Madam Secretary (2014) s05e07 Episode Script
Baby Steps
1 PILOT: Ladies and gentlemen, we are now beginning our descent into Vientiane, Laos, where the current temperature is a beautiful 86 degrees.
Flight attendants, please prepare for landing.
MAN: We'll be holding her soon.
Our very own baby girl.
I hope it fits.
- It's a scarf.
- (CHUCKLES) I just want Ailani to know how much we appreciate what she's doing for us.
Oh, after nine months of e-mails, video chats and care packages, I'm pretty sure she knows, honey.
But everyone needs a scarf, right? (BOTH CHUCKLE) - We're having a baby.
- (CHUCKLES) Uh, it should be just up here on the right.
(SPEAKING LAO) What are you doing with those women? Uh, sorry, Officer.
Wrong address.
But that's our baby.
WOMAN: The Trafficking In Persons Report shows that while several countries with problematic histories vis-Ã -vis human trafficking have managed to improve their behavior and move up to Tier 1 status while several others have unfortunately slid down to Tier 2 or Tier 3.
And overall, the number of trafficking victims - worldwide has - Doubled, sir.
Yes.
That's it, then.
I've seen enough.
We're withholding aid to all Tier 3 countries.
Mr.
President, that could have negative effects on populations in need around the globe.
The more fair move would be to evaluate each nation on a case by case basis.
Fair? 800,000 people are ripped from their homes every year and sold into slavery.
I want fairness for them.
And the only way to achieve that is punish the countries that allow their exploitation to continue.
ELIZABETH: Well, the release of the report itself is yielding results.
TERESA: I assume you're talking about - the crackdowns in Laos.
- Exactly.
Laos reacted immediately, breaking up trafficking operations across the country.
RUSSELL: Nothing like the threat of losing aid to make a country grow a conscience.
Which proves my point.
Shutting off the money spigot so that they feel it, so that it hurts.
That's how you get change that lasts.
And that's what we're going to do.
Thanks, Shira.
Thanks, everyone.
Sir, my office heard from former constituents of mine.
A couple.
Apparently, Laos is also rounding up pregnant women.
Surrogates.
Well, that's not too surprising.
Unfortunately, Laos categorizes commercial surrogacy as human trafficking.
TERESA: Mr.
President, this couple is desperate.
They can't locate their surrogate.
And she is due to have their baby any day now.
Do we know how many surrogates in total have been arrested? Laos is a hotspot for fertility tourists, so it could be hundreds of women.
Unjustly imprisoned without access to proper prenatal care.
I think we should do something to help.
A statement from the president of the United States could go a long way.
TERESA: Maybe even de-stigmatize surrogacy a little in the process.
Look, even if we could convince Laos to ignore their own laws, here at home, commercial surrogacy is one of those issues most folks don't think about much.
But when they do, they hate it.
DALTON: I think it's fair to say that there's no national consensus on this.
That's why it's regulated at the state level.
This is complex ethical territory.
Most surrogates come from low-income backgrounds so it's easily seen as class exploitation.
And then there are the babies, both born and unborn, so it's a children's rights issue.
It's also an issue of reproductive rights.
If a woman wants to carry a child for someone else, - that should be her choice.
- RUSSELL: See? It's an issue both liberals and conservatives can hate.
Best to leave it alone.
Or we could forget about the politics for once and just talk about what's right.
Teresa, the day you forget about the politics is the day I forget about the politics.
(SCOFFS) Yes, Russell, I am ambitious.
But that doesn't mean I'm heartless.
What? It was a compliment.
Bess, have State keep an eye on the surrogates, make sure no human rights are violated.
Beyond that, Yeah.
I'm sorry, Teresa, we're staying out of this.
- Back to the office.
- Sure.
Elizabeth, do you have a minute? - Uh, yeah.
- Mm-hmm.
Um this is a, uh, a personal matter.
Okay.
You and I have our issues, I know that, but I just didn't know where else to turn.
Are you okay? The couple I mentioned my constituents? They're my daughter and son-in-law, Lyla and Charlie.
Oh I'm so sorry.
They've been trying to have a child for years.
And there's been a lot of disappointments along the way, so they kept me in the dark about their plans until recently.
They didn't want to get anyone's hopes up.
And I can understand that.
Of course, they knew what the law was in Laos, but they have spent so much money trying to have their own child that they couldn't afford a surrogate in the U.
S.
and it just seemed like a safe enough bet.
Well, and it was, until our report incited that crackdown.
And their surrogate, Ailani is a week away from her due date and now she's in a jail somewhere.
I'm sorry to pull you into this, but I'm not asking for your help as a vice president.
I'm-I'm coming to you as a mother and a grandmother.
But Teresa, you-you are the vice president.
Why didn't you say anything to POTUS? - Wh - Because Russell is right the politics are complicated and I didn't want to saddle the administration with the appearance of a conflict of interest.
And, also, we both know that they want you, not me, to succeed Conrad.
And frankly, I don't trust Russell not to use this against me.
But you trust me not to? Well, we'll be in the ring soon enough, and God knows - you give as good as you get.
(CHUCKLES) - (LAUGHS) But yes, I do.
I can't make any guarantees, but I'll look into it, see what I can do and I will keep this - between the two of us.
- Thank you.
Blake, where are we on the Peace Garden reopening ceremony? Uh the gardeners from Japan are still shin-high in bonsai, apparently, the garden was in a shameful state of disrepair their words.
But the reopening ceremony's on schedule, right? - We've got guests coming in from all over.
- Yes.
Yeah, high-level dignitaries across the board, like our very own Dr.
Henry McCord, - who's joining the secretary.
- The date is set for the day after tomorrow, we've already confirmed with the Japanese embassy and National Park Service.
So far everything's on track.
- Good.
Matt, - Huh? How are M-Sec's remarks coming along? Uh (CLEARS THROAT) "In the wake of the most destructive conflict "in human history, Japan built gardens "across the globe to demonstrate "its commitment to peace and friendship.
"Repairing those that have fallen into disarray "is an opportunity for Japan to remind the world "of our shared responsibility to ensure "that the ideals these gardens symbolize "continue to blossom.
" Uh, then, something, something, Earth as a shared garden metaphor, Uh, poetry, poetry, poetry.
Followed by a touching conclusion.
Then we eat sushi - and check out koi ponds.
- Sounds good.
- Thanks, everybody.
- Uh-huh.
Thank you.
"Poetry, poetry, poetry" was especially moving.
- It will be.
- BLAKE: Oh, Jay.
One last thing.
(SIGHS) You shouldn't have.
(SCOFFS) I didn't.
Mr.
Usuki, I'm guessing? Yes, our favorite video game mogul strikes again.
He's still angling for a one-on-one with the secretary to discuss international investments.
The watch has to go back.
Yeah, just like the Beyoncé tickets and the Akita.
I've been trying.
His office keeps returning it, insisting it's a token of appreciation, not a bribe.
So kick it to the Protocol Gifts unit.
If Mr.
Usuki wants his $5,000 watch to molder in a National Archives warehouse, that's fine with me.
$5,000? Jay.
You're so poor.
PGU won't take it.
They say they only deal with gifts from other governments.
Mr.
Usuki is just joining the Japanese Ambassador - as his guest.
- (PHONE CHIMES) All right, I got to meet with the secretary.
- Yeah.
- Make sure Usuki knows there will be no pull-asides at the garden Hey, wait.
No, no.
Like, so How much is it worth? Oh! (SHORT CHUCKLE) That's more than my car.
(SIGHS) I really am poor.
Based on initial reports, over 200 pregnant women were rounded up.
Any idea why Laos would respond like this to the TIP Report, Donna? The crackdowns are only partly due to TIP.
Like other countries that have banned commercial surrogacy, Laos is concerned about the optics.
Our embassy in Vientiane has obviously protested the surrogates' treatment, but, uh should I be doing more, ma'am? You're wondering why I'm here.
I just want to be sure that we communicate, in the strongest possible terms, that the U.
S.
is invested in the health and safety of all of those surrogates.
Will do, ma'am.
I'm on it.
Thank you, Donna.
Don't give me the look.
Yes, you're right, there is more to the story.
What look? I need a favor.
I need you to find one surrogate in particular.
Her name is Ailani Lo.
Ailani Lo.
I'll get into it.
Obviously, there are underlying reasons which I can't get into right now.
So I'm just going to ask for your trust and discretion, okay? Of course, ma'am.
- Thank you.
- (ELEVATOR DINGS) That's the look, by the way.
(KNOCKING) Thanks for squeezing me in, Henry.
Hey, once CIA, always CIA.
Ephraim, good to see you.
What can I do for you? I realize what I'm about to show you will feel oddly reminiscent.
Why are agents keeping tabs on my daughter? We came upon Stevie by accident while doing routine surveillance on Dmitri Petrov's sister Talia.
Talia knows better than that.
She's not supposed to have contact with any member of my family.
Could this be a coincidence? Oh, we went back and reviewed footage from earlier in the day.
Talia followed Stevie to the cafe from the White House.
We've run the options for why she's back in the picture, and only one makes sense.
You think she's working for Russia? They could be leveraging her.
Right now, all we know is that she's spying on your daughter.
Where is Stevie now? Tell me you've got a detail on her.
A covert detail.
Plainclothes agents.
She has no idea.
Which is what we want.
At this point, our advantage is that the Russians don't know we're onto them.
We need to bring her in, get her in a safe house.
I'm confident she's in no immediate danger.
The Russians came after Dmitri Petrov on U.
S.
soil because he was one of their own who'd turned traitor.
I don't think we know anymore what Russia is or isn't capable of.
We need answers.
We need to talk to Talia Petrov.
Y-Yes.
Sadly, its beauty doesn't make it any less illegal.
We can't accept these kinds of gifts from Mr.
Usuki or anyone.
Yes.
Well, with my utmost respect, someone needs to come and pick this thing up today.
No, don't put me on hold.
Don't put - (CLEARS THROAT) Ken.
- I'm early.
My apologies.
Oh, you are right on time.
We have plenty to go over before Maddie gets here.
KEN: The ambassador will do the welcome, - then I'll introduce the secretary - Gentlemen.
Ah, Maddie Klapper, National Park Service Coordinator extraordinaire, meet Ken Yoshino, our outstanding liaison with the Japanese Embassy.
- It's a pleasure to meet you.
- Let's see if you still feel that way when we're done.
Your team sent over the manual for the garden upkeep.
A 2,200-page PDF file that I printed out.
Used almost four ink cartridges.
And a two-hour VR experience, which is actually pretty cool.
(CHUCKLES) A-As intended, the garden will be maintained for years to come.
Three to five years, tops, according to our accountant.
- I'm not following.
- I get why the garden requires such thoughtful attention.
But we don't have the budget to care - for it.
- Uh, what do we have the budget for? A garden a third of the size.
Less koi ponds.
Less everything.
My government has invested much time and money in this living tribute to peace and unity.
Your unwillingness to maintain it is disrespectful and unacceptable.
Oh, Ken, I-I'm sure we can resolve this.
Good.
'Cause if you don't, my superiors will cancel the ceremony.
JAY: Great.
Great.
Thanks.
Ma'am? Maggie used her grandma's recipe.
It would be rude not to eat 'em.
- I was gonna share.
- I'm not giving you the look.
I-I just wanted to share a-a Laos update.
Oh.
About 260 surrogates are being held, - 36 carrying American babies.
- And the rest? The intended parents are from all over.
The UK, Israel, Australia, China.
What about the legal status of the surrogates themselves? They're awaiting sentencing while they prosecute ringleaders first.
So there's still time to negotiate their release without meddling too much in a sovereign nation's - judicial system.
- That's right.
And I found Ailani.
Uh, in a detention center in Vientiane.
Oh.
Great work, Jay, on everything.
Thanks.
Not like any of this will stop pregnant women from being locked up in the next crackdown.
Well, it's not fair.
Most legal systems aren't, when it comes to women.
But this is the best that we can do for now.
People are so concerned about exploiting women, and yet banning it is not fixing the problem.
We need an international set of standards to-to regulate the industry and protect all parties.
I agree.
But locking down countries for that would be like herding cats.
With rabies.
Although some very influential nations have surrogates pregnant with their unborn citizens in Lao detention centers - right now.
- Which could make them amenable, at least, to hearing a framework.
We may be able to solve both problems.
- Right.
- Let's just say I'm able to form a coalition of countries.
And then I invite Laos to be a part of the international process.
They're concerned about optics.
This looks a lot better than throwing pregnant women in jail.
I'm sold.
But will Laos buy it? I need to go herd some rabid cats.
By working with our allies, we can advocate for all the surrogates.
While also working towards decriminalizing commercial surrogacy worldwide? I know.
It-it sounds ambitious.
But I'm already getting buy-in from other countries.
It's a pipe dream, Elizabeth.
Helping surrogates who are carrying American babies is difficult enough.
We need to focus on that.
Without the aid package, there's no leverage.
Forming a coalition that's how we save everyone.
It's not our job to save everyone.
You know what I'm up against here.
I understand you're upset.
But now we know where Ailani is, and Yes, and I thank you for that.
But right now, the woman about to give birth to my grandchild is sitting in a squalid jail cell.
You asked for my help.
Now you're gonna have to trust me.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- You're new here.
- First day.
What can I get you? Large chai latte.
Almond milk.
Talia.
We need to talk.
Why were you following my daughter? Did someone put you up to this? I can only help you if you tell me the truth.
It was Dmitri.
He heard about the White House attack.
He was worried and wanted to know she was okay.
But you spent an entire day trailing her around the city.
I've never followed someone before.
It took time to get close enough to make sure she has, like, all her fingers and toes, you know? She's a fast walker.
I told him it was stupid idea.
And that's it? - There's nothing else? - I swear.
Dmitri has been through so much.
When he asks for something, how can I not do it? Dr.
McCord I like my life here.
What's going to happen to me now? You're gonna leave out the back door with these agents.
They're gonna ask you a few more questions.
If your story clears, then you'll be free to go.
But, no matter what, your life's gonna be under a microscope for a while.
For what it's worth I believe you.
HENRY: So, Talia's story checked out.
I should hope so.
Pretty lame lie, otherwise.
She really say that thing about fingers and toes? She did.
And, technically, Dmitri didn't violate his deal, so he got off with a warning.
Still, he took a big risk to make sure that Stevie was okay.
It's kind of sweet.
It was reckless.
Oh, you'd do the same.
If you were a former Russian double agent exiled to the tundra, concerned for my safety, but unable to contact me directly (LAUGHS) Don't make it sound like an airport novel, okay? But, yes, absolutely.
- Yeah.
- No question.
- But this is different.
It's Stevie.
- Yeah.
And I guess she never has to know.
- It's kind of sad, right? - Yeah.
You think we should tell her? I'd want to know - if somebody cared about me that much.
- I I don't think we should - rip the scab off that old wound.
- Hmm.
We'd be throwing a lot at her.
Of course, our daughter can handle a lot.
You're leaning towards tell her.
Well, call me a romantic.
But you're the Stevie whisperer Mom, Dad! Have you guys been watching this? The news is saying that Teresa Hurst's daughter used a sex slave to carry her baby.
There's still no word from the vice president's office or from the White House at this time.
This is a still-developing story That's gonna hurt her when she's gearing up for a run.
(PHONES RINGING) - White House.
- Me too.
Why didn't you tell me you had a personal connection to the surrogate issue in Laos? I thought it best to keep you out of it, sir.
Well, guess what.
We're in it now.
To hear cable news tell it, we're running a baby mill out of the Lincoln bedroom.
I think we can all agree that cable news tends to run toward the hyperbolic.
Well, that's why people watch it, Professor.
And you how could you go along with this? I made a judgment call, Mr.
President.
Teresa came to me with a highly personal issue which intersected with the professional.
I skirted the edge, but I believe I acted within my authority.
The way I see it, this mess has two components: foreign and domestic.
And the best way to manage the domestic fallout is to get the Laos piece of this in the rearview as soon as possible.
DALTON: You think this international coalition is viable? I'm still making calls, but the U.
K.
and Israel are interested, and our embassy in Laos is prepared to care for all the surrogates - if we can secure their release.
- Sir, we're talking about almost 300 surrogates.
The safe bet is to fight for the 36 who are carrying babies for Americans.
Frankly, Teresa, I'm not sure you can give an unbiased opinion on this.
I would make the same call even if I didn't have a personal stake in this.
American lives are on the line.
They have to come first.
Henry? Sir, I'm not sure that there's a right answer here.
The coalition plan makes sense, in theory, but our backs are against the wall here.
Push comes to shove, I would go with the vice president on this.
What about the other countries who have citizens with surrogates locked up in Laos? I Sorry, Bess.
I'm going with Henry and Teresa.
In that case, any wiggle room with the aid package for Laos? Something that I can negotiate with? They got a failing grade in the Trafficking In Persons Report.
We're cutting their aid.
You'll have to figure out how to get the surrogates released without it.
I'll do my best.
Thank you, everyone.
Teresa, hang back a minute.
We need to talk.
Listen, I'm sorry.
Don't be.
We've been on opposite sides before.
Yeah, doesn't make it any easier.
I always want to be on your side.
But it's not like we're arguing about what percent fat milk to buy.
Lives are at stake.
I've got to offer POTUS my best judgment.
Different opinions means more options to save those lives.
And always two percent less fat, same protein.
Admit it, it's watery.
You know, I understand why you all want to play it safe, especially poor Teresa, but the thing that's bugging me is, if that leak hadn't happened, I think that coalition had a pretty decent shot.
Did Teresa know about the coalition plan before tonight? Yeah, I gave her a heads-up earlier.
She didn't like it then, either.
- Huh.
- No.
Oh, Th-think about it the-the leak forced Dalton to get involved, and with the American media watching, of course he's gonna choose the American-focused plan, which is what she wanted.
No, Teresa can't be the leaker.
(SCOFFS) She's too much of a political animal to sabotage her own career.
With family is involved, people will surprise you.
Well, I can't worry about that now.
I have to figure out how to get those surrogates released with what meager cards I have.
- Good Lord.
- Hi! Is that yesterday's suit? Hmm? Yes.
I pulled an all-nighter working on the Peace Garden issue.
In a nutshell: we still don't have the money.
Wait, Blake, the reopening's tomorrow.
You think I don't know that? This isn't just some garden party.
It's a major public diplomacy event - with one of our closest allies.
- I know that! Okay, take it easy.
What's the problem? The problem is that no one owns the problem, the Peace Garden problem.
Yes, technically, Park Service owns it, but it's not their problem if Japan is asking for more than they can give.
Keeping Japan happy is State's problem, but it's not our problem if Park Services is having money problems.
Also, if I torch our relationship with a vital ally, then my quest to be anything more than an assistant in this office is ruined before it even begins, because somehow, I, with no money and no power, now own this problem.
I'm God's lonely man.
That's the problem.
Also, about five hours ago, a very nice man on the cleaning crew gave me a pill to help me stay awake, and now I'm having hand tremors.
I'm probably fine, right? I'm gonna get you a glass of cold water, okay? We're gonna figure this out.
Now what about the private sector? Japan came to us so late with the budget I've only been able to scare up a few minor commitments.
- Mm-hmm.
- Believe me, the irony is not lost on me that we are desperate for money while exorbitant gifts keep flowing in.
Yeah, well, if only you could sell that watch, right? That watch that watch.
You know, my life has been cursed ever since that watch came into it.
It's like The Monkey's Paw.
Or it's the answer to everything.
Okay.
- (LAUGHS) - What is Oh, Matt, you're a genius.
(GRUNTS) Thank you! Mm-hmm.
Okay, well, remember, do the deep breathing thing.
It really helps, man.
(ENGINE RUMBLING) Mr.
Usuki, we can't give you a one-on-one with the secretary for what is let's face it a bribe.
But if you become a donor for the Peace Garden, I-I'm sure she would thank you personally for your generosity.
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF) Donor? Uh, yes, your donation would go towards the upkeep of the garden for the next 50 years or so.
When I was a kid, my Grandma Chiaki would take me to our local Japanese garden.
We'd sit on this bench by the koi pond and pretend we were rich.
(CHUCKLES) - She was rad.
- BLAKE: Yeah.
So yeah.
Okay.
Rae, - take care of it.
- Oh, great.
I'll send over the documents, and, of course, your name will be listed among the other contributors on a placard outside the garden.
Among? Eh, I don't like that word.
My name is better off solo and in multiple locations.
Also, "placard" yuck.
Like, what am I, a dentist? I'm thinking a pagoda could work.
Um, Mr.
Usuki, I'm sorry, there are no names inside the garden, and there's no room for a pagoda.
Blake, I'm hearing a lot of "no," it's really bumming me out.
Oh (STAMMERS) I certainly wouldn't want to do that.
Look, I didn't get here to where I am today by plugging into negative energy.
Grandma Chiaki used to say to me, "One day, you are going to run this town, and your name is going to be everywhere.
" And you know what? She was right.
(LAUGHS) Yeah, well, Grandma Chiaki sounds rad, but, um, the fact is, your name can't be everywhere in the garden.
Then I can't be a donor.
Rae.
Take care of it.
That garden is a symbol of reconciliation in the aftermath of mankind's most horrific bloodbath, and you have the audacity to want to use it for self-promotion? You know, I'm shocked your ego even fits in this tiny, little car.
Shame on you.
No one talks to me like that.
Well, someone just did.
And I better not see this in my office again.
- Have a nice day.
- Wait.
That took integrity.
Grandma Chiaki respected integrity.
Stay there.
I'm gonna take a lap, think this over.
ELIZABETH: - Minister Phommapanya, the swift action your government has taken to control human trafficking within your borders is commendable.
Thank you, Madam Secretary.
Our eye is on Tier 1 status, and showing the world we value all human life.
I was hoping you felt that way.
Your recent crackdowns included a number of pregnant women.
Surrogates for hire.
Criminals.
Yes, according to your anti-trafficking laws, but only in very rare circumstances could surrogacy be considered human trafficking.
Did you call to lecture me on our legal system? Or to talk about the 36 American couples who've been exploiting our citizens, including your vice president? Let's focus on the latter, for now.
If your country releases the women all of whom are technically carrying American citizens my government would be very appreciative.
Appreciative enough to reinstate our aid package in full? Well, your aid package is not on the table.
But I can offer a statement of praise for your anti-trafficking efforts.
You criticize us for human trafficking then chastise us for how we handle it.
We have strict commercial surrogacy laws, and yet you want us to go against them because it suits your interests.
I realize how this looks, but my country has a great deal of respect for your nation.
Much of the aid your country provides goes to de-mining operations to remove the bombs that the U.
S.
left behind decades ago.
Bombs that still kill our people to this day, many of them children.
Minister Phommapanya Vong, I know that what we did over a period of years will be felt by your people for generations.
It was devastating.
The mess we left behind We do not have the moral high ground here, but there must be a way that you can help me help these people.
I mean perhaps as a humanitarian gesture.
I value our relationship with the U.
S.
, but there are those who think the ally we should be strengthening our ties with is China.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Morning.
Hey, you better get in on these ricotta blueberry pancakes before those monsters wake up and eat 'em all.
What happened? Who died? What? N-No one.
Everything's fine.
Just take a plate and go sit down, would you? Dad, any time something bad happens and you don't know how to tell me, there's usually some kind of breakfast involved.
- Busted.
- Ha! I knew it.
Sorry.
Go on.
All right.
This is a little bit of a weird one, but, um, here goes.
Your Russian friend, he Dmitri? found out about the White House bombings, and since he didn't have a way to contact you directly, he found another way to make sure you were all right.
It almost cost him his deal.
Wow.
I wasn't sure if I should tell you.
No.
I'm glad that you did.
I just really wasn't expecting to hear his name.
That's really sweet, you know? Well, I hope knowing how much he cares about you helps more than it hurts.
I, um, try not to, but I think about him a lot.
And I'm still very sorry for putting the family in this awkward situation in the first place.
Inadvertently.
You had no idea what you were getting into.
He did.
Look, I know that it seemed shady with the secret Potomac Lodge rendezvous, but we had something real.
Well, that's love.
It's uncomfortable for everybody who's not in it with you.
When I spoke to him, he basically said the same thing.
- You talked to him? - Yeah.
- How is he? - He's good.
I know that's not much of an update, but I was able to get approval for him to write you a letter.
Now, it doesn't change anything.
You still can't see him ever again.
Right.
Of-of course.
Yeah.
Absolutely.
I haven't read this, but an analyst has, to make sure there's no compromising information.
I'll burn after reading.
I got to go get dressed and go with Mom to the Peace Garden, but I'll stay home if you want me to.
No, I'm okay.
Thanks.
Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me this.
I just heard from Israel and the U.
K.
They're disappointed we're giving up on the coalition? That's the nice way to say it.
Well, I deserve it.
How's it going with Commerce and DoD? No potential inducements for Laos yet, but we'll keep at it.
Yeah.
So while we're working on our next moves, check that our embassy in Laos is doing everything that it can to provide support to the NGOs working on behalf of the surrogates, okay? I want to make sure that we are still doing what we can for them.
Yes, ma'am.
So scale of one to ten how hard has it been not to say anything to me about Teresa? After the story broke, you totally could've called me out.
Not hard at all.
I trust you.
There's a "but" in there.
I didn't give you the look.
I could feel it.
This is why I can't play poker.
I trust you.
But I doubt I would've trusted Teresa Hurst.
On the other hand, I admire that you had the heart to.
Thanks, Jay.
This garden depends on all of us for its cultivation, and it asks us to do the hard work of planting together.
Washington is honored to be the first stop on this deeply meaningful world tour.
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE) (INDISTINCT CHATTER) Mr.
Usuki.
Welcome.
Um, I-I noticed you hadn't signed the contracts yet.
Just want to make sure I'm getting everything I was promised, bro.
Oh, yes, actually, it's right here.
Um I know, it's smaller than we discussed.
It's perfect.
HENRY: This really is beautiful.
ELIZABETH: Hard to believe it's a by-product of war.
Makes you think about the power of apology.
Japan was defeated, then they went around the world building these gardens to acknowledge what they'd done.
Today they're more powerful than they were when they were an actual empire.
Humility makes space for new possibilities.
You should've given the speech.
Eh, professor mode.
No, you're right.
Did you know Laos, per capita, is the most heavily bombed country in history? Over a ten-year period, we dropped two million tons of ordnance on them.
And our leftover unexploded bombs have killed 50 of their citizens every year since then, and we've never owned that.
Could we? Probably not formally.
But an apologetic gesture, maybe? The American equivalent of a peace garden.
We'd need the right gardener.
Thank you for taking the time to see me.
Please, sit down.
I know you were behind the leak.
You were willing to risk a career you spent a lifetime building to save your unborn grandchild.
Wouldn't you do the same? I thank God I've never been put in such a difficult position.
Actually I think we're gonna need more of that clarity and audacity to get your grandchild home safely.
Go on.
If the vice president of the United States a concerned and soon-to-be grandmother were to lead a delegation of worried American families to Laos, it would humanize this issue.
Have you considered that putting public pressure on Laos could backfire? I have.
And that's why there's a part two.
Laos has been waiting nearly 50 years for some acknowledgement by the United States of the destruction that our bombing campaign wreaked on their country during the Vietnam War.
And so I'm the one who's going to apologize for America? Apologizing isn't weakness.
It's weakness that leads to the need to apologize.
And who knows it might get us something in return.
But what if it doesn't? Well, you are a gifted politician, Teresa.
And God knows, it's tough to show vulnerability as a woman in this business.
But the way through this is to be open with your humanity and clear in your convictions.
It's time to be a leader.
Ailani, I'm so glad you're okay.
Lyla, I'm okay.
She's okay.
TERESA: Good evening, everyone.
Thank you, President Khamtai Dao, Minister Phommapanya, for your understanding and cooperation with this sensitive issue.
There will be much to discuss with the Lao government in coming days.
But as a mother, and soon-to-be grandmother, I simply want to say that tonight is one of the happiest nights of my life.
ANCHOR: Later today the vice president will visit the war memorial in Vientiane, making her the highest-ranking U.
S.
official That's a Teresa I haven't seen before.
Kind of refreshing.
Well, she had a likability problem.
Now I kind of like her.
Which means now you're the one with a problem.
Those surrogates are safe, and the newborns will soon be going home with their families.
One day at a time, Russell.
One day at a time.
You say that now.
(CHUCKLES) (DOOR CLOSES) (MATTRESS SQUEAKS) - Thank you, Madam Secretary.
- Sure.
Ma'am.
Based on the diplomatic victory in Laos, we're getting word the U.
N.
is planning to host a summit on commercial surrogacy.
That is great news.
Really excellent work, ma'am.
Right back at you.
It was a team effort.
Wow.
I feel like - we should high five.
- Yeah, we definitely earned high fives.
- Uh, ma'am, there's a civics call for you.
- Yeah? Great.
Up high.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Barinov.
STEVIE: Hey, dude.
Believe it or not, the powers that be gave me permission to write you back.
It's a one-time only thing, so I better make it good.
First off, I'm fine, but more on that later.
Second, I miss you, too.
Flight attendants, please prepare for landing.
MAN: We'll be holding her soon.
Our very own baby girl.
I hope it fits.
- It's a scarf.
- (CHUCKLES) I just want Ailani to know how much we appreciate what she's doing for us.
Oh, after nine months of e-mails, video chats and care packages, I'm pretty sure she knows, honey.
But everyone needs a scarf, right? (BOTH CHUCKLE) - We're having a baby.
- (CHUCKLES) Uh, it should be just up here on the right.
(SPEAKING LAO) What are you doing with those women? Uh, sorry, Officer.
Wrong address.
But that's our baby.
WOMAN: The Trafficking In Persons Report shows that while several countries with problematic histories vis-Ã -vis human trafficking have managed to improve their behavior and move up to Tier 1 status while several others have unfortunately slid down to Tier 2 or Tier 3.
And overall, the number of trafficking victims - worldwide has - Doubled, sir.
Yes.
That's it, then.
I've seen enough.
We're withholding aid to all Tier 3 countries.
Mr.
President, that could have negative effects on populations in need around the globe.
The more fair move would be to evaluate each nation on a case by case basis.
Fair? 800,000 people are ripped from their homes every year and sold into slavery.
I want fairness for them.
And the only way to achieve that is punish the countries that allow their exploitation to continue.
ELIZABETH: Well, the release of the report itself is yielding results.
TERESA: I assume you're talking about - the crackdowns in Laos.
- Exactly.
Laos reacted immediately, breaking up trafficking operations across the country.
RUSSELL: Nothing like the threat of losing aid to make a country grow a conscience.
Which proves my point.
Shutting off the money spigot so that they feel it, so that it hurts.
That's how you get change that lasts.
And that's what we're going to do.
Thanks, Shira.
Thanks, everyone.
Sir, my office heard from former constituents of mine.
A couple.
Apparently, Laos is also rounding up pregnant women.
Surrogates.
Well, that's not too surprising.
Unfortunately, Laos categorizes commercial surrogacy as human trafficking.
TERESA: Mr.
President, this couple is desperate.
They can't locate their surrogate.
And she is due to have their baby any day now.
Do we know how many surrogates in total have been arrested? Laos is a hotspot for fertility tourists, so it could be hundreds of women.
Unjustly imprisoned without access to proper prenatal care.
I think we should do something to help.
A statement from the president of the United States could go a long way.
TERESA: Maybe even de-stigmatize surrogacy a little in the process.
Look, even if we could convince Laos to ignore their own laws, here at home, commercial surrogacy is one of those issues most folks don't think about much.
But when they do, they hate it.
DALTON: I think it's fair to say that there's no national consensus on this.
That's why it's regulated at the state level.
This is complex ethical territory.
Most surrogates come from low-income backgrounds so it's easily seen as class exploitation.
And then there are the babies, both born and unborn, so it's a children's rights issue.
It's also an issue of reproductive rights.
If a woman wants to carry a child for someone else, - that should be her choice.
- RUSSELL: See? It's an issue both liberals and conservatives can hate.
Best to leave it alone.
Or we could forget about the politics for once and just talk about what's right.
Teresa, the day you forget about the politics is the day I forget about the politics.
(SCOFFS) Yes, Russell, I am ambitious.
But that doesn't mean I'm heartless.
What? It was a compliment.
Bess, have State keep an eye on the surrogates, make sure no human rights are violated.
Beyond that, Yeah.
I'm sorry, Teresa, we're staying out of this.
- Back to the office.
- Sure.
Elizabeth, do you have a minute? - Uh, yeah.
- Mm-hmm.
Um this is a, uh, a personal matter.
Okay.
You and I have our issues, I know that, but I just didn't know where else to turn.
Are you okay? The couple I mentioned my constituents? They're my daughter and son-in-law, Lyla and Charlie.
Oh I'm so sorry.
They've been trying to have a child for years.
And there's been a lot of disappointments along the way, so they kept me in the dark about their plans until recently.
They didn't want to get anyone's hopes up.
And I can understand that.
Of course, they knew what the law was in Laos, but they have spent so much money trying to have their own child that they couldn't afford a surrogate in the U.
S.
and it just seemed like a safe enough bet.
Well, and it was, until our report incited that crackdown.
And their surrogate, Ailani is a week away from her due date and now she's in a jail somewhere.
I'm sorry to pull you into this, but I'm not asking for your help as a vice president.
I'm-I'm coming to you as a mother and a grandmother.
But Teresa, you-you are the vice president.
Why didn't you say anything to POTUS? - Wh - Because Russell is right the politics are complicated and I didn't want to saddle the administration with the appearance of a conflict of interest.
And, also, we both know that they want you, not me, to succeed Conrad.
And frankly, I don't trust Russell not to use this against me.
But you trust me not to? Well, we'll be in the ring soon enough, and God knows - you give as good as you get.
(CHUCKLES) - (LAUGHS) But yes, I do.
I can't make any guarantees, but I'll look into it, see what I can do and I will keep this - between the two of us.
- Thank you.
Blake, where are we on the Peace Garden reopening ceremony? Uh the gardeners from Japan are still shin-high in bonsai, apparently, the garden was in a shameful state of disrepair their words.
But the reopening ceremony's on schedule, right? - We've got guests coming in from all over.
- Yes.
Yeah, high-level dignitaries across the board, like our very own Dr.
Henry McCord, - who's joining the secretary.
- The date is set for the day after tomorrow, we've already confirmed with the Japanese embassy and National Park Service.
So far everything's on track.
- Good.
Matt, - Huh? How are M-Sec's remarks coming along? Uh (CLEARS THROAT) "In the wake of the most destructive conflict "in human history, Japan built gardens "across the globe to demonstrate "its commitment to peace and friendship.
"Repairing those that have fallen into disarray "is an opportunity for Japan to remind the world "of our shared responsibility to ensure "that the ideals these gardens symbolize "continue to blossom.
" Uh, then, something, something, Earth as a shared garden metaphor, Uh, poetry, poetry, poetry.
Followed by a touching conclusion.
Then we eat sushi - and check out koi ponds.
- Sounds good.
- Thanks, everybody.
- Uh-huh.
Thank you.
"Poetry, poetry, poetry" was especially moving.
- It will be.
- BLAKE: Oh, Jay.
One last thing.
(SIGHS) You shouldn't have.
(SCOFFS) I didn't.
Mr.
Usuki, I'm guessing? Yes, our favorite video game mogul strikes again.
He's still angling for a one-on-one with the secretary to discuss international investments.
The watch has to go back.
Yeah, just like the Beyoncé tickets and the Akita.
I've been trying.
His office keeps returning it, insisting it's a token of appreciation, not a bribe.
So kick it to the Protocol Gifts unit.
If Mr.
Usuki wants his $5,000 watch to molder in a National Archives warehouse, that's fine with me.
$5,000? Jay.
You're so poor.
PGU won't take it.
They say they only deal with gifts from other governments.
Mr.
Usuki is just joining the Japanese Ambassador - as his guest.
- (PHONE CHIMES) All right, I got to meet with the secretary.
- Yeah.
- Make sure Usuki knows there will be no pull-asides at the garden Hey, wait.
No, no.
Like, so How much is it worth? Oh! (SHORT CHUCKLE) That's more than my car.
(SIGHS) I really am poor.
Based on initial reports, over 200 pregnant women were rounded up.
Any idea why Laos would respond like this to the TIP Report, Donna? The crackdowns are only partly due to TIP.
Like other countries that have banned commercial surrogacy, Laos is concerned about the optics.
Our embassy in Vientiane has obviously protested the surrogates' treatment, but, uh should I be doing more, ma'am? You're wondering why I'm here.
I just want to be sure that we communicate, in the strongest possible terms, that the U.
S.
is invested in the health and safety of all of those surrogates.
Will do, ma'am.
I'm on it.
Thank you, Donna.
Don't give me the look.
Yes, you're right, there is more to the story.
What look? I need a favor.
I need you to find one surrogate in particular.
Her name is Ailani Lo.
Ailani Lo.
I'll get into it.
Obviously, there are underlying reasons which I can't get into right now.
So I'm just going to ask for your trust and discretion, okay? Of course, ma'am.
- Thank you.
- (ELEVATOR DINGS) That's the look, by the way.
(KNOCKING) Thanks for squeezing me in, Henry.
Hey, once CIA, always CIA.
Ephraim, good to see you.
What can I do for you? I realize what I'm about to show you will feel oddly reminiscent.
Why are agents keeping tabs on my daughter? We came upon Stevie by accident while doing routine surveillance on Dmitri Petrov's sister Talia.
Talia knows better than that.
She's not supposed to have contact with any member of my family.
Could this be a coincidence? Oh, we went back and reviewed footage from earlier in the day.
Talia followed Stevie to the cafe from the White House.
We've run the options for why she's back in the picture, and only one makes sense.
You think she's working for Russia? They could be leveraging her.
Right now, all we know is that she's spying on your daughter.
Where is Stevie now? Tell me you've got a detail on her.
A covert detail.
Plainclothes agents.
She has no idea.
Which is what we want.
At this point, our advantage is that the Russians don't know we're onto them.
We need to bring her in, get her in a safe house.
I'm confident she's in no immediate danger.
The Russians came after Dmitri Petrov on U.
S.
soil because he was one of their own who'd turned traitor.
I don't think we know anymore what Russia is or isn't capable of.
We need answers.
We need to talk to Talia Petrov.
Y-Yes.
Sadly, its beauty doesn't make it any less illegal.
We can't accept these kinds of gifts from Mr.
Usuki or anyone.
Yes.
Well, with my utmost respect, someone needs to come and pick this thing up today.
No, don't put me on hold.
Don't put - (CLEARS THROAT) Ken.
- I'm early.
My apologies.
Oh, you are right on time.
We have plenty to go over before Maddie gets here.
KEN: The ambassador will do the welcome, - then I'll introduce the secretary - Gentlemen.
Ah, Maddie Klapper, National Park Service Coordinator extraordinaire, meet Ken Yoshino, our outstanding liaison with the Japanese Embassy.
- It's a pleasure to meet you.
- Let's see if you still feel that way when we're done.
Your team sent over the manual for the garden upkeep.
A 2,200-page PDF file that I printed out.
Used almost four ink cartridges.
And a two-hour VR experience, which is actually pretty cool.
(CHUCKLES) A-As intended, the garden will be maintained for years to come.
Three to five years, tops, according to our accountant.
- I'm not following.
- I get why the garden requires such thoughtful attention.
But we don't have the budget to care - for it.
- Uh, what do we have the budget for? A garden a third of the size.
Less koi ponds.
Less everything.
My government has invested much time and money in this living tribute to peace and unity.
Your unwillingness to maintain it is disrespectful and unacceptable.
Oh, Ken, I-I'm sure we can resolve this.
Good.
'Cause if you don't, my superiors will cancel the ceremony.
JAY: Great.
Great.
Thanks.
Ma'am? Maggie used her grandma's recipe.
It would be rude not to eat 'em.
- I was gonna share.
- I'm not giving you the look.
I-I just wanted to share a-a Laos update.
Oh.
About 260 surrogates are being held, - 36 carrying American babies.
- And the rest? The intended parents are from all over.
The UK, Israel, Australia, China.
What about the legal status of the surrogates themselves? They're awaiting sentencing while they prosecute ringleaders first.
So there's still time to negotiate their release without meddling too much in a sovereign nation's - judicial system.
- That's right.
And I found Ailani.
Uh, in a detention center in Vientiane.
Oh.
Great work, Jay, on everything.
Thanks.
Not like any of this will stop pregnant women from being locked up in the next crackdown.
Well, it's not fair.
Most legal systems aren't, when it comes to women.
But this is the best that we can do for now.
People are so concerned about exploiting women, and yet banning it is not fixing the problem.
We need an international set of standards to-to regulate the industry and protect all parties.
I agree.
But locking down countries for that would be like herding cats.
With rabies.
Although some very influential nations have surrogates pregnant with their unborn citizens in Lao detention centers - right now.
- Which could make them amenable, at least, to hearing a framework.
We may be able to solve both problems.
- Right.
- Let's just say I'm able to form a coalition of countries.
And then I invite Laos to be a part of the international process.
They're concerned about optics.
This looks a lot better than throwing pregnant women in jail.
I'm sold.
But will Laos buy it? I need to go herd some rabid cats.
By working with our allies, we can advocate for all the surrogates.
While also working towards decriminalizing commercial surrogacy worldwide? I know.
It-it sounds ambitious.
But I'm already getting buy-in from other countries.
It's a pipe dream, Elizabeth.
Helping surrogates who are carrying American babies is difficult enough.
We need to focus on that.
Without the aid package, there's no leverage.
Forming a coalition that's how we save everyone.
It's not our job to save everyone.
You know what I'm up against here.
I understand you're upset.
But now we know where Ailani is, and Yes, and I thank you for that.
But right now, the woman about to give birth to my grandchild is sitting in a squalid jail cell.
You asked for my help.
Now you're gonna have to trust me.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- You're new here.
- First day.
What can I get you? Large chai latte.
Almond milk.
Talia.
We need to talk.
Why were you following my daughter? Did someone put you up to this? I can only help you if you tell me the truth.
It was Dmitri.
He heard about the White House attack.
He was worried and wanted to know she was okay.
But you spent an entire day trailing her around the city.
I've never followed someone before.
It took time to get close enough to make sure she has, like, all her fingers and toes, you know? She's a fast walker.
I told him it was stupid idea.
And that's it? - There's nothing else? - I swear.
Dmitri has been through so much.
When he asks for something, how can I not do it? Dr.
McCord I like my life here.
What's going to happen to me now? You're gonna leave out the back door with these agents.
They're gonna ask you a few more questions.
If your story clears, then you'll be free to go.
But, no matter what, your life's gonna be under a microscope for a while.
For what it's worth I believe you.
HENRY: So, Talia's story checked out.
I should hope so.
Pretty lame lie, otherwise.
She really say that thing about fingers and toes? She did.
And, technically, Dmitri didn't violate his deal, so he got off with a warning.
Still, he took a big risk to make sure that Stevie was okay.
It's kind of sweet.
It was reckless.
Oh, you'd do the same.
If you were a former Russian double agent exiled to the tundra, concerned for my safety, but unable to contact me directly (LAUGHS) Don't make it sound like an airport novel, okay? But, yes, absolutely.
- Yeah.
- No question.
- But this is different.
It's Stevie.
- Yeah.
And I guess she never has to know.
- It's kind of sad, right? - Yeah.
You think we should tell her? I'd want to know - if somebody cared about me that much.
- I I don't think we should - rip the scab off that old wound.
- Hmm.
We'd be throwing a lot at her.
Of course, our daughter can handle a lot.
You're leaning towards tell her.
Well, call me a romantic.
But you're the Stevie whisperer Mom, Dad! Have you guys been watching this? The news is saying that Teresa Hurst's daughter used a sex slave to carry her baby.
There's still no word from the vice president's office or from the White House at this time.
This is a still-developing story That's gonna hurt her when she's gearing up for a run.
(PHONES RINGING) - White House.
- Me too.
Why didn't you tell me you had a personal connection to the surrogate issue in Laos? I thought it best to keep you out of it, sir.
Well, guess what.
We're in it now.
To hear cable news tell it, we're running a baby mill out of the Lincoln bedroom.
I think we can all agree that cable news tends to run toward the hyperbolic.
Well, that's why people watch it, Professor.
And you how could you go along with this? I made a judgment call, Mr.
President.
Teresa came to me with a highly personal issue which intersected with the professional.
I skirted the edge, but I believe I acted within my authority.
The way I see it, this mess has two components: foreign and domestic.
And the best way to manage the domestic fallout is to get the Laos piece of this in the rearview as soon as possible.
DALTON: You think this international coalition is viable? I'm still making calls, but the U.
K.
and Israel are interested, and our embassy in Laos is prepared to care for all the surrogates - if we can secure their release.
- Sir, we're talking about almost 300 surrogates.
The safe bet is to fight for the 36 who are carrying babies for Americans.
Frankly, Teresa, I'm not sure you can give an unbiased opinion on this.
I would make the same call even if I didn't have a personal stake in this.
American lives are on the line.
They have to come first.
Henry? Sir, I'm not sure that there's a right answer here.
The coalition plan makes sense, in theory, but our backs are against the wall here.
Push comes to shove, I would go with the vice president on this.
What about the other countries who have citizens with surrogates locked up in Laos? I Sorry, Bess.
I'm going with Henry and Teresa.
In that case, any wiggle room with the aid package for Laos? Something that I can negotiate with? They got a failing grade in the Trafficking In Persons Report.
We're cutting their aid.
You'll have to figure out how to get the surrogates released without it.
I'll do my best.
Thank you, everyone.
Teresa, hang back a minute.
We need to talk.
Listen, I'm sorry.
Don't be.
We've been on opposite sides before.
Yeah, doesn't make it any easier.
I always want to be on your side.
But it's not like we're arguing about what percent fat milk to buy.
Lives are at stake.
I've got to offer POTUS my best judgment.
Different opinions means more options to save those lives.
And always two percent less fat, same protein.
Admit it, it's watery.
You know, I understand why you all want to play it safe, especially poor Teresa, but the thing that's bugging me is, if that leak hadn't happened, I think that coalition had a pretty decent shot.
Did Teresa know about the coalition plan before tonight? Yeah, I gave her a heads-up earlier.
She didn't like it then, either.
- Huh.
- No.
Oh, Th-think about it the-the leak forced Dalton to get involved, and with the American media watching, of course he's gonna choose the American-focused plan, which is what she wanted.
No, Teresa can't be the leaker.
(SCOFFS) She's too much of a political animal to sabotage her own career.
With family is involved, people will surprise you.
Well, I can't worry about that now.
I have to figure out how to get those surrogates released with what meager cards I have.
- Good Lord.
- Hi! Is that yesterday's suit? Hmm? Yes.
I pulled an all-nighter working on the Peace Garden issue.
In a nutshell: we still don't have the money.
Wait, Blake, the reopening's tomorrow.
You think I don't know that? This isn't just some garden party.
It's a major public diplomacy event - with one of our closest allies.
- I know that! Okay, take it easy.
What's the problem? The problem is that no one owns the problem, the Peace Garden problem.
Yes, technically, Park Service owns it, but it's not their problem if Japan is asking for more than they can give.
Keeping Japan happy is State's problem, but it's not our problem if Park Services is having money problems.
Also, if I torch our relationship with a vital ally, then my quest to be anything more than an assistant in this office is ruined before it even begins, because somehow, I, with no money and no power, now own this problem.
I'm God's lonely man.
That's the problem.
Also, about five hours ago, a very nice man on the cleaning crew gave me a pill to help me stay awake, and now I'm having hand tremors.
I'm probably fine, right? I'm gonna get you a glass of cold water, okay? We're gonna figure this out.
Now what about the private sector? Japan came to us so late with the budget I've only been able to scare up a few minor commitments.
- Mm-hmm.
- Believe me, the irony is not lost on me that we are desperate for money while exorbitant gifts keep flowing in.
Yeah, well, if only you could sell that watch, right? That watch that watch.
You know, my life has been cursed ever since that watch came into it.
It's like The Monkey's Paw.
Or it's the answer to everything.
Okay.
- (LAUGHS) - What is Oh, Matt, you're a genius.
(GRUNTS) Thank you! Mm-hmm.
Okay, well, remember, do the deep breathing thing.
It really helps, man.
(ENGINE RUMBLING) Mr.
Usuki, we can't give you a one-on-one with the secretary for what is let's face it a bribe.
But if you become a donor for the Peace Garden, I-I'm sure she would thank you personally for your generosity.
(ENGINE SHUTS OFF) Donor? Uh, yes, your donation would go towards the upkeep of the garden for the next 50 years or so.
When I was a kid, my Grandma Chiaki would take me to our local Japanese garden.
We'd sit on this bench by the koi pond and pretend we were rich.
(CHUCKLES) - She was rad.
- BLAKE: Yeah.
So yeah.
Okay.
Rae, - take care of it.
- Oh, great.
I'll send over the documents, and, of course, your name will be listed among the other contributors on a placard outside the garden.
Among? Eh, I don't like that word.
My name is better off solo and in multiple locations.
Also, "placard" yuck.
Like, what am I, a dentist? I'm thinking a pagoda could work.
Um, Mr.
Usuki, I'm sorry, there are no names inside the garden, and there's no room for a pagoda.
Blake, I'm hearing a lot of "no," it's really bumming me out.
Oh (STAMMERS) I certainly wouldn't want to do that.
Look, I didn't get here to where I am today by plugging into negative energy.
Grandma Chiaki used to say to me, "One day, you are going to run this town, and your name is going to be everywhere.
" And you know what? She was right.
(LAUGHS) Yeah, well, Grandma Chiaki sounds rad, but, um, the fact is, your name can't be everywhere in the garden.
Then I can't be a donor.
Rae.
Take care of it.
That garden is a symbol of reconciliation in the aftermath of mankind's most horrific bloodbath, and you have the audacity to want to use it for self-promotion? You know, I'm shocked your ego even fits in this tiny, little car.
Shame on you.
No one talks to me like that.
Well, someone just did.
And I better not see this in my office again.
- Have a nice day.
- Wait.
That took integrity.
Grandma Chiaki respected integrity.
Stay there.
I'm gonna take a lap, think this over.
ELIZABETH: - Minister Phommapanya, the swift action your government has taken to control human trafficking within your borders is commendable.
Thank you, Madam Secretary.
Our eye is on Tier 1 status, and showing the world we value all human life.
I was hoping you felt that way.
Your recent crackdowns included a number of pregnant women.
Surrogates for hire.
Criminals.
Yes, according to your anti-trafficking laws, but only in very rare circumstances could surrogacy be considered human trafficking.
Did you call to lecture me on our legal system? Or to talk about the 36 American couples who've been exploiting our citizens, including your vice president? Let's focus on the latter, for now.
If your country releases the women all of whom are technically carrying American citizens my government would be very appreciative.
Appreciative enough to reinstate our aid package in full? Well, your aid package is not on the table.
But I can offer a statement of praise for your anti-trafficking efforts.
You criticize us for human trafficking then chastise us for how we handle it.
We have strict commercial surrogacy laws, and yet you want us to go against them because it suits your interests.
I realize how this looks, but my country has a great deal of respect for your nation.
Much of the aid your country provides goes to de-mining operations to remove the bombs that the U.
S.
left behind decades ago.
Bombs that still kill our people to this day, many of them children.
Minister Phommapanya Vong, I know that what we did over a period of years will be felt by your people for generations.
It was devastating.
The mess we left behind We do not have the moral high ground here, but there must be a way that you can help me help these people.
I mean perhaps as a humanitarian gesture.
I value our relationship with the U.
S.
, but there are those who think the ally we should be strengthening our ties with is China.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Morning.
Hey, you better get in on these ricotta blueberry pancakes before those monsters wake up and eat 'em all.
What happened? Who died? What? N-No one.
Everything's fine.
Just take a plate and go sit down, would you? Dad, any time something bad happens and you don't know how to tell me, there's usually some kind of breakfast involved.
- Busted.
- Ha! I knew it.
Sorry.
Go on.
All right.
This is a little bit of a weird one, but, um, here goes.
Your Russian friend, he Dmitri? found out about the White House bombings, and since he didn't have a way to contact you directly, he found another way to make sure you were all right.
It almost cost him his deal.
Wow.
I wasn't sure if I should tell you.
No.
I'm glad that you did.
I just really wasn't expecting to hear his name.
That's really sweet, you know? Well, I hope knowing how much he cares about you helps more than it hurts.
I, um, try not to, but I think about him a lot.
And I'm still very sorry for putting the family in this awkward situation in the first place.
Inadvertently.
You had no idea what you were getting into.
He did.
Look, I know that it seemed shady with the secret Potomac Lodge rendezvous, but we had something real.
Well, that's love.
It's uncomfortable for everybody who's not in it with you.
When I spoke to him, he basically said the same thing.
- You talked to him? - Yeah.
- How is he? - He's good.
I know that's not much of an update, but I was able to get approval for him to write you a letter.
Now, it doesn't change anything.
You still can't see him ever again.
Right.
Of-of course.
Yeah.
Absolutely.
I haven't read this, but an analyst has, to make sure there's no compromising information.
I'll burn after reading.
I got to go get dressed and go with Mom to the Peace Garden, but I'll stay home if you want me to.
No, I'm okay.
Thanks.
Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me this.
I just heard from Israel and the U.
K.
They're disappointed we're giving up on the coalition? That's the nice way to say it.
Well, I deserve it.
How's it going with Commerce and DoD? No potential inducements for Laos yet, but we'll keep at it.
Yeah.
So while we're working on our next moves, check that our embassy in Laos is doing everything that it can to provide support to the NGOs working on behalf of the surrogates, okay? I want to make sure that we are still doing what we can for them.
Yes, ma'am.
So scale of one to ten how hard has it been not to say anything to me about Teresa? After the story broke, you totally could've called me out.
Not hard at all.
I trust you.
There's a "but" in there.
I didn't give you the look.
I could feel it.
This is why I can't play poker.
I trust you.
But I doubt I would've trusted Teresa Hurst.
On the other hand, I admire that you had the heart to.
Thanks, Jay.
This garden depends on all of us for its cultivation, and it asks us to do the hard work of planting together.
Washington is honored to be the first stop on this deeply meaningful world tour.
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE) (INDISTINCT CHATTER) Mr.
Usuki.
Welcome.
Um, I-I noticed you hadn't signed the contracts yet.
Just want to make sure I'm getting everything I was promised, bro.
Oh, yes, actually, it's right here.
Um I know, it's smaller than we discussed.
It's perfect.
HENRY: This really is beautiful.
ELIZABETH: Hard to believe it's a by-product of war.
Makes you think about the power of apology.
Japan was defeated, then they went around the world building these gardens to acknowledge what they'd done.
Today they're more powerful than they were when they were an actual empire.
Humility makes space for new possibilities.
You should've given the speech.
Eh, professor mode.
No, you're right.
Did you know Laos, per capita, is the most heavily bombed country in history? Over a ten-year period, we dropped two million tons of ordnance on them.
And our leftover unexploded bombs have killed 50 of their citizens every year since then, and we've never owned that.
Could we? Probably not formally.
But an apologetic gesture, maybe? The American equivalent of a peace garden.
We'd need the right gardener.
Thank you for taking the time to see me.
Please, sit down.
I know you were behind the leak.
You were willing to risk a career you spent a lifetime building to save your unborn grandchild.
Wouldn't you do the same? I thank God I've never been put in such a difficult position.
Actually I think we're gonna need more of that clarity and audacity to get your grandchild home safely.
Go on.
If the vice president of the United States a concerned and soon-to-be grandmother were to lead a delegation of worried American families to Laos, it would humanize this issue.
Have you considered that putting public pressure on Laos could backfire? I have.
And that's why there's a part two.
Laos has been waiting nearly 50 years for some acknowledgement by the United States of the destruction that our bombing campaign wreaked on their country during the Vietnam War.
And so I'm the one who's going to apologize for America? Apologizing isn't weakness.
It's weakness that leads to the need to apologize.
And who knows it might get us something in return.
But what if it doesn't? Well, you are a gifted politician, Teresa.
And God knows, it's tough to show vulnerability as a woman in this business.
But the way through this is to be open with your humanity and clear in your convictions.
It's time to be a leader.
Ailani, I'm so glad you're okay.
Lyla, I'm okay.
She's okay.
TERESA: Good evening, everyone.
Thank you, President Khamtai Dao, Minister Phommapanya, for your understanding and cooperation with this sensitive issue.
There will be much to discuss with the Lao government in coming days.
But as a mother, and soon-to-be grandmother, I simply want to say that tonight is one of the happiest nights of my life.
ANCHOR: Later today the vice president will visit the war memorial in Vientiane, making her the highest-ranking U.
S.
official That's a Teresa I haven't seen before.
Kind of refreshing.
Well, she had a likability problem.
Now I kind of like her.
Which means now you're the one with a problem.
Those surrogates are safe, and the newborns will soon be going home with their families.
One day at a time, Russell.
One day at a time.
You say that now.
(CHUCKLES) (DOOR CLOSES) (MATTRESS SQUEAKS) - Thank you, Madam Secretary.
- Sure.
Ma'am.
Based on the diplomatic victory in Laos, we're getting word the U.
N.
is planning to host a summit on commercial surrogacy.
That is great news.
Really excellent work, ma'am.
Right back at you.
It was a team effort.
Wow.
I feel like - we should high five.
- Yeah, we definitely earned high fives.
- Uh, ma'am, there's a civics call for you.
- Yeah? Great.
Up high.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Barinov.
STEVIE: Hey, dude.
Believe it or not, the powers that be gave me permission to write you back.
It's a one-time only thing, so I better make it good.
First off, I'm fine, but more on that later.
Second, I miss you, too.