Madam Secretary (2014) s04e09 Episode Script
Minefield
1 Julie, honey, don't move.
- Okay? Just - Just stay.
- Just don't move.
- Stay, just-just stay right where you are.
- Stay very still, sweetheart.
You're okay.
- Everything's fine.
- Everything's fine.
- No, stay - Will somebody please call for help? - Mom? MAN: Everything's fine.
We need help over here! You're okay, baby.
You're gonna be fine.
- You're all right.
- Mom? JAY: Can you imagine? BLAKE: Why is the chopper up so high? So its downdraft doesn't set the mines off.
- MAN (ON VIDEO): Yeah.
- WOMAN: All right, Julie.
MATT: Would not have thought of that.
(CHEERING) ELIZABETH: Oh, good, you guys are watching the video? - Yes.
- Yes, ma'am.
What do you see? Uh, a heroic rescue of a child? - Some really stupid parents.
- Yeah.
Well, I see an opportunity.
BLAKE: Whoa.
- Holy - This is an antipersonnel land mine.
Don't worry, it's deactivated.
But if it weren't, it would just take a few pounds of pressure say, the weight of a young girl's foot to detonate it.
But, interestingly, these aren't designed to kill.
The idea is to burden the enemy with logistical difficulties like evacuation and field surgery by blowing off the leg of the soldier who steps on it.
Of course, very often, the victims aren't soldiers at all.
They're civilians.
Children.
Thank you.
Good morning to you, too, ma'am.
Where'd you get that thing anyway? ELIZABETH: Friend of mine at DOD.
Wasn't easy, which is weird, because there are 100 million of them buried around the world, and another 110 million stockpiled.
I'm sorry for the dramatics.
I just want us all to be real focused on the opportunity - at hand here.
- Which is what, ma'am? The Calgary Treaty on Land Mines.
Called for the worldwide ban on the production, stockpiling, use and transfer of antipersonnel land mines.
It was ratified in the late '90s, I believe? - Yup.
- And was signed by at least 100 countries, of which the U.
S.
was not one, but we are broadly compliant.
Okay, but why haven't we signed it? JAY: Ratification would take a two-thirds vote in the Senate, which no previous administration has been able to secure.
Because the Pentagon has issues.
We don't use land mines, except on the Korean Peninsula.
But DOD doesn't want to create a legal slippery slope for other effective but controversial weapons systems, like cluster bombs, and white phosphorus munitions, or, I don't know, exploding puppies.
JAY: Plus, Russia and China are big producers, too, but also - won't sign.
- ELIZABETH: Right.
I mean, correct answers.
Check pluses all around.
But why else haven't we signed this treaty? This is the scariest pop quiz ever.
What aren't the thousands of innocent civilians who are maimed or killed by land mines every year? Americans.
- Exactly.
- But that video's gotten - five million views already.
- So, for this brief moment in time, Americans are actually thinking about land mines.
Imagine how many thousands of lives we could save - if the U.
S.
would finally - (PHONE RINGS) provide real moral leadership - and ratify Calgary.
- BLAKE: Secretary's office.
- But we got to act fast.
Right? - Yes, I'll let her know.
Ma'am, Russell Jackson just asked to see you as soon as possible.
He asked? He even used the word "please.
" Oh, I don't like the sound of that.
NOLAN: Recent leaks to the Russians could be traced back to Senate Majority Leader Beau Carpenter.
Now, the evidence was gathered by CIA's Special Activities Division, but it won't be admissible in court.
That is the purpose of this inter-agency task force: to build a case against Carpenter that sticks.
RUSSELL: Here's what's bumping me: Carpenter's one of the most powerful men in the country.
He's plenty rich.
He's not an ideologue.
Do we really think he could've been coerced by the Russians? HENRY: Well, that's the question.
What leverage do they have on him? Anthony Colvert from the FBI will lead the investigation.
Thank you, Mr.
Attorney General.
It's true, Leader Carpenter doesn't have many obvious pressure points.
His wife of 40 years, Helen, passed away five years ago.
His son Richard is in business and seems to be reasonably successful.
The most compelling answer to Dr.
McCord's question is Carpenter's housekeeper: Magda Nagy.
She grew up under communist rule in Budapest, presumably speaks some Russian.
Became an American citizen 15 years ago.
Started working as Carpenter's housekeeper shortly after his wife died.
NOLAN: The leaks we believe Leader Carpenter is responsible for have blown operations and cost lives.
CIA will assist in intelligence gathering but, obviously, FBI runs point on this.
Thanks, everyone.
RUSSELL: If I may.
I've known Beau Carpenter for 25 years.
He's charming as all hell.
He's also crafty and has this town wired.
Don't let him see you coming.
Land mines only cost a few dollars to make, but thousands to clean up.
They render otherwise arable land useless for decades.
Yes, and the U.
S.
contributes far more to de-mining operations than any other country.
Sure, but how can we tell them to stop using and selling mines when they can say to us, "Well, you won't ratify Calgary.
Why should we".
I'm sympathetic.
But we have other legislative priorities to get through Congress before the recess.
Conrad, you've seen, firsthand, the damage they can do.
Yes, I have.
So believe me when I tell you that I understand this issue, Bess.
Well, then you, of all people, can understand the moral imperative to putting an end to their use.
RUSSELL: Mr.
President.
- Elizabeth.
- Hey.
Did you bring a land mine to the office? - I was making a point.
- Yeah.
That's what most people who bring weapons to the workplace say.
She's passionate on the subject, Russell.
Yeah, well, my two cents: sending a treaty to the Senate is just asking them to stick a thumb in your eye.
And why the hell did that family have to go to Cambodia instead of on a Disney cruise, like normal people? (ELIZABETH SIGHS) I know it's risky, but I think right now we have the public's support to get something done here.
A two-thirds majority is a high bar, Bess.
I don't want to squander my capital on a political loser.
I know.
(SIGHS) But I tell you what.
On an issue like this, you have the stature to try and whip the votes yourself.
If you can do that, I'll sign.
(EXHALES) Well, I love a challenge.
- Thank you, sir.
- Just remember what he said about political losers.
You're in a mood.
Ugh.
You got any plans this weekend? Um I don't know, reading, mostly.
Got to hit the grocery store.
You know, probably put on my yoga pants, but not actually go.
- (CHUCKLES) - You? Well, I was supposed to go to Bunny Duncan's big holiday party.
Well, you know, she has one every year.
She passed away last night.
I heard.
Russell, I'm so sorry.
You were friends.
Bunny? God no, I hated her.
Oh.
Everybody loved her parties.
They were just scared of getting left out.
It was like drinking eggnog at Saddam Hussein's palace.
No, no, no, the point is the real estate's free, but not for long.
So if you and Henry want to throw a party of your own, you need to jump now.
Well, it's a good thing - we don't.
- What, uh Maybe I'm not making myself clear.
Fair to say.
POTUS is thinking about his legacy.
When the time comes, - he wants to pass the torch to you, so - Oh, wow.
- If you're gonna run - I'm not.
we need to start making moves now getting the right team together, meeting the right people.
- Throwing the right parties.
- You'll do it, then.
- Thank you.
- Maybe I'm the one not being clear.
I came here to serve the president, not be the president.
Just think about it, please? Good-bye, Russell.
And fast.
All right, so, to ratify Calgary, we need 67 senators.
There are basically three pools of votes.
The yeses, of whom there aren't enough.
But then, there are two kinds of no votes: the defense hawks, who tend to take their cues from the military; and those who will never vote for any treaty because they're afraid of a loss of U.
S.
sovereignty.
AKA the black helicopter crowd.
- Carlos Morejon jumps to mind.
- Fun fact: his wife Vicki did retweet the rescue video.
- His heartlessness completes her.
- Oh.
Long story short, ma'am, getting the votes before the congressional recess - will be a pretty heavy lift.
- Yup.
- Gordon Becker is your answer.
- Okay.
- Mike B, ma'am.
- Yes, with his impeccable timing.
Mike, this is my new policy advisor, Kat Sandoval.
Kat, Mike; Mike, Kat.
Mr.
Barnow, good to meet you.
Your reputation precedes you.
As does yours.
Didn't you go crazy or something? Actually, I just moved to an avocado farm in California.
That sounds like the same thing.
What's this really about? Ah, troubled by a nagging feeling your dog likes me more than you.
I will have you know that Gordon and I are in a really good place right now.
Gordon? (LAUGHS): Wait, Go I'm sorry.
Gordon the dog, as in - Gordon the SecDef? - For the record, he's named after G.
Gordon Liddy, who also had his quirks, but was fanatically loyal.
To an unworthy master.
Makes sense.
Getting back to the Gordon that matters, tell us how SecDef figures into this.
Way to keep us on track.
You're no Nadine, but I appreciate the effort.
Look, even if a senator, in their heart, wants to vote yes, they can't look weak on defense.
So you have to give them some cover.
And getting Becker to come out in favor of ratifying Calgary does just that.
I like it.
Blake, get me a meeting with SecDef, will you? So, I hear you're throwing a party this weekend.
And Bunny Duncan's not even in the ground yet.
I love it.
Sounds like the White House is having you lay the groundwork for a run.
Oh, she didn't tell you? Oops.
Because it's not happening.
JAY: What, you just turned POTUS down? Well, Russell.
Look, I'm not into all that backslapping, join-the-club malarkey.
Oh, and I don't want to be president.
Although if you did throw the party, you could use the informal setting not to mention official Washington's curiosity with The Glamorous McCords as a lure to trawl - for more treaty votes.
- So not glamorous, just But nevertheless, I like it.
- Right? - That's a good idea.
No.
No, it's not a good idea.
It's a terrible idea.
These parties are non-partisan; therefore, they're actually fun.
I mean, sure, tell everyone you want to run for president, but don't don't dance on poor Bunny's grave talking politics.
Blake, call the White House.
Tell Russell Jackson I'll throw the stupid party.
Don't say "stupid".
Madam Secretary? I'm Meghan Pearl.
Russell Jackson suggested I ride over to the Pentagon with you.
Oh.
Yes, the-the party planner.
Uh, event coordinator.
Oh.
Apologies.
This is Blake, my assistant.
Oh.
Great.
You'll probably want to take notes.
We are going to cover a lot of ground.
Shall we? After you.
Thank you.
ELIZABETH: Meghan, thank you for coming on such short notice.
Well, normally, I don't do events this small, and, honestly, I was this close to doing Bunny Duncan's memorial.
- "Oh.
- But Russell Jackson swore up and down that you would be worth it.
Well, let's hope I don't let you down.
- "(CHUCKLES) - Uh, so, Meghan, shall we talk about your vision for the party? Yes.
Nothing too elaborate passed apps; two to three dining stations; three or four full bars; TBD live entertainment; plus, a tasteful DJ; heated tents, front and back; valets; and then, of course, party favors.
So, you know, simple.
Party favors.
Huh.
You know, a small gift for each of your guests.
I know what a party favor is, I Just wondering if they're necessary.
Well, I mean, that's how it's done.
Mm.
But, of course, it's up to you.
Thank you.
So, with the - valets, - Mm-hmm.
the caterer, bars The party favors.
Party favors.
Thank you.
How much is this all gonna cost? Well, typically, I don't discuss that with clients this early in the process.
Oh.
Well, I'll tell you what.
Uh, why don't you write it down for me? Sure.
Again, thanks so much for making time.
Thank you, ma'am.
And let me know about those ice sculptures.
Oh, you bet! - Yeah, she's not gonna work.
- No.
One concern is setting a legal precedent that could be used to ban other weapons in the future.
Well, I understand that, but we banned nerve gas and it's not like our troops are out there with peashooters.
Fair point.
Two other stumbling blocks: the Korean Peninsula and our good friends, - the Russians and the Chinese.
- I agree.
We'd have to find something to carve out for South Korea.
But talk to me about Russia and China.
Well, unlike us, they're actively selling and deploying their APLs.
If our two biggest adversaries won't disarm, why should we? Because we haven't used land mines in combat since the '90s anyway.
And it's doubtful we ever will.
Nevertheless, I say the onus is on Russia and China.
Well, I hear you.
Want to? Why not? I don't know.
Just seems (SIGHS) With everything going on, I do think that Russia's a bridge too far.
But if I could deliver China? (CHUCKLES) Deliver China.
- Just like that? - I mean, I'm not saying it would be easy.
- Yeah.
- Nice.
But if I could, would you come out in support of ratification? Depends exactly what China agrees to.
But yes, I would.
Hmm.
Okay, then.
Nice putting game there, Madam Secretary.
We both know anybody can smack a ball down a fairway.
It's staying calm and executing when the hole is right there, that's the tricky part.
Thank you, Gordon.
You're very welcome, Elizabeth.
Let's kick around this whole Magda theory.
And, please, no a priori arguments or confirmation bias.
Give me the facts.
44 years old.
Divorced.
One daughter, age 12.
Been working for Majority Leader Carpenter for about five years since his wife died.
Works most days, leaves at night.
- And does she? - From what we've been able to glean, no one in town thinks there's anything going on between them.
And with the wife gone, why keep a secret when they don't have to? So the honey trap theory's kind of squishy.
Is there any possibility that she's just his handler for the Russians? ANGELA: FBI's still doing their background check, but, so far, her financials don't really give us much.
No big deposits or purchases in cash.
(GRUNTS) So, in the words of Aristotle, we got jack squat.
But here's something.
Sometimes she posts the route of her runs on social media.
Why do people do that, by the way? I mean Anyway, most mornings, she goes through the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood in Bethesda.
It's something concrete to go on, at least.
I'm gonna get in touch with Colvert.
If Magda takes a run in the morning, we should be ready for her.
ELIZABETH: So, what is in it for China? Why should they sign the treaty? MIKE: Don't look at me.
I'm just here to get out of picking my kid up from hockey.
Truth is, we can't offer much that would mean anything to them.
KAT: Maybe we appeal to their vanity? How so? Well, China's a superpower now.
Do they really need to mine their borders? - Who's going to invade China? - JAY: And land mines are a pretty grubby export when you're making everything else under the sun.
ELIZABETH: Maybe.
Could work.
Look who's here.
Hi, Mom.
Mom's staff.
Hi, honey.
This is a surprise.
Sure is.
Yeah.
Oh, my God.
- He didn't.
- Russell thought that since money seemed to be an issue with Meghan, maybe a volunteer family member - might be more in your price range.
- Ouch.
ELIZABETH: And he thinks just because you're a woman, of course, you'd want to plan a party? I think it's more that you just can't fire me.
Right.
And you're okay with this? Yeah.
Absolutely.
My God, it's like a hostage video.
Um, so I-I have options for caterers, valets, decorations and everything.
I also have a draft of the guest list - that you kind of need to look over.
- Yeah.
Okay, well, we're just sort of busy around here.
So we'll go over it tonight.
- Okay? All right.
- Okay.
Mom, this party is tomorrow.
I know.
Ticktock.
We'll be okay.
Also, I'm a public servant and your dad's a teacher, so whatever you think something should cost, make it half that, okay? I love you.
Bye.
- What? Mom - Bye, honey.
Minister Chen, as you know, APLs stay lethal for decades, killing women and children who are just trying to grow crops or fetch firewood.
Can you honestly tell me that China, with all of its economic and military might, still needs such weapons? There have been some internal discussions about that very topic.
So let's make something happen.
The world's two great powers coming together on this issue holds some appeal.
We might consider it, if - If what? - If you go first.
Well, I told you we can't do that.
So why should we? Good day, Madam Secretary.
Wait, wait, wait.
Are you saying that if we ratify first, you'll follow suit? We would take it as a heartening sign and move to match it.
Well, let me get back to you.
Madam Secretary, a little bird told me you're having a holiday party in place of the late Bunny Duncan.
Now, what are we to make of that? Nothing to make of it, Ming.
Talk soon.
Wow, the world has gotten way too small.
But that was promising.
KAT: So, to sum up, in order to get the White House on board, we have to get the votes in the Senate.
Uh, in order to get those, we have to get the SecDef.
In order to get him, we have to get China.
And in order to get China, we have to get POTUS? - POTUS.
We're back where we started.
- Yeah.
Yes, but we've learned so much.
I'm actually serious.
The White House couldn't have been clearer that they didn't want to expend political capital on this.
And yet, that is exactly what we are going to ask them to do.
Well, that's one way to cool their jets on you running for president.
Two birds, one stone.
Perfect.
First, I want to thank you all for taking the time to meet with me.
- JASON: Oh, God, Stevie's cycling high.
I knew I should've eaten at school.
STEVIE: As you know, it has fallen to me to plan Mom's holiday party at the house.
I'm not gonna lie, it's-it's pretty stressful.
Because here is the point of this meeting Mom is not helping.
ALISON: Let me guess, she resents having the party, so she's doing that thing where she doesn't really engage and kind of makes you feel like a sellout for even being involved? - Exactly.
- HENRY: Wow.
Is that what you guys do all day, sit around and psychoanalyze us? Of course you would think that.
STEVIE: So, I need you to help me help Mom.
Ali, I would like for you to pick out no more than three outfits for her.
And, also, make sure that she gives herself enough time before the party - for hair and makeup.
- I'm on it.
- Great.
- Mwah.
Bye.
Dad, just be your normal, charming self.
Mingle.
Make Mom mingle.
With all the right people.
And who would that be? The potential campaign donors that the White House invited.
Oh, and, Dad, it's kind of tricky, but, um, gonna need you to police your bookshelves for any controversial titles.
Nope! No, no.
Not happening.
The First Amendment still abides in the McCord house.
Mom What can I do to help, Stephanie? (HENRY GROANS) Just don't be a pain in the ass.
Can I invite my beloved Piper? - No.
- Of course.
- Mom.
- Oh, great.
- So, meeting adjourned.
- Okay, I got to get to work.
- Bye, honey.
- Wait, are But you're gonna Bye.
- Bye! - But you're gonna be at the party, right? Wait, wait, wait.
Dad, did you get all of that? Are you good? - (LAUGHS) - Dad? (BIRDS CHIRPING) Suspect moving west.
She's heading your way.
Copy that.
Alexander, hand me that binder, would you? Thanks.
Okay, that guy in the driveway works for the Russian Embassy.
This is the meet.
Be advised, the man at the end of the driveway is a bogie.
Remember, all we need to do is document the meet.
Do not approach or intercept.
Tony, who the hell are those guys? COLVERT: All units, don't follow the bogie.
We're blown.
(SIGHS) What was that? We agreed to coordinate on this, and you spring two extra guys on me? This is an FBI op, and we let you come on board.
Look, the brass wanted extra assets on scene.
We lost the evidence we need - to break this case.
- This wasn't my call.
And now the Russians are onto us.
Carpenter will be onto us, too.
Unless we grab up Magda now, as quietly as possible.
What do you think, Beau? Do we have the votes? It'll be a squeaker, but you'll get your treaty, Mr.
President.
ELIZABETH: Great.
And I hope you'll attend the signing ceremony.
It'll be low-key.
With a vote this close, there's always a chance it won't pass, and I don't want to have a bunch of cameras recording me falling on my face.
- Understood? - RUSSELL: Yes, sir.
I'll set it up.
Beau.
Mr.
President.
Everything, uh, all right there, Senator? Where to start? The cold makes my knees ache.
And now I've got a stack of briefing books to read that are taller than I am.
(LAUGHTER) And, uh, my cleaning woman called in sick this morning.
Very unusual.
Apologies.
At my age, the smallest inconveniences give a person fits.
(LAUGHS) Well, then, I must be mature beyond my years.
(LAUGHTER) I'm looking forward to visiting with you and your husband at your party.
Well, we look forward to seeing you there.
Well, in that case, I'll say good-bye to you both.
Thank you.
Come on.
What's next? You think he knows something's up? Not yet.
Okay.
We had to loop in Carpenter's Capitol Police detail, not to mention that snake Morejon.
OpSec is hanging on by a thread here.
But if by some miracle, we do actually bust him, I remind you, Carpenter is your 67th vote.
If he gets arrested, where'll your treaty be then? Look, Magda, we know you're not telling us the truth.
And you're not getting out of here until you do.
So start talking.
Yes, okay.
I passed messages from the senator to the man that you say is Russian.
Sometimes the other way, too.
But I don't know him.
I don't know what the messages mean.
They're usually just two or three words.
I just pass them along.
Because you're a Russian asset.
You obviously don't know the history of Russia and Hungary.
Then why are you passing classified intelligence to the Russians? He helped my daughter to get into a good school.
He paid me for all the time I took off when my mother got sick.
He's a good man.
NOLAN: What do you think? I believe her.
Me, too.
So now what? Well, we've got enough to charge her, but still not much of a case against Carpenter.
All he'd need to do is deny sending her messages, and then it's his word against hers.
The longer Carpenter doesn't hear from her, the more suspicious he'll be.
And once he gets wind of the investigation and lawyers up, this case gets much harder to prove.
Look, we have enough PC for a warrant, but a high-profile raid on the Senate majority leader's house? You better know what you're gonna find before you go in there.
This is counterintelligence, so we do have some latitude for a secret search.
What we don't have is time.
Wait.
The party.
He's coming to my wife's holiday party tonight.
We can hit the house then.
So, uh, given the time and financial constraints, here's my plan.
First, food.
Uh, my friend Javi owns one of the hottest food trucks in town, so he is going to be doing passed appetizers and three different taco preparations.
Please enjoy.
Ma'am, I got to say, these tacos are legit.
Right? Drinks-wise, we've got a couple wines and beers, champagne and one signature cocktail.
It is a Mexican twist on a traditional holiday punch.
- (MOUTH FULL): Can we try that, too? - I wish.
Entertainment will be provided by the amazing Seventh Floor Singers.
(CLEARS THROAT) And in accordance with federal ethics guidelines, they will be there only as guests, so they can perform as few or as many songs as they like.
More than karaoke, less than a concert.
- Thank God.
- Here is the finalized guest list per The White House and Mike B.
- What? No POTUS and FLOTUS? - They don't want to take up all the oxygen.
Also, notice the names Jacob and Natalie Barker.
Those are the bigwigs I'm supposed to suck up to? Or just feign interest in for 15 minutes.
What about the five senators I'm trying to win over, and and the-the family from the video? Already RSVP'd.
Oh.
Oh, no.
No, no.
Carlos Morejon? MATT: And his wife Vicki, the retweeter.
You do know that we hate each other.
MIKE: Yeah.
It's classic D.
C.
jiu jitsu.
He has to come, you look gracious, he feels awkward, and you win.
Trust me.
It's perfect.
ELIZABETH: Whatever.
We're Are we done? Um, Alison needs at least an hour before to get you dressed and made up.
I think we can get it done in half that.
I am a diplomat, not a debutante.
Thank you.
Thank you, everybody.
Okay, well, that is it.
Thank you so much, everyone.
- (OVERLAPPING CHATTER) - Thank you.
Good job.
Well done, Stevie.
Mom? You are a diva.
Oh, please.
What kind of a diva wants less time in hair and makeup? The kind that is so determined to be all down-to-earth that she actually makes everything way harder.
Fine.
Do I resent that to try to do something good, I have to go through this whole charade and spend a bunch of our hard-earned money to feed rich people? Yeah, kind of.
I know! But it's happening, okay? I have moved heaven and earth to try and make you happy.
Since I clearly can't do that, I just need you to get on board, okay? Aye-aye, Captain.
Great.
I'll see you tonight.
(IN HARMONY): A shining star Upon the highest bough All right, Jay, I think you sound Mom! Are you happy now? You look amazing.
Wait.
Where's Dad? Well, if anybody asks, there was a family emergency in Pittsburgh.
Aunt Maureen slipped.
They need an extra pair of hands.
- Got it? - Got it.
- (DOORBELL RINGS) - Oh.
Okay, you guys ready? Hit it.
Daisy, you okay being away from that baby, honestly? No.
I mean, I got about two hours in me, and then I got to leave.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly You've got Gordon tied up outside, don't you? He doesn't like holiday parties.
- (DOORBELL RINGS) - Welcome.
Thank you so much for coming.
Mr.
and Mrs.
Harberts, welcome.
- Glad you're - So good to be here.
Thank you so much for having us.
- Pleasure.
- You must be Vicki.
Yes, yes.
Troll the ancient Vicki.
Elizabeth.
So nice to meet you finally.
Nice to meet you, too.
- Carlos.
- Thanks for having us.
You bet.
(DOORBELL RINGS) - Welcome.
- Beautiful young lady.
Please come in.
(CHUCKLES) - Mr.
Majority Leader.
- (LAUGHS) Well, that's a bit formal for this festive occasion.
I'd be honored if you'd call me Beau.
Well, Beau, thanks for coming.
Oh, it's a pleasure to be here.
And where is that delightful, sometimes snippy husband of yours? Well, he actually had a family emergency in Pittsburgh.
- Oh, did he? - His sister slipped.
- Oh, no.
Oh.
- She's a terrible patient.
So they needed to call in reinforcements.
BEAU: I hope she's feeling better.
Home alarm system is down.
COLVERT: Perimeters, are we clear? Clear.
(SIGHS) Clear.
Alpha Team, you are a go.
Repeat.
You are a go.
We're in.
Joy to the world You know what's lame? I'm, like, a really good singer, too.
(CLICKS TONGUE) Sorry, man.
Employ Vicki, I want you to meet Dave and Michelle Harberts.
Oh, my goodness.
I said to my husband, "As a mother, I can't believe what those two went through.
" I'm just So wonderful to meet you.
- Thank you.
- How is your daughter? No, uh, Kat Sandoval? What gives? She's back in California for the weekend.
But I'm here singing.
(LAUGHS) Hey, I had to pick out the turkey for POTUS to pardon.
We all serve at the pleasure.
- Christmas - The snow's coming down - Christmas - I'm watching it fall - Christmas - Lots of people around - Christmas - Baby, please come home Uh, excuse me one second, please.
Now the church bells in town Jacob, Natalie, meet Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord.
- Hi, Natalie.
- Hi.
It's so nice to meet you.
It's an honor.
And one we've waited for a long time, Madam Secretary.
- WOMAN: Good night, Senator Carpenter.
- CARPENTER: Good night to you.
My goodness, would you mind waiting just one more minute? I'm so sorry.
I'll be right back.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) You know what's going on with Carpenter.
I need your help right now.
Mr.
Leader? Are you leaving already? I apologize, Madam Secretary, but these days I I go to bed early.
Oh, well Well, my goodness.
Aren't you two a portrait of collegiality all of a sudden? Call it the holiday spirit.
We're actually having a contest right now.
- Oh? - To see how long we can speak to each other without starting a political argument.
Get ready, Beau, because the secretary and I are gonna have a very friendly chat about baseball.
All right, you're on.
- Okay.
- You're on.
This is Alpha Team Leader.
We do not find much that seems relevant on the housekeeper, or, frankly, - anything else.
- Look harder.
- We're running out of time.
- Copy that.
Well, of course you have to say that you're a fan of the Diamondbacks.
- They're your home team.
- (SCOFFS) But deep down inside, I think that you secretly adore the Nats.
I'll admit, there is enough room in my heart for both teams.
(CHUCKLES): Oh.
You're good.
- You are good.
- (CHUCKLES): It's true.
Well, six minutes without one word - of contention between you? - Yay.
- Oh, uh, congratulations.
- (CLAPPING) - I-I think we could keep the streak going.
- Yes.
- Our kids.
- Right.
Okay.
I mean, surely there are plenty of things - we can agree upon.
- Oh, listen, despite your softhearted worldview, I truly believe that you want what's best, not only for your children, - but for mine.
- Oh, my goodness, Carlos, I think that's the nicest thing I've ever heard you say about me.
Yes, we do have such high hopes for our children, don't we? - Yes.
- Well (CLAPS) you can pat yourselves on the back.
You've set a new record for social harmony in Washington, D.
C.
And on that triumphant note, I'll bid you good night.
Good night, Beau.
- Thank you for coming.
- Good night, Beau.
- My pleasure.
- Take care.
Thank you, Carlos.
Sure.
- Excuse me.
- Yeah.
ELIZABETH: Hey, um, I know you've got guys outside, but Carpenter just left I figure you've got less than ten minutes.
Thanks.
I just had this weird moment with him.
Whatever you're looking for, I think it has something to do with his son.
Okay.
Good to know.
I got to go.
He's on his way.
Alpha Team, five-minute warning.
Repeat: five-minute warning.
Copy that.
My wife just had a conversation with Carpenter.
Her gut is that whatever the Russians have on him, it has something to do with his son.
Do you want to use our last moments to chase a feeling your wife had? She was CIA for 20 years.
We've gotten nowhere, anyway.
Look I trust her.
Alpha Team, focus your remaining time on looking for material on Carpenter's son.
Do you copy? Copy that.
(COMPUTER TRILLING) COLVERT (OVER RADIO): Senator Carpenter is home.
Get out now.
CARPENTER: Good night, Gary.
(CRICKETS CHIRPING SOFTLY) HENRY: Come on, come on.
The download from Alpha is complete.
- Looks like we got him.
- All units report in.
DYLAN: Copy that.
DMITRI: Copy.
(ALARM CHIMES) I guess we'll have to chat with the secretary some other time.
Who knew she got along so well with Carlos Morejon? Well, that's our Bess always looking to build those bridges.
That's why we love her.
Please.
Heart be like ELIZABETH: I learned something about you tonight.
Oh, yeah? What's that? Well, when the stakes are high enough you do put the greater good above your own interests.
There's that famous McCord moral smugness.
I wonder how the voters are gonna take to that.
I don't want to be president.
Good, 'cause I don't think you're gonna win.
(LAUGHS) Anyway, I think we both know that after tonight, I'm probably going to be one vote short on the land mines treaty.
- Oh.
- I could use yours.
That's why you had the couple from that video in my wife's ear all night.
- (LAUGHS) - Clever.
But it's not gonna work.
Look, protecting American sovereignty and safety, that's why I take the tough votes.
Carlos, everyone already knows you're tough.
What the voters don't know is whether or not you've got a soul.
If you buck your more extreme colleagues now, no one will care by the time the primaries roll around.
But those suburban moms in St.
Louis and Tampa, they will still remember the video of that little girl in the minefield, and they will respect that you had the guts to stand up and cast the decisive vote for what's right.
("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" continues) (QUIETLY): Well, something to think about.
A merry little Christmas I want to thank you for having us, Madam Secretary.
Thanks for coming, Senator.
(SONG ENDS, SCATTERED APPLAUSE) Please tell me that you're not friends with him now.
No.
But he is more complex than I thought.
(SCOFFS SOFTLY) Hey, if you can find the humanity in that guy, you got my vote.
Well, that's very sweet of you.
I'm not sure Russell and Mike B.
would give my performance such a high rating.
So what? I see the way Dalton carries himself, the way people react to him.
I saw the same thing tonight.
I saw a president.
But also kind of a pain in the ass, right? I'm being serious.
Then I'm gonna be serious, too.
Stevie you did amazing work with this party.
With me.
Thank you (WHISPERS): and I'm sorry.
You're welcome.
(PHONE CHIMES) Got to go check something with Javi before he takes off.
Hardworkin' girl.
Hi.
Hey.
How was your party? Good.
So you were just out for a random late-night run? Hmm.
Something like that.
(BOTH CHUCKLE) I really just wanted to see you all dressed up.
Oh Okay.
Here it is.
- Want to see the whole thing? - Uh yeah, I do.
(BOTH LAUGH) Well? Well? Well you already know what I think.
- MAN: Car's all set, Congressman.
- Thank you.
Well, I have to go.
Uh Okay.
(LAUGHS) Hey, you should have, um you should have said, "I got to run," 'cause the Oh.
'Cause Yeah.
- (LAUGHS) - All right.
So your son says, "Dad, I screwed up.
"I'm looking at bankruptcy, maybe even prison.
"But these Russian bankers have offered to bail me out.
" And you want to help, so you take the money, pass it through shell corporations, then give it to him so it looks like a family loan - is that accurate? - Don't answer that, Senator.
AGENT: It'd be better for him if he does.
- We already have the documents.
- Obtained through - a highly questionable search, which - (DOOR BUZZES) - Who the hell is this? - Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Was it worth it? I'm not generally in the habit of making confessions to the CIA! Wait a minute, this guy is CIA? Was it worth it? I sent courageous, dedicated Americans into the field, and they trusted us.
They trusted you to have their backs, and you betrayed them.
So you could keep your son out of a Club Fed for a couple of years? What about their families? Those families won't even know how they died.
I can barely live with it.
- How can you? - That's enough.
It's a very simple question, Senator.
Was it worth it? What have I done? Sweet Jesus.
What have I done? This is all inadmissible.
It's it's over, Carl.
It's over.
DALTON: With today's vote, the Senate has officially ratified the Calgary Treaty, and the United States has finally assumed the mantle of moral leadership to eradicate the scourge of land mines from this Earth.
I'm heartened that President Li of China, one of the world's largest producers of antipersonnel land mines, has also agreed to take this crucial step.
This is indeed a proud moment, not just for the United States, but for the world.
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE CONTINUES) Big day.
Too bad no one's watching, - with all this Beau Carpenter business.
- Yeah.
And Morejon was the swing vote.
I still don't know how you pulled it off, but I'm impressed.
And so are the Barkers.
Well good for them.
I thought you'd be pleased.
Russell, I told you I don't care about that.
Russia just pulled off the highest-level infiltration of our government in our history.
And I intend to do everything in my power to hold them accountable.
- Okay? Just - Just stay.
- Just don't move.
- Stay, just-just stay right where you are.
- Stay very still, sweetheart.
You're okay.
- Everything's fine.
- Everything's fine.
- No, stay - Will somebody please call for help? - Mom? MAN: Everything's fine.
We need help over here! You're okay, baby.
You're gonna be fine.
- You're all right.
- Mom? JAY: Can you imagine? BLAKE: Why is the chopper up so high? So its downdraft doesn't set the mines off.
- MAN (ON VIDEO): Yeah.
- WOMAN: All right, Julie.
MATT: Would not have thought of that.
(CHEERING) ELIZABETH: Oh, good, you guys are watching the video? - Yes.
- Yes, ma'am.
What do you see? Uh, a heroic rescue of a child? - Some really stupid parents.
- Yeah.
Well, I see an opportunity.
BLAKE: Whoa.
- Holy - This is an antipersonnel land mine.
Don't worry, it's deactivated.
But if it weren't, it would just take a few pounds of pressure say, the weight of a young girl's foot to detonate it.
But, interestingly, these aren't designed to kill.
The idea is to burden the enemy with logistical difficulties like evacuation and field surgery by blowing off the leg of the soldier who steps on it.
Of course, very often, the victims aren't soldiers at all.
They're civilians.
Children.
Thank you.
Good morning to you, too, ma'am.
Where'd you get that thing anyway? ELIZABETH: Friend of mine at DOD.
Wasn't easy, which is weird, because there are 100 million of them buried around the world, and another 110 million stockpiled.
I'm sorry for the dramatics.
I just want us all to be real focused on the opportunity - at hand here.
- Which is what, ma'am? The Calgary Treaty on Land Mines.
Called for the worldwide ban on the production, stockpiling, use and transfer of antipersonnel land mines.
It was ratified in the late '90s, I believe? - Yup.
- And was signed by at least 100 countries, of which the U.
S.
was not one, but we are broadly compliant.
Okay, but why haven't we signed it? JAY: Ratification would take a two-thirds vote in the Senate, which no previous administration has been able to secure.
Because the Pentagon has issues.
We don't use land mines, except on the Korean Peninsula.
But DOD doesn't want to create a legal slippery slope for other effective but controversial weapons systems, like cluster bombs, and white phosphorus munitions, or, I don't know, exploding puppies.
JAY: Plus, Russia and China are big producers, too, but also - won't sign.
- ELIZABETH: Right.
I mean, correct answers.
Check pluses all around.
But why else haven't we signed this treaty? This is the scariest pop quiz ever.
What aren't the thousands of innocent civilians who are maimed or killed by land mines every year? Americans.
- Exactly.
- But that video's gotten - five million views already.
- So, for this brief moment in time, Americans are actually thinking about land mines.
Imagine how many thousands of lives we could save - if the U.
S.
would finally - (PHONE RINGS) provide real moral leadership - and ratify Calgary.
- BLAKE: Secretary's office.
- But we got to act fast.
Right? - Yes, I'll let her know.
Ma'am, Russell Jackson just asked to see you as soon as possible.
He asked? He even used the word "please.
" Oh, I don't like the sound of that.
NOLAN: Recent leaks to the Russians could be traced back to Senate Majority Leader Beau Carpenter.
Now, the evidence was gathered by CIA's Special Activities Division, but it won't be admissible in court.
That is the purpose of this inter-agency task force: to build a case against Carpenter that sticks.
RUSSELL: Here's what's bumping me: Carpenter's one of the most powerful men in the country.
He's plenty rich.
He's not an ideologue.
Do we really think he could've been coerced by the Russians? HENRY: Well, that's the question.
What leverage do they have on him? Anthony Colvert from the FBI will lead the investigation.
Thank you, Mr.
Attorney General.
It's true, Leader Carpenter doesn't have many obvious pressure points.
His wife of 40 years, Helen, passed away five years ago.
His son Richard is in business and seems to be reasonably successful.
The most compelling answer to Dr.
McCord's question is Carpenter's housekeeper: Magda Nagy.
She grew up under communist rule in Budapest, presumably speaks some Russian.
Became an American citizen 15 years ago.
Started working as Carpenter's housekeeper shortly after his wife died.
NOLAN: The leaks we believe Leader Carpenter is responsible for have blown operations and cost lives.
CIA will assist in intelligence gathering but, obviously, FBI runs point on this.
Thanks, everyone.
RUSSELL: If I may.
I've known Beau Carpenter for 25 years.
He's charming as all hell.
He's also crafty and has this town wired.
Don't let him see you coming.
Land mines only cost a few dollars to make, but thousands to clean up.
They render otherwise arable land useless for decades.
Yes, and the U.
S.
contributes far more to de-mining operations than any other country.
Sure, but how can we tell them to stop using and selling mines when they can say to us, "Well, you won't ratify Calgary.
Why should we".
I'm sympathetic.
But we have other legislative priorities to get through Congress before the recess.
Conrad, you've seen, firsthand, the damage they can do.
Yes, I have.
So believe me when I tell you that I understand this issue, Bess.
Well, then you, of all people, can understand the moral imperative to putting an end to their use.
RUSSELL: Mr.
President.
- Elizabeth.
- Hey.
Did you bring a land mine to the office? - I was making a point.
- Yeah.
That's what most people who bring weapons to the workplace say.
She's passionate on the subject, Russell.
Yeah, well, my two cents: sending a treaty to the Senate is just asking them to stick a thumb in your eye.
And why the hell did that family have to go to Cambodia instead of on a Disney cruise, like normal people? (ELIZABETH SIGHS) I know it's risky, but I think right now we have the public's support to get something done here.
A two-thirds majority is a high bar, Bess.
I don't want to squander my capital on a political loser.
I know.
(SIGHS) But I tell you what.
On an issue like this, you have the stature to try and whip the votes yourself.
If you can do that, I'll sign.
(EXHALES) Well, I love a challenge.
- Thank you, sir.
- Just remember what he said about political losers.
You're in a mood.
Ugh.
You got any plans this weekend? Um I don't know, reading, mostly.
Got to hit the grocery store.
You know, probably put on my yoga pants, but not actually go.
- (CHUCKLES) - You? Well, I was supposed to go to Bunny Duncan's big holiday party.
Well, you know, she has one every year.
She passed away last night.
I heard.
Russell, I'm so sorry.
You were friends.
Bunny? God no, I hated her.
Oh.
Everybody loved her parties.
They were just scared of getting left out.
It was like drinking eggnog at Saddam Hussein's palace.
No, no, no, the point is the real estate's free, but not for long.
So if you and Henry want to throw a party of your own, you need to jump now.
Well, it's a good thing - we don't.
- What, uh Maybe I'm not making myself clear.
Fair to say.
POTUS is thinking about his legacy.
When the time comes, - he wants to pass the torch to you, so - Oh, wow.
- If you're gonna run - I'm not.
we need to start making moves now getting the right team together, meeting the right people.
- Throwing the right parties.
- You'll do it, then.
- Thank you.
- Maybe I'm the one not being clear.
I came here to serve the president, not be the president.
Just think about it, please? Good-bye, Russell.
And fast.
All right, so, to ratify Calgary, we need 67 senators.
There are basically three pools of votes.
The yeses, of whom there aren't enough.
But then, there are two kinds of no votes: the defense hawks, who tend to take their cues from the military; and those who will never vote for any treaty because they're afraid of a loss of U.
S.
sovereignty.
AKA the black helicopter crowd.
- Carlos Morejon jumps to mind.
- Fun fact: his wife Vicki did retweet the rescue video.
- His heartlessness completes her.
- Oh.
Long story short, ma'am, getting the votes before the congressional recess - will be a pretty heavy lift.
- Yup.
- Gordon Becker is your answer.
- Okay.
- Mike B, ma'am.
- Yes, with his impeccable timing.
Mike, this is my new policy advisor, Kat Sandoval.
Kat, Mike; Mike, Kat.
Mr.
Barnow, good to meet you.
Your reputation precedes you.
As does yours.
Didn't you go crazy or something? Actually, I just moved to an avocado farm in California.
That sounds like the same thing.
What's this really about? Ah, troubled by a nagging feeling your dog likes me more than you.
I will have you know that Gordon and I are in a really good place right now.
Gordon? (LAUGHS): Wait, Go I'm sorry.
Gordon the dog, as in - Gordon the SecDef? - For the record, he's named after G.
Gordon Liddy, who also had his quirks, but was fanatically loyal.
To an unworthy master.
Makes sense.
Getting back to the Gordon that matters, tell us how SecDef figures into this.
Way to keep us on track.
You're no Nadine, but I appreciate the effort.
Look, even if a senator, in their heart, wants to vote yes, they can't look weak on defense.
So you have to give them some cover.
And getting Becker to come out in favor of ratifying Calgary does just that.
I like it.
Blake, get me a meeting with SecDef, will you? So, I hear you're throwing a party this weekend.
And Bunny Duncan's not even in the ground yet.
I love it.
Sounds like the White House is having you lay the groundwork for a run.
Oh, she didn't tell you? Oops.
Because it's not happening.
JAY: What, you just turned POTUS down? Well, Russell.
Look, I'm not into all that backslapping, join-the-club malarkey.
Oh, and I don't want to be president.
Although if you did throw the party, you could use the informal setting not to mention official Washington's curiosity with The Glamorous McCords as a lure to trawl - for more treaty votes.
- So not glamorous, just But nevertheless, I like it.
- Right? - That's a good idea.
No.
No, it's not a good idea.
It's a terrible idea.
These parties are non-partisan; therefore, they're actually fun.
I mean, sure, tell everyone you want to run for president, but don't don't dance on poor Bunny's grave talking politics.
Blake, call the White House.
Tell Russell Jackson I'll throw the stupid party.
Don't say "stupid".
Madam Secretary? I'm Meghan Pearl.
Russell Jackson suggested I ride over to the Pentagon with you.
Oh.
Yes, the-the party planner.
Uh, event coordinator.
Oh.
Apologies.
This is Blake, my assistant.
Oh.
Great.
You'll probably want to take notes.
We are going to cover a lot of ground.
Shall we? After you.
Thank you.
ELIZABETH: Meghan, thank you for coming on such short notice.
Well, normally, I don't do events this small, and, honestly, I was this close to doing Bunny Duncan's memorial.
- "Oh.
- But Russell Jackson swore up and down that you would be worth it.
Well, let's hope I don't let you down.
- "(CHUCKLES) - Uh, so, Meghan, shall we talk about your vision for the party? Yes.
Nothing too elaborate passed apps; two to three dining stations; three or four full bars; TBD live entertainment; plus, a tasteful DJ; heated tents, front and back; valets; and then, of course, party favors.
So, you know, simple.
Party favors.
Huh.
You know, a small gift for each of your guests.
I know what a party favor is, I Just wondering if they're necessary.
Well, I mean, that's how it's done.
Mm.
But, of course, it's up to you.
Thank you.
So, with the - valets, - Mm-hmm.
the caterer, bars The party favors.
Party favors.
Thank you.
How much is this all gonna cost? Well, typically, I don't discuss that with clients this early in the process.
Oh.
Well, I'll tell you what.
Uh, why don't you write it down for me? Sure.
Again, thanks so much for making time.
Thank you, ma'am.
And let me know about those ice sculptures.
Oh, you bet! - Yeah, she's not gonna work.
- No.
One concern is setting a legal precedent that could be used to ban other weapons in the future.
Well, I understand that, but we banned nerve gas and it's not like our troops are out there with peashooters.
Fair point.
Two other stumbling blocks: the Korean Peninsula and our good friends, - the Russians and the Chinese.
- I agree.
We'd have to find something to carve out for South Korea.
But talk to me about Russia and China.
Well, unlike us, they're actively selling and deploying their APLs.
If our two biggest adversaries won't disarm, why should we? Because we haven't used land mines in combat since the '90s anyway.
And it's doubtful we ever will.
Nevertheless, I say the onus is on Russia and China.
Well, I hear you.
Want to? Why not? I don't know.
Just seems (SIGHS) With everything going on, I do think that Russia's a bridge too far.
But if I could deliver China? (CHUCKLES) Deliver China.
- Just like that? - I mean, I'm not saying it would be easy.
- Yeah.
- Nice.
But if I could, would you come out in support of ratification? Depends exactly what China agrees to.
But yes, I would.
Hmm.
Okay, then.
Nice putting game there, Madam Secretary.
We both know anybody can smack a ball down a fairway.
It's staying calm and executing when the hole is right there, that's the tricky part.
Thank you, Gordon.
You're very welcome, Elizabeth.
Let's kick around this whole Magda theory.
And, please, no a priori arguments or confirmation bias.
Give me the facts.
44 years old.
Divorced.
One daughter, age 12.
Been working for Majority Leader Carpenter for about five years since his wife died.
Works most days, leaves at night.
- And does she? - From what we've been able to glean, no one in town thinks there's anything going on between them.
And with the wife gone, why keep a secret when they don't have to? So the honey trap theory's kind of squishy.
Is there any possibility that she's just his handler for the Russians? ANGELA: FBI's still doing their background check, but, so far, her financials don't really give us much.
No big deposits or purchases in cash.
(GRUNTS) So, in the words of Aristotle, we got jack squat.
But here's something.
Sometimes she posts the route of her runs on social media.
Why do people do that, by the way? I mean Anyway, most mornings, she goes through the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood in Bethesda.
It's something concrete to go on, at least.
I'm gonna get in touch with Colvert.
If Magda takes a run in the morning, we should be ready for her.
ELIZABETH: So, what is in it for China? Why should they sign the treaty? MIKE: Don't look at me.
I'm just here to get out of picking my kid up from hockey.
Truth is, we can't offer much that would mean anything to them.
KAT: Maybe we appeal to their vanity? How so? Well, China's a superpower now.
Do they really need to mine their borders? - Who's going to invade China? - JAY: And land mines are a pretty grubby export when you're making everything else under the sun.
ELIZABETH: Maybe.
Could work.
Look who's here.
Hi, Mom.
Mom's staff.
Hi, honey.
This is a surprise.
Sure is.
Yeah.
Oh, my God.
- He didn't.
- Russell thought that since money seemed to be an issue with Meghan, maybe a volunteer family member - might be more in your price range.
- Ouch.
ELIZABETH: And he thinks just because you're a woman, of course, you'd want to plan a party? I think it's more that you just can't fire me.
Right.
And you're okay with this? Yeah.
Absolutely.
My God, it's like a hostage video.
Um, so I-I have options for caterers, valets, decorations and everything.
I also have a draft of the guest list - that you kind of need to look over.
- Yeah.
Okay, well, we're just sort of busy around here.
So we'll go over it tonight.
- Okay? All right.
- Okay.
Mom, this party is tomorrow.
I know.
Ticktock.
We'll be okay.
Also, I'm a public servant and your dad's a teacher, so whatever you think something should cost, make it half that, okay? I love you.
Bye.
- What? Mom - Bye, honey.
Minister Chen, as you know, APLs stay lethal for decades, killing women and children who are just trying to grow crops or fetch firewood.
Can you honestly tell me that China, with all of its economic and military might, still needs such weapons? There have been some internal discussions about that very topic.
So let's make something happen.
The world's two great powers coming together on this issue holds some appeal.
We might consider it, if - If what? - If you go first.
Well, I told you we can't do that.
So why should we? Good day, Madam Secretary.
Wait, wait, wait.
Are you saying that if we ratify first, you'll follow suit? We would take it as a heartening sign and move to match it.
Well, let me get back to you.
Madam Secretary, a little bird told me you're having a holiday party in place of the late Bunny Duncan.
Now, what are we to make of that? Nothing to make of it, Ming.
Talk soon.
Wow, the world has gotten way too small.
But that was promising.
KAT: So, to sum up, in order to get the White House on board, we have to get the votes in the Senate.
Uh, in order to get those, we have to get the SecDef.
In order to get him, we have to get China.
And in order to get China, we have to get POTUS? - POTUS.
We're back where we started.
- Yeah.
Yes, but we've learned so much.
I'm actually serious.
The White House couldn't have been clearer that they didn't want to expend political capital on this.
And yet, that is exactly what we are going to ask them to do.
Well, that's one way to cool their jets on you running for president.
Two birds, one stone.
Perfect.
First, I want to thank you all for taking the time to meet with me.
- JASON: Oh, God, Stevie's cycling high.
I knew I should've eaten at school.
STEVIE: As you know, it has fallen to me to plan Mom's holiday party at the house.
I'm not gonna lie, it's-it's pretty stressful.
Because here is the point of this meeting Mom is not helping.
ALISON: Let me guess, she resents having the party, so she's doing that thing where she doesn't really engage and kind of makes you feel like a sellout for even being involved? - Exactly.
- HENRY: Wow.
Is that what you guys do all day, sit around and psychoanalyze us? Of course you would think that.
STEVIE: So, I need you to help me help Mom.
Ali, I would like for you to pick out no more than three outfits for her.
And, also, make sure that she gives herself enough time before the party - for hair and makeup.
- I'm on it.
- Great.
- Mwah.
Bye.
Dad, just be your normal, charming self.
Mingle.
Make Mom mingle.
With all the right people.
And who would that be? The potential campaign donors that the White House invited.
Oh, and, Dad, it's kind of tricky, but, um, gonna need you to police your bookshelves for any controversial titles.
Nope! No, no.
Not happening.
The First Amendment still abides in the McCord house.
Mom What can I do to help, Stephanie? (HENRY GROANS) Just don't be a pain in the ass.
Can I invite my beloved Piper? - No.
- Of course.
- Mom.
- Oh, great.
- So, meeting adjourned.
- Okay, I got to get to work.
- Bye, honey.
- Wait, are But you're gonna Bye.
- Bye! - But you're gonna be at the party, right? Wait, wait, wait.
Dad, did you get all of that? Are you good? - (LAUGHS) - Dad? (BIRDS CHIRPING) Suspect moving west.
She's heading your way.
Copy that.
Alexander, hand me that binder, would you? Thanks.
Okay, that guy in the driveway works for the Russian Embassy.
This is the meet.
Be advised, the man at the end of the driveway is a bogie.
Remember, all we need to do is document the meet.
Do not approach or intercept.
Tony, who the hell are those guys? COLVERT: All units, don't follow the bogie.
We're blown.
(SIGHS) What was that? We agreed to coordinate on this, and you spring two extra guys on me? This is an FBI op, and we let you come on board.
Look, the brass wanted extra assets on scene.
We lost the evidence we need - to break this case.
- This wasn't my call.
And now the Russians are onto us.
Carpenter will be onto us, too.
Unless we grab up Magda now, as quietly as possible.
What do you think, Beau? Do we have the votes? It'll be a squeaker, but you'll get your treaty, Mr.
President.
ELIZABETH: Great.
And I hope you'll attend the signing ceremony.
It'll be low-key.
With a vote this close, there's always a chance it won't pass, and I don't want to have a bunch of cameras recording me falling on my face.
- Understood? - RUSSELL: Yes, sir.
I'll set it up.
Beau.
Mr.
President.
Everything, uh, all right there, Senator? Where to start? The cold makes my knees ache.
And now I've got a stack of briefing books to read that are taller than I am.
(LAUGHTER) And, uh, my cleaning woman called in sick this morning.
Very unusual.
Apologies.
At my age, the smallest inconveniences give a person fits.
(LAUGHS) Well, then, I must be mature beyond my years.
(LAUGHTER) I'm looking forward to visiting with you and your husband at your party.
Well, we look forward to seeing you there.
Well, in that case, I'll say good-bye to you both.
Thank you.
Come on.
What's next? You think he knows something's up? Not yet.
Okay.
We had to loop in Carpenter's Capitol Police detail, not to mention that snake Morejon.
OpSec is hanging on by a thread here.
But if by some miracle, we do actually bust him, I remind you, Carpenter is your 67th vote.
If he gets arrested, where'll your treaty be then? Look, Magda, we know you're not telling us the truth.
And you're not getting out of here until you do.
So start talking.
Yes, okay.
I passed messages from the senator to the man that you say is Russian.
Sometimes the other way, too.
But I don't know him.
I don't know what the messages mean.
They're usually just two or three words.
I just pass them along.
Because you're a Russian asset.
You obviously don't know the history of Russia and Hungary.
Then why are you passing classified intelligence to the Russians? He helped my daughter to get into a good school.
He paid me for all the time I took off when my mother got sick.
He's a good man.
NOLAN: What do you think? I believe her.
Me, too.
So now what? Well, we've got enough to charge her, but still not much of a case against Carpenter.
All he'd need to do is deny sending her messages, and then it's his word against hers.
The longer Carpenter doesn't hear from her, the more suspicious he'll be.
And once he gets wind of the investigation and lawyers up, this case gets much harder to prove.
Look, we have enough PC for a warrant, but a high-profile raid on the Senate majority leader's house? You better know what you're gonna find before you go in there.
This is counterintelligence, so we do have some latitude for a secret search.
What we don't have is time.
Wait.
The party.
He's coming to my wife's holiday party tonight.
We can hit the house then.
So, uh, given the time and financial constraints, here's my plan.
First, food.
Uh, my friend Javi owns one of the hottest food trucks in town, so he is going to be doing passed appetizers and three different taco preparations.
Please enjoy.
Ma'am, I got to say, these tacos are legit.
Right? Drinks-wise, we've got a couple wines and beers, champagne and one signature cocktail.
It is a Mexican twist on a traditional holiday punch.
- (MOUTH FULL): Can we try that, too? - I wish.
Entertainment will be provided by the amazing Seventh Floor Singers.
(CLEARS THROAT) And in accordance with federal ethics guidelines, they will be there only as guests, so they can perform as few or as many songs as they like.
More than karaoke, less than a concert.
- Thank God.
- Here is the finalized guest list per The White House and Mike B.
- What? No POTUS and FLOTUS? - They don't want to take up all the oxygen.
Also, notice the names Jacob and Natalie Barker.
Those are the bigwigs I'm supposed to suck up to? Or just feign interest in for 15 minutes.
What about the five senators I'm trying to win over, and and the-the family from the video? Already RSVP'd.
Oh.
Oh, no.
No, no.
Carlos Morejon? MATT: And his wife Vicki, the retweeter.
You do know that we hate each other.
MIKE: Yeah.
It's classic D.
C.
jiu jitsu.
He has to come, you look gracious, he feels awkward, and you win.
Trust me.
It's perfect.
ELIZABETH: Whatever.
We're Are we done? Um, Alison needs at least an hour before to get you dressed and made up.
I think we can get it done in half that.
I am a diplomat, not a debutante.
Thank you.
Thank you, everybody.
Okay, well, that is it.
Thank you so much, everyone.
- (OVERLAPPING CHATTER) - Thank you.
Good job.
Well done, Stevie.
Mom? You are a diva.
Oh, please.
What kind of a diva wants less time in hair and makeup? The kind that is so determined to be all down-to-earth that she actually makes everything way harder.
Fine.
Do I resent that to try to do something good, I have to go through this whole charade and spend a bunch of our hard-earned money to feed rich people? Yeah, kind of.
I know! But it's happening, okay? I have moved heaven and earth to try and make you happy.
Since I clearly can't do that, I just need you to get on board, okay? Aye-aye, Captain.
Great.
I'll see you tonight.
(IN HARMONY): A shining star Upon the highest bough All right, Jay, I think you sound Mom! Are you happy now? You look amazing.
Wait.
Where's Dad? Well, if anybody asks, there was a family emergency in Pittsburgh.
Aunt Maureen slipped.
They need an extra pair of hands.
- Got it? - Got it.
- (DOORBELL RINGS) - Oh.
Okay, you guys ready? Hit it.
Daisy, you okay being away from that baby, honestly? No.
I mean, I got about two hours in me, and then I got to leave.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly You've got Gordon tied up outside, don't you? He doesn't like holiday parties.
- (DOORBELL RINGS) - Welcome.
Thank you so much for coming.
Mr.
and Mrs.
Harberts, welcome.
- Glad you're - So good to be here.
Thank you so much for having us.
- Pleasure.
- You must be Vicki.
Yes, yes.
Troll the ancient Vicki.
Elizabeth.
So nice to meet you finally.
Nice to meet you, too.
- Carlos.
- Thanks for having us.
You bet.
(DOORBELL RINGS) - Welcome.
- Beautiful young lady.
Please come in.
(CHUCKLES) - Mr.
Majority Leader.
- (LAUGHS) Well, that's a bit formal for this festive occasion.
I'd be honored if you'd call me Beau.
Well, Beau, thanks for coming.
Oh, it's a pleasure to be here.
And where is that delightful, sometimes snippy husband of yours? Well, he actually had a family emergency in Pittsburgh.
- Oh, did he? - His sister slipped.
- Oh, no.
Oh.
- She's a terrible patient.
So they needed to call in reinforcements.
BEAU: I hope she's feeling better.
Home alarm system is down.
COLVERT: Perimeters, are we clear? Clear.
(SIGHS) Clear.
Alpha Team, you are a go.
Repeat.
You are a go.
We're in.
Joy to the world You know what's lame? I'm, like, a really good singer, too.
(CLICKS TONGUE) Sorry, man.
Employ Vicki, I want you to meet Dave and Michelle Harberts.
Oh, my goodness.
I said to my husband, "As a mother, I can't believe what those two went through.
" I'm just So wonderful to meet you.
- Thank you.
- How is your daughter? No, uh, Kat Sandoval? What gives? She's back in California for the weekend.
But I'm here singing.
(LAUGHS) Hey, I had to pick out the turkey for POTUS to pardon.
We all serve at the pleasure.
- Christmas - The snow's coming down - Christmas - I'm watching it fall - Christmas - Lots of people around - Christmas - Baby, please come home Uh, excuse me one second, please.
Now the church bells in town Jacob, Natalie, meet Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord.
- Hi, Natalie.
- Hi.
It's so nice to meet you.
It's an honor.
And one we've waited for a long time, Madam Secretary.
- WOMAN: Good night, Senator Carpenter.
- CARPENTER: Good night to you.
My goodness, would you mind waiting just one more minute? I'm so sorry.
I'll be right back.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) You know what's going on with Carpenter.
I need your help right now.
Mr.
Leader? Are you leaving already? I apologize, Madam Secretary, but these days I I go to bed early.
Oh, well Well, my goodness.
Aren't you two a portrait of collegiality all of a sudden? Call it the holiday spirit.
We're actually having a contest right now.
- Oh? - To see how long we can speak to each other without starting a political argument.
Get ready, Beau, because the secretary and I are gonna have a very friendly chat about baseball.
All right, you're on.
- Okay.
- You're on.
This is Alpha Team Leader.
We do not find much that seems relevant on the housekeeper, or, frankly, - anything else.
- Look harder.
- We're running out of time.
- Copy that.
Well, of course you have to say that you're a fan of the Diamondbacks.
- They're your home team.
- (SCOFFS) But deep down inside, I think that you secretly adore the Nats.
I'll admit, there is enough room in my heart for both teams.
(CHUCKLES): Oh.
You're good.
- You are good.
- (CHUCKLES): It's true.
Well, six minutes without one word - of contention between you? - Yay.
- Oh, uh, congratulations.
- (CLAPPING) - I-I think we could keep the streak going.
- Yes.
- Our kids.
- Right.
Okay.
I mean, surely there are plenty of things - we can agree upon.
- Oh, listen, despite your softhearted worldview, I truly believe that you want what's best, not only for your children, - but for mine.
- Oh, my goodness, Carlos, I think that's the nicest thing I've ever heard you say about me.
Yes, we do have such high hopes for our children, don't we? - Yes.
- Well (CLAPS) you can pat yourselves on the back.
You've set a new record for social harmony in Washington, D.
C.
And on that triumphant note, I'll bid you good night.
Good night, Beau.
- Thank you for coming.
- Good night, Beau.
- My pleasure.
- Take care.
Thank you, Carlos.
Sure.
- Excuse me.
- Yeah.
ELIZABETH: Hey, um, I know you've got guys outside, but Carpenter just left I figure you've got less than ten minutes.
Thanks.
I just had this weird moment with him.
Whatever you're looking for, I think it has something to do with his son.
Okay.
Good to know.
I got to go.
He's on his way.
Alpha Team, five-minute warning.
Repeat: five-minute warning.
Copy that.
My wife just had a conversation with Carpenter.
Her gut is that whatever the Russians have on him, it has something to do with his son.
Do you want to use our last moments to chase a feeling your wife had? She was CIA for 20 years.
We've gotten nowhere, anyway.
Look I trust her.
Alpha Team, focus your remaining time on looking for material on Carpenter's son.
Do you copy? Copy that.
(COMPUTER TRILLING) COLVERT (OVER RADIO): Senator Carpenter is home.
Get out now.
CARPENTER: Good night, Gary.
(CRICKETS CHIRPING SOFTLY) HENRY: Come on, come on.
The download from Alpha is complete.
- Looks like we got him.
- All units report in.
DYLAN: Copy that.
DMITRI: Copy.
(ALARM CHIMES) I guess we'll have to chat with the secretary some other time.
Who knew she got along so well with Carlos Morejon? Well, that's our Bess always looking to build those bridges.
That's why we love her.
Please.
Heart be like ELIZABETH: I learned something about you tonight.
Oh, yeah? What's that? Well, when the stakes are high enough you do put the greater good above your own interests.
There's that famous McCord moral smugness.
I wonder how the voters are gonna take to that.
I don't want to be president.
Good, 'cause I don't think you're gonna win.
(LAUGHS) Anyway, I think we both know that after tonight, I'm probably going to be one vote short on the land mines treaty.
- Oh.
- I could use yours.
That's why you had the couple from that video in my wife's ear all night.
- (LAUGHS) - Clever.
But it's not gonna work.
Look, protecting American sovereignty and safety, that's why I take the tough votes.
Carlos, everyone already knows you're tough.
What the voters don't know is whether or not you've got a soul.
If you buck your more extreme colleagues now, no one will care by the time the primaries roll around.
But those suburban moms in St.
Louis and Tampa, they will still remember the video of that little girl in the minefield, and they will respect that you had the guts to stand up and cast the decisive vote for what's right.
("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" continues) (QUIETLY): Well, something to think about.
A merry little Christmas I want to thank you for having us, Madam Secretary.
Thanks for coming, Senator.
(SONG ENDS, SCATTERED APPLAUSE) Please tell me that you're not friends with him now.
No.
But he is more complex than I thought.
(SCOFFS SOFTLY) Hey, if you can find the humanity in that guy, you got my vote.
Well, that's very sweet of you.
I'm not sure Russell and Mike B.
would give my performance such a high rating.
So what? I see the way Dalton carries himself, the way people react to him.
I saw the same thing tonight.
I saw a president.
But also kind of a pain in the ass, right? I'm being serious.
Then I'm gonna be serious, too.
Stevie you did amazing work with this party.
With me.
Thank you (WHISPERS): and I'm sorry.
You're welcome.
(PHONE CHIMES) Got to go check something with Javi before he takes off.
Hardworkin' girl.
Hi.
Hey.
How was your party? Good.
So you were just out for a random late-night run? Hmm.
Something like that.
(BOTH CHUCKLE) I really just wanted to see you all dressed up.
Oh Okay.
Here it is.
- Want to see the whole thing? - Uh yeah, I do.
(BOTH LAUGH) Well? Well? Well you already know what I think.
- MAN: Car's all set, Congressman.
- Thank you.
Well, I have to go.
Uh Okay.
(LAUGHS) Hey, you should have, um you should have said, "I got to run," 'cause the Oh.
'Cause Yeah.
- (LAUGHS) - All right.
So your son says, "Dad, I screwed up.
"I'm looking at bankruptcy, maybe even prison.
"But these Russian bankers have offered to bail me out.
" And you want to help, so you take the money, pass it through shell corporations, then give it to him so it looks like a family loan - is that accurate? - Don't answer that, Senator.
AGENT: It'd be better for him if he does.
- We already have the documents.
- Obtained through - a highly questionable search, which - (DOOR BUZZES) - Who the hell is this? - Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Was it worth it? I'm not generally in the habit of making confessions to the CIA! Wait a minute, this guy is CIA? Was it worth it? I sent courageous, dedicated Americans into the field, and they trusted us.
They trusted you to have their backs, and you betrayed them.
So you could keep your son out of a Club Fed for a couple of years? What about their families? Those families won't even know how they died.
I can barely live with it.
- How can you? - That's enough.
It's a very simple question, Senator.
Was it worth it? What have I done? Sweet Jesus.
What have I done? This is all inadmissible.
It's it's over, Carl.
It's over.
DALTON: With today's vote, the Senate has officially ratified the Calgary Treaty, and the United States has finally assumed the mantle of moral leadership to eradicate the scourge of land mines from this Earth.
I'm heartened that President Li of China, one of the world's largest producers of antipersonnel land mines, has also agreed to take this crucial step.
This is indeed a proud moment, not just for the United States, but for the world.
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE CONTINUES) Big day.
Too bad no one's watching, - with all this Beau Carpenter business.
- Yeah.
And Morejon was the swing vote.
I still don't know how you pulled it off, but I'm impressed.
And so are the Barkers.
Well good for them.
I thought you'd be pleased.
Russell, I told you I don't care about that.
Russia just pulled off the highest-level infiltration of our government in our history.
And I intend to do everything in my power to hold them accountable.