.
I can't keep giving them platitudes.
I want decisive action today.
Are we clear? Yes, Mr.
President.
- Morning.
- Good morning, ma'am.
Uh, your call with the Mexican secretary of foreign affairs - is in five minutes.
- Thanks.
Are you okay? (LAUGHING): Yes.
Why? Well, your blazer is unbuttoned.
Oh, God.
I'm so sorry.
- No, that's not what I - It's, uh mean.
It's, um, I'm just all (SIGHS) My parents are flying into D.
C.
tomorrow.
- Oh! Oh.
Yeah.
- Yeah.
That's always a little challenging.
- Yeah.
Look, I-I love them - I mean, I'm sure.
More than anyone in the world.
It's just oh, sometimes they make me so mad I want to rip the skin off my own face.
Does that make sense? Yeah, I try not to think about what my kids - think of me sometimes.
- Well, I doubt that you question their career and relationship choices at every turn, - so I'm sure you're fine.
- How can they question your career choice? Well You are literally helping save the world.
My parents are private sector people.
They To their mind, leaving finance to go work for the government was like blasting a fire hose full of money off a cliff into the abyss.
Well, if they saw what you did, they'd be bragging to all your friends, - Well, I - all their friends.
- Yeah.
- Oh, come on.
You know what, bring 'em in.
What? Oh, no.
Thank you.
- That's very kind of you.
I - Yeah.
No.
We have been in this relationship for years.
It's time I met your parents, Blake.
You are aware that Macias is in prison in Jalisco, Madam Secretary? Of course you are.
You just don't trust our justice system.
Secretary Gomez, I assure you this request is solely about the U.
S.
justice system.
Macias is wanted in seven states.
He has indictments from nine federal courts.
He is also a Mexican citizen, convicted by the Mexican judiciary.
But why should you respect our sovereignty? We have great respect for Mexico.
In fact, I can guarantee we will honor your laws and Macias won't face the death penalty.
That is a start.
But to even consider this deal, President Zaragoza wants new trade provisions.
Lift the restrictions on cybersecurity software.
Well, the Pentagon doesn't give cyberweapons to any foreign country.
I'm not talking about your military.
Private companies.
You have many burdensome regulations around cyber trade with Mexico.
Well, for good reason.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep cyberweapons away from bad actors? That is a rather galling lack of faith for a close ally.
It is a well-documented fact that American guns have made their way to cartel hands.
And a gun is a lot easier to keep safe than a string of code.
Once again, you know what is best for Mexico.
Can you just knock that off? I assure you that I am negotiating - in good faith.
- But we have nothing to negotiate.
President Dalton wants Macias.
Cyber is a priority for President Zaragoza.
You need to make it work.
Or no deal.
And tell your anti-corruption unit to stand down.
My government is no longer in the mood to be educated by your bureaucrats.
Sec retary.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) (PHONE CHIMES) Great news, ma'am.
Uh, it's more like insanely amazing news.
Go ahead.
Kat found some ironclad security guarantees for - our cyberweaponry.
- Cyberweaponry.
President Zaragoza will sign the extradition agreement within the hour.
Apologies.
I promise this is enthusiasm, not impertinence.
- Understood.
- That is great.
And insanely amazing.
Ma'am, Miguel Briseño from the Washington Chronicle is here - for your interview.
- Mexican bureau chief? I'll be there in a second.
Details.
- It was all Ms.
Sandoval.
- Oh.
Well, let's hear it.
No, I just, uh, asked INR to find the American cybersecurity firm that Mexico wants to contract, Kizlet Programming, and then I made a super solid deal with their CEO, Kenny Fisk.
He guaranteed that any tech Kizlet shares will be completely traceable and can be disabled remotely at a moment's notice.
CYBERCOM signed off in, like, five seconds.
It was barely even a thing.
Usually, those private sector guys, they hate working - with the government.
- Tell me about it.
So I Facebooked Fisk.
Found he's deep into Neal Stephenson.
That doesn't ring a bell.
Yeah.
No.
Sci-Fi author.
He wrote Cryptonomicon.
- No.
- Anathem? - Mm.
- Um, Seveneves.
Wow.
Still no bells? Okay.
Now I know your Christmas gift.
Anyway, Fisk and I were way in the weeds about the reconstructed society aboard the Cloud Ark in Seveneves.
So, now he's pretty much my little nerd buddy.
(CHUCKLES) It's all about relationships, right? Good job, Kat.
Thank you, ma'am.
ELIZABETH: I actually have some breaking news for you.
Hmm.
President Zaragoza is moments away from signing an extradition agreement.
Sergio Macias is coming to the United States.
Did Mexico demand any concessions? Yes, of course.
We've agreed to relax some of our trade provisions around cybersecurity software.
Defensive software or cyberweaponry? I'm not really prepared to comment about that yet Are you concerned that if Mexico obtains American cyberweapons, they might fall into the hands of bad actors? No, we have faith in the Mexican government.
Really? You've had guarantees before, and yet American guns have still got into the hands of cartel members.
Other than trade provisions, does the U.
S.
have any solutions to fight the cartels? I mean, after all, it is government corruption that allows them to thrive.
We've been advising President Zaragoza to pursue anti-corruption measures.
And, off the record (BEEPS) You're not wrong.
Excuse me? We're never gonna beat the cartels as long as Mexican government officials stay on their payroll.
What more can the U.
S.
do? Mexico is our neighbor and one of our most reliable allies and trade partners.
We can't just force them into rooting out corruption.
It's like having a best friend who won't stop robbing banks.
We are doing everything we can, but thankfully, there are tough reporters like you who are holding the Mexican government accountable.
Because ultimately, I think it just might be the Fourth Estate that brings about change.
(CHUCKLES) (LAUGHS) (HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING) (AUTOMATIC GUNFIRE) (CHUCKLES) (LAUGHS) The extradition was rushed.
DALTON: All due respect, President Zaragoza, but I don't see how more time would have stopped a helicopter loaded with RPGs.
Well, then perhaps it never should have happened.
21 Federales were killed in the attack.
I am sorry.
Their loss is a tragedy.
I pledge our full support in bringing Macias to justice.
We're already coordinating with your DEA in Mexico City.
I have instructed them to provide whatever resources you need for the search, but our cyberweapons deal is suspended until the extradition is back on track.
The cartels undermine our relationship, Conrad.
In many ways.
I regret that.
So do I.
But I'll feel a lot better when Macias is back in prison.
We will keep you apprised.
Thank you, Mario.
(SIGHS) That was awkward.
DYLAN: After a deep investigative dive into each member of the Gang of Eight, we have three winners for most Russia connections: Senate Majority Leader Beau Carpenter, Representative Drew Emerick, Senator Carlos Morejon.
An all-star list of D.
C.
powerhouses.
Nothing illegal vis-Ã -vis Russia, but connected enough that it could point to something more.
Our plan is to send a classified brief to each congressman saying high-level intelligence agents are meeting in Afghanistan day after tomorrow, 4:00 Afghan time.
We give each congressman a different location for the meeting.
So for Emerick it's in Kunar Province.
Morejon Parwan.
Carpenter Nimruz.
We'll fly surveillance drones over each location.
- If we see a Taliban presence - We'll have our Judas Iscariot.
Let's go ahead, see what we get.
What gorgeous walnut paneling.
Imagine it with something brighter.
That'd just open it right up.
Oh, so, does State have anything to do with catching this cartel guy, Macias? I can't answer any classified questions, Dad.
- Ah.
- That's a yes.
- (LAUGHS) - Okay, - here's a D.
C.
insider question for you.
- Mm-hmm? What do you think of Shaw? Is that an up-and-coming neighborhood? Oh, it's arrived.
The streets are lined with gastropubs.
Ah.
We're thinking of, uh, buying a condo - as an investment.
- What? The real estate market here is very spicy.
Oh.
Uh, well, yeah.
I mean, Shaw's fantastic.
It's This is my desk, by the way.
Mom.
- Oh.
- Um, yeah, Shaw's really pretty, um, it's close to the metro, it's Yeah, it's great.
Well, how would you like to live there? (CHUCKLES) Why, I'd love to, but Are you buying me a condo? Like a PlayStation for my birthday? Oh, we're buying it anyway.
- Yeah, don't touch.
- Now, if you want to contribute, you can just give us what you pay in rent now.
Yeah, the open house is tomorrow.
Okay, this is feeling like charity.
Well, you're the one who said your apartment was a "postage stamp.
" Y-Yeah, but it's my postage stamp.
- And I pay fair-market value for it.
- We just thought you would like a thousand-square-foot - Two-bedroom.
- two-bedroom with a walk-in closet.
- Yeah.
- Hardwood floors.
(MOUTHING) When's the open house? ELIZABETH: Well, there's no mistaking it you must be Fred and Edie Moran.
- Yes? - Mom, Dad, this is, um, Elizabeth Secretary McCord.
- So nice to meet you.
Elizabeth - Madam Secre something.
Secretary McCord.
We've heard so many wonderful things about you.
Oh.
Well, thank you.
I've Oh.
Kat? Kat Sandoval, my new policy advisor.
- And Matt Mahoney, my speechwriter.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- My parents.
- Oh.
Hello.
- Hi, Blake's mom.
I'm amazed at how large this place is.
How many employees? I think 30,000.
Well, Kat just joined us, so 30,001.
Ah.
That's a lot of pension and health plans.
No wonder you can't pay much up front.
Dad.
What? What? Sh-She's aware.
Oh, well, it's a living wage.
But you're absolutely right it doesn't nearly match the value of our employees.
Yup.
I mean, uh uh, yeah, it's a shame.
- But it's a good stepping-stone, right? - Yeah, stepping-stone.
All right, let's go let's go, uh, this way.
- This way - You know, I just wanted to say that Blake is one of the most capable people I've ever worked with.
The sky is the limit for a guy like him.
So in-in D.
C.
terms, that's low six figures? All right, nice to meet you.
Here we go.
Going this way.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) - That's Jay.
My parents.
- Hi.
Great to meet you.
- Sorry, I have to - Yep.
There's something you need to see.
What's going on? Two-thirds of our continent is looking for this guy, and he gives an interview to an American newspaper.
Well, I don't think too many cautious types end up becoming drug lords.
(CHUCKLES) (SIGHS): Hell of a scoop.
Briseño's more impressive than I thought.
KAT: Um, this interview isn't even all of it he wrote this long exposé on corruption in the drug war.
He names Mexican politicians on the take, U.
S.
border agents who look the other way.
He even lays out how Macias gets American guns.
Macias can't be too happy about that.
(SCOFFS): Yeah.
Yeah, Macias and his ilk are only happy when inflicting pain and suffering.
They kill and rape without compunction, they wreak generations of trauma wherever they gain influence.
And if I told you of the grotesque crimes that the cartel's committed in the idyllic little Oaxacan town where my father grew up, we would all be lying on the floor, huddled in the fetal position, weeping like frightened toddlers.
Buy me a drink, and I'll tell you how I really feel.
Ma'am.
The president wants to see you.
(LAUGHING) How many more times can Sergio Macias stick his thumb in my eye? The Justice Department will get into it with this reporter, shake something loose.
I wouldn't count on him giving up his sources.
Well, maybe a contempt citation will make him rethink - his principles.
- It won't.
I've met him.
Then we fight him in court.
He can't invoke reporter's privilege if it's a criminal case.
And by the time we get a ruling, it'll be too late.
Let me talk to him.
- I think I can get him to cooperate.
- And why is that? We bonded.
MIGUEL: Look, I couldn't tell you where he was hiding if I wanted to.
They blindfolded me and put headphones over my ears.
Well, you could give me the device you recorded him on.
It is not my job to make things easier for powerful people.
That's true.
But your principles won't save you when you're arrested for contempt of court.
AG could have you on an FBI plane back to Washington tonight.
No, I-I I need more time before that happens.
More time to do what? (QUIETLY): I can't say.
But it's the kind of reporting that could really change things.
You're living dangerously.
- Excuse me? - (LAUGHS) Leaving a girl alone at a bar like this? I've already turned down two drinks and a weekend in Atlantic City.
(BOTH LAUGH) Well, sorry, I-I got hung up at work, and then the metro was slow, and Never mind that.
You look beautiful.
Uh, what are you drinking, and how do you like Atlantic City? (LAUGHS) Nice recovery.
A-plus.
So, uh, what was what was happening at the war college? Did my did my dad keep you after class, or? No, just stuff.
Oh.
Well, stuff.
Wow.
(CHUCKLES) Sounds important.
Is everything okay? This is-is probably a bad idea.
I was gonna tell you that up front, but then you were you are funny and beautiful.
Are you worried about this because you work with my dad? Yes.
Okay, look Um, here.
Both my parents work for the government, so if I avoided everyone that they work with, (LAUGHS): I would have to leave town to date, and just, you know, live life in general.
If you're really worried, I know how to do this.
Date? Sneak.
(CHUCKLES): I mean, at least until we figure out what this is gonna be.
And what do you want this to be? Fun? (CHUCKLES) I just got my heart broken, so I'm not really up for anything that involves family, negotiations or long discussions about validation - and personal space.
- (BOTH LAUGH) So, you know, if you want to keep it casual and secret, I'm your girl, Alexander.
Unless you're married or something.
No.
Not No.
- Not married.
- (LAUGHING): Okay, good.
Feel like we should probably know things like that about each other.
Okay, well, ask me anything.
I'm an open book.
Hmm, okay.
Where are you from, originally? Baltimore.
That was a joke.
(BOTH LAUGH) Oh.
Okay.
You got me.
Do you want a drink? Oh, no, I-I don't.
Uh, just club soda.
A Russian who doesn't drink? Yeah.
That's, uh, that's why they kicked me out.
- Really? - (LAUGHS) (LAUGHING): No! Damn it.
MARC: So you said "I need more time," and she just said "Okay"? Well, first, she warned me again that I might get grabbed by the FBI.
(LAUGHING): That's nice of her.
Our budget for bail money is pretty strained.
(LAUGHS) Yeah, well, I don't think the FBI would let me bail out.
All right, pedal to the metal, and, uh, whatever resources you need.
(SIGHS) Thanks, Marc.
Good night.
(MUFFLED SCREAMING) - (DMITRI LAUGHS) - STEVIE: That's, I mean, I guess.
- But I don't know.
- DMITRI: No.
Okay.
Breakfast cereal, disgusting.
Sweetened iced tea, disgusting.
- STEVIE: That's fair, that's fair.
- In fact, everything you call tea here, - disgusting.
- Mm.
But the worst, the worst: peanut butter.
(LAUGHING): Peanut butter? - (IMITATES BELCHING) - You don't like peanut butter? That's like the best American idea since, um - jazz.
- (LAUGHS) I but, probably before jazz.
- That's, that's w - You get the idea.
No, that's weird.
Why would you spread peanuts on bread? It's delicious.
(CHUCKLES) I mean, I don't know what else to say.
(LAUGHS) Aw I should probably go home.
But, um You know, maybe next time, you can ask me out.
What do you think? What? Are you serious? We just had one of the all-time greatest first dates.
Didn't we? We did.
My dad is not gonna fire you for going out with me.
- It's more complicated than that.
- He's a very rational person.
All I can say is that it's been a wonderful night, and I wish It's not that complicated.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY) Okay.
(CHUCKLES) MARC: Miguel was always the first one in the newsroom and the last one out.
On a few occasions, I found him asleep on his desk in the middle of a story.
He was a rare breed, uh, old-school, relentless and unwaveringly principled.
The world is a poorer place without Miguel Briseño.
MARC: I've lost count how many reporters were killed in Mexico this year.
Eleven? Fourteen.
(SIGHS) They guarantee you freedom of the press.
If you kill a reporter for doing his job There hasn't been a single prosecution, not one.
Miguel is an American citizen.
We're not gonna let his killers go free.
But I need your help to catch them.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY) You still want his notes? Anything you're willing to give.
I keep thinking, even now, Miguel wouldn't have helped you.
Even to solve his own murder, he would've stuck to his guns and told you no.
But I am not that principled.
BROKER: And this is the second bedroom.
Kind of perfect to start a family.
That's a little cart before the horse.
You'll find someone.
Blake is bisexual, so, twice the playing field.
Oh, my God.
So, is this a load-bearing wall? I'll check.
Oh, imagine what you could do in that kitchen.
I'm sure, but, guys, don't you think this is a little much? - Ah.
- It's a modest two-bedroom apartment for a young professional.
- I knew this was gonna happen.
- What? Well, you've been an assistant for too long.
It got up in your head.
You don't think you're worthy of bigger things.
(LAUGHING): What is so shameful about wanting to live within my means? Well, I'm not just talking about an apartment.
You used to want to do things and change things.
You know, some would view the morning that I spent preparing a binder on global water shortages so we don't have a catastrophe in sub-Saharan Africa as doing more to help the world than balancing a spreadsheet for some mutual fund.
No one is doubting the work you're doing.
We just want you to reach for more for yourself.
I've been talking to my friend Tim Williams.
Oh, Tim His cousin runs a political consulting firm, and they think a guy with your experience would be a great asset for them.
Dad, there is nothing, nothing more insufferable than spending all day with some overpaid policy bro.
You would be doing the same work you're doing now, with a chance to advance, to move up in the world.
We're just asking you to consider it.
That's all we're asking.
Oh.
(LAUGHING) (LAUGHING): I I get it.
You're buying me an apartment so you can leverage me into doing what you want.
- Leverage? No one is leveraging you.
- No, we just want Guys.
Come on, guys.
No, come on.
Come on.
- Please.
- I am happy.
Can't you see that I'm happy? I have a I have a great life.
I have a great job.
I have a small studio apartment that gets way too hot in the summer, but We think that you should - Probably want - I know what you think.
I know what you think, and I respect it.
I'm sorry you don't respect me.
- No, that's Look - Blake, that's ridiculous.
How could you even? But good luck with the investment, all right? (SCOFFS) I love you.
I'll call you later.
(SIGHS) - Good news, ma'am.
- No, not good.
Ridiculously amazing.
Go ahead.
Miguel's Briseño's notes are a treasure trove.
You figured out where Macias is? Oh, no, not at all.
That would've been amazing, too.
However, when Briseño told you that his next story could change things big understatement.
Huge, actually.
He learned that-that Macias has a friend high up in the Mexican government.
Like nosebleed high up.
We're figuring deputy level in the judiciary, something like that.
Which would explain why Macias is always one step ahead - of the Federales.
- Exactly.
Now, we don't have a name yet, but we do have an alias.
- El A guila.
- The Eagle.
KAT: Pretty good, right? As in "sees everything"? Anyway, Briseño thought that he was only days from tracking down this guy's actual identity.
So you think we can finish the job? JAY: Yes, ma'am.
Miguel discovered the names of some offshore dummy corporations that launder El A guila's money.
We have an army of INR agents, accountants basically the whole department sorting out ownership as we speak.
Once we trace the money to a name, El A guila will be el atrapado.
Encarcelado.
- All right.
- (PHONE CHIMES) And DEA just located Macias.
You are aware this is a remote intelligence office, and a U.
S.
Senator can't just barge in here.
I don't need you scolding me, Professor.
I came here in an unmarked car with no security.
Why? My staff heard about these shady characters posing as reporters, asking my PAC donors how they make their money.
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Oh, of course not.
Why would you admit to doing oppo research on me to help your wife's career? Well, that's a hell of an accusation.
I don't hear you denying.
Of secret things, I am silence.
You always quote the Bible when you're backed - into a corner? - That's the Bhagavad Gita, actually.
Go with smug.
Fine.
I cannot discuss classified matters outside proper channels.
That's not smug.
That's the law.
It's also the law that the CIA is barred from spying on American citizens.
I'm getting the attorney general into this.
So, we heard all of that.
Are we blown? Is there something you need to tell me? Not a chance.
We only used real freelance reporters who have no idea who they've been working for.
It's a total firewall.
So you're telling me the senator just made a really good guess? Or this is one of many stops on a guilty conscience tour.
Except he's right.
Well, the drones go online tomorrow.
Then we'll know for sure.
Macias's hideout is in rural Veracruz.
It's a remote home, but sources say there's a large bunker underneath the residence.
Cameras are at the entrance, at least 20 guards in rotation.
If we raid the compound, you think we can pull him out alive, Admiral? Yes, I believe we can.
Good.
Organize a raid immediately.
ELIZABETH: President Zaragoza will want a Mexican Marine presence, as well.
I'm sure he would, but we are not telling President Zaragoza about this.
Violating their sovereignty.
DALTON: It's a surgical strike.
We got bin Laden without Pakistan.
Mexico isn't Pakistan, sir.
We're all concerned about cartel moles inside Zaragoza's administration.
My team at State is working at uncovering one as we speak.
But are we really willing to risk our relationship with one of our strongest allies over a cartel leader? I want Macias in supermax as much as you do, sir, but we don't know how Mexico's gonna react to this.
Mexico wants Macias locked up, too.
If their feathers do get ruffled, they'll come around.
We're talking about a lot more than ruffled feathers.
What if they were to pull out of our trade agreements? It could send our economy into a death spiral.
Do you really think that they would commit economic suicide? This whole affair has proven one thing to me: we can't trust Mexico when it comes to Macias.
And I refuse to let that monster get away while he destroys American lives.
Something needs to be done.
We're raiding his compound.
We're doing it alone.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) Got something you need to talk about? Why do you ask? Well, there's no milk in that coffee.
(CHUCKLES) (ELIZABETH SIGHS) Special Forces are moving into Mexico later today.
Covertly.
Conrad has this hawkish streak.
I mean, I get it.
The man was a Marine, head of the CIA.
But you can usually count on him to put his guns down and talk when the time is right.
You still think this is about Harrison? I do.
Well, I can see where he's coming from.
I mean, look at Dmitri.
He was this ramrod straight military kid.
He comes to the U.
S.
and within a matter of months, he's addicted to oxycodone.
Something needs to be done.
That's exactly what Conrad said when he ordered the raid.
There isn't a phrase that scares me more than "something needs to be done.
" Why? It means no one really knows - what to do.
- (PHONE RINGS) (KISSES) Love you.
Hello.
Hey, we have eyes on all three targets.
Uh, we should have results in a few hours.
HENRY: Good.
Be sure to report any suspicious movement.
Okay, I'll keep an eye out.
Should I cancel your roundtable in Palo Alto? Yeah, probably.
If we do this raid in Mexico, I'm gonna need a solid week to deal with the fallout.
Meetings with Gomez, Zaragoza.
You know what? Can we take five? I've never had to actually plan for a diplomatic crisis.
And it is giving me a massive headache.
- Of course.
- (ELIZABETH SIGHS) Oh, hey.
How did the, uh, the open house go? I decided the place wasn't for me.
Really? Why not? Turns out it was part of a larger plan to turn me into a sleazy political consultant.
They want you to quit State? It's a much larger conversation, but, essentially, they want me to be more than an assistant.
Well, I can understand that.
Blake, you are way too smart to remain at this level.
Come on, I always imagined you had a larger goal, right? (CHUCKLES) Uh, well, I mean, in-in my first year here, I kind of wanted to be a policy guy like Jay or Jay-adjacent.
And now? I would like to try something in planning, more the organizing I don't know.
- I don't know.
I feel like - Blake, I'm gonna do you a favor.
In one year I'm gonna fire you.
(LAUGHS) No, I'm serious.
And you can use that time to consider what you want to do next.
If it's at State, I'll do everything I can to get you that job.
But if it's not at State, I will write you the most glowing recommendation in human history.
Wow.
That's very sweet of you, ma'am.
And as momentarily terrifying as that was, uh, I-I really appreciate that.
Good.
Do I put you firing me into your calendar? Yeah, please do.
- Okay.
- Sorry to barge in again, ma'am.
But we just identified El Aguila.
And? Goes even higher than the nosebleeds.
It's the secretary of foreign affairs, Pedro Gomez.
What? JAY: Macias was right.
He really does run Mexico.
(SIGHS) Special Forces have been deployed? They're in the air, ma'am, ten minutes from Mexican airspace.
Good.
Sir, you need to cancel this raid.
We've been over this, Bess.
I can't trust Mexico to arrest Macias.
I completely agree, you can't.
This is definitive proof that the Mexican foreign secretary, Pedro Gomez, - is a paid lackey of Sergio Macias.
- What? RUSSELL: Where'd you find all this? Miguel Briseño's editor gave me his notes after he was murdered, and I would bet everything I own that Gomez ordered that hit.
Then why stop the raid? Because we have a real opportunity here, sir.
If we get Gomez out of power, and we use our Intel on Macias as leverage, we can get an anti-corruption measure and Macias, with Mexico's help.
Do you know who Briseño's sources were? Diplomats.
High-level government officials who were outraged by Gomez and fighting for a just government.
And with Gomez out of the picture, they'll have their chance.
If we don't raid now, Macias could leave the country.
We both know Macias isn't the real problem.
Admiral Parker, abort the raid.
Omega Team, abort.
Immediate abort.
Return to base.
Nicely done.
(EXHALES) What do you want, McCord? Beau Carpenter's leaking secrets to the Russian government.
- What? - My team has uncovered an intelligence leak implicating the Gang of Eight.
Obviously, I couldn't read you in until we knew who was guilty, but now we're confident it's the majority leader.
Beau and Russia, why? I have no idea, but it doesn't really matter why.
Once POTUS gives the order, he'll be under investigation by a lot of assiduous people.
In the meantime, I need your help.
With what? (CHUCKLES) Look, we haven't exactly made it a secret that we don't like each other, but I also know that you love this country and you would do anything in your power to keep our secrets.
As chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, you can block information from reaching Carpenter's desk.
My team is standing by to brief you.
How about it, Senator? (MEN SHOUTING IN SPANISH) (SHOUTING IN SPANISH) (HELICOPTER BLADES WHIRRING) (GRUNTS) (SPEAKING IN SPANISH) We appreciate you sharing your intelligence with us.
DALTON: Frankly, Mr.
President, well, after you agreed to arrest Gomez, we were happy to.
This is the first significant step toward eliminating corruption, yes, but I fear there will be many more painful steps before we achieve all our goals.
I think your government anti-corruption bill will also have a big impact.
God willing.
And now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to Mexico City.
- Buenosuerte, Mario.
- Presidente, gracias.
Thank you so much.
Mr.
President, pleasure.
Señora.
Well, it's 11:00 a.
m.
and we have put away a drug lord and a corrupt foreign minister.
That's efficiency.
You should take the rest of the day off, Russell.
Maybe catch a yoga class.
That's the funniest thing you've ever said to me.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Please, stay a minute, Bess.
I, uh I know when I get up a head of steam about something, it can be tough to get me off it.
Well, I mean, it turns out our goals weren't mutually exclusive.
They weren't.
And I'm proud of the work we did today.
But somehow it all feels small.
It's just there are so many people in this country who are addicted and desperate.
No matter what we do, thousands of them are gonna die before the opioid crisis gets better.
I've spent I can't tell you how many nights, wide awake thinking, I'm going to get a call from the Secret Service.
They're gonna be in some town I've never heard of.
And they're going to tell me my son is dead.
Conrad, I'm so sorry.
But Harrison is, he's in rehab.
He's getting help.
But that demon will always be inside him.
It can get him anytime.
And that scares me more than anything.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) Late again? Is this gonna be your thing? - Uh, maybe.
- Mmm.
So what happened to all those mysterious reasons that we couldn't see each other? Uh, they're still there.
So what made you change your mind? (WHISPERS): I stopped thinking about it.