Madam Secretary (2014–…): Season 3, Episode 6 - The Statement - full transcript
When there's bombing at an Illinois coffee shop. The bomber is identified as being part of a Mosque. And the press reveals that Matt has ties to the same mosque. And he refuses to make a statement which Dalton's opponents use against him. Elizabeth learns that a Saudi funded the bombing and tries to get the Saudis to turn him over or arrest him but they refuse. And when Dimitri finds living in the US cut off from everything he holds dear, he freaks out ad is arrested. Henry is called in to see if he can help him.
WOMAN: Keep going,
I'll catch up to you.
(indistinct conversations)
(indistinct chatter)
Ay-tiff?
Ah-teef?
Uh, Atif.
Right, double espresso.
I'm sorry, sir.
Are you using this seat?
(gasps)
(explosion)
Good morning.
(camera shutters clicking)
I'd like to start with the
tragic bombing in Illinois.
Due to its domestic nature,
the FBI is leading the investigation.
Though the secretary took
over 50 calls this morning
from other governments
offering their support.
- (reporters clamoring)
- Richard.
Is it true that three months ago,
the Illinois bomber took
a trip to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, for his pilgrimage to Mecca.
For confirmation, I direct you
to FBI Director Doherty's
press conference in two hours.
Keira?
Is the FBI investigating a mosque,
the North Illinois Islamic Center,
for funding that trip?
Again, I urge you
to attend the FBI briefing.
I'll take non-bombing
related questions now.
One more.
Are you aware that State's own
speechwriter, Matthew Mahoney,
a Muslim, is also a member
of that mosque?
I don't have any information
along those lines
and I encourage you
to check your sources.
So, you deny
any knowledge of Mr.
Mahoney's affiliation
with the mosque in question?
I'm not denying anything,
but I am troubled
by your attempt to link a
public servant and a terrorist
based solely on their shared faith.
What about a receipt showing
that, six months ago,
Mr. Mahoney
donated money to the
same mosque at the center
of a terror investigation
for funding a domestic attack?
(reporters clamoring)
(phone ringing)
(cell phone ringing)
Hey, Justin!
Can you please reroute
all press inquiries to Public Affairs?
Absolutely, sir.
And, uh, my e-mail, man.
My inbox has got more spam
than a Monty Python sketch.
And-and listen, if-if they
ask about this donation thing,
just take a message.
What if the FBI calls?
That I'll take.
And if my mom calls,
get me immediately.
(Matt sighs)
How could you let The
Chronicle sideswipe me
with this donation thing?
When were you planning to tell me?
What, that I'm a half-Pakistani
agnostic cultural Muslim
who never practices and
sometimes donates money
to his mom's mosque?
Pretty sure you knew most of that.
Hey, the minute you found
out this guy was affiliated
with your congregation, you sh...
I don't have a congregation,
I have friends and family
who I was worried sick about
after a maniac bombed our hometown.
I'm sorry.
But you still should've told me.
Should I disclose the money I gave
my dad's Catholic church, too?
If a member of its
congregation sets off a bomb
in the United States, you bet.
Next time.
We're late for the staff meeting.
Lead on.
And confirmations are in
for your Global Development
meeting in Montreal.
So far you're meeting
with chef Jamie Oliver, to discuss
global children's nutrition,
the Saudi Foreign Minister Kasib Hajar,
exploring the future of solar power,
and George Clooney,
to stare deeply into his eyes.
And talk mass genocide.
(sighs)
Madam Secretary?
Well, how is taking a
selfie with George Clooney
going to assure Americans they're safe?
Ma'am...
Nobody's missed me at this conference
for the past two years.
Sorry for being late.
It's quite all right. You doing okay?
Fine. Uh, I got waylaid
writing your bombing remarks,
but they're almost done.
Do you think that you're the
right person to write those?
Why wouldn't I be?
Because there was a bombing
in your hometown, Matt.
Uh... thank you, ma'am,
but I-I really am okay.
DAISY: Well, I think
the statement should
address the issue at hand.
What issue?
That there's a Muslim American working
on the seventh floor
of the State Department?
No.
It's his affiliation
with the same mosque
- that the bomber attended.
- She said no, dude.
- Don't "dude" me.
- Okay, you know what?
Let's give this issue a
chance to settle down, okay?
In the meantime,
Daisy, tell me that the optics
of me going to Montreal
instead of standing by
my fellow Americans in D.C.
- are terrible.
- But they're not.
I mean, honestly, I'd be more worried
about offending the
Saudi Foreign Minister.
NADINE: The bombing investigation's
with the FBI, ma'am.
There's nothing any of
us can do right now.
ELIZABETH: All right.
Jay, dust off
every brilliant but underfunded
solution to global blight
that State has ever had.
If I'm going to be
sipping champagne with Bill Gates,
I want ten great ideas that
I can convince him were his.
You got it.
- Matt?
- Yeah?
Got a minute?
Sure.
I don't need to take the day off.
Okay.
I didn't realize I'd offered.
Then what is this?
The big "How are you doing?
Is there anything I
can help with" talk?
More the
"I just want you to know
that I'm on your side" talk.
But, you know, those other things, too.
I'm sorry.
I'm just... worried about my mom.
- Have you heard from her?
- We've talked.
She's, uh, volunteering
at the mosque now,
which is a scary thought today.
Or tomorrow.
Media scrutiny over this donation
will blow over with
the next news cycle.
In an election year?
Anyone of substance
will dismiss the story.
And what about the rest of the country?
Let's just wait and see.
Would you like the day off?
See?
I knew you dragged me in here
to be all kind and considerate.
Honestly,
I'd rather stay busy.
Then get back to work.
REPORTER: Details now
emerging in this morning's
suicide bombing in an Elmhurst,
Illinois coffee shop.
Authorities confirm 21 dead,
including the bomber, Atif Al-Mutaya,
a native-born American
citizen of Lebanese decent.
Local to the area.
Here's a box of cords I have,
maybe something in here will work.
...FBI found a handwritten
note pledging loyalty to ISIS.
Uh, yeah, thanks but
these aren't gonna, uh,
restore your Wi-Fi connectivity.
...or how the bomber was radicalized...
Okay, what will?
Well, I set up a wired network
connection to test your modem,
uh, checked for the valid IP address,
and then reset the network circuit.
I don't need to hear your TED talk,
I just need the thing to
play more than four channels.
- Uh, maybe a wireless repeater.
- A what?
I just want to press a
button and make it work.
I'm trying to explain...
I don't want an explanation.
I want a solution.
You can get a repeater
at any electronics store.
So I need to get a new piece of
equipment, which you don't have.
Can't you do anything?
I really love this.
...was a lone-wolf attack,
and not part of a larger
- If I'm supposed to just do it myself,
- coordinated strike,
why do they even send you?
- but they stress...
- (woman screaming)
MAN: Our government
has an ethical duty
to hit those responsible
for the bombing hard.
The question is how?
We've targeted strategic
ISIS positions for years.
Oh, maybe it's time to clean
house once and for all.
But you mean kill civilians.
Aren't we then guilty of
using non-combatants as a means,
rather than an end?
That's an interesting point.
But I'm not sure
that Kant would agree with
your take on the
categorical imperative.
Okay, that's enough for today.
As always, please submit
your response papers online
before the end of week
so I don't do anything crazy
like make plans for the weekend.
Dr. Henry McCord?
Special Agent Paul Ross, FBI.
- May I have a word?
- Regarding?
I'm the case officer for your
former asset, Dmitri Petrov.
What's the charge?
Malicious destruction of property.
A Class 6 felony in Arizona.
A year in jail, minimum.
HENRY: And what sparked it?
Besides being overqualified
for a job he's clearly not crazy about.
That or anything else.
It's safe to say that his
transition isn't going smoothly.
I need your help.
I haven't seen or spoken
to Dmitri in six months.
That's protocol, I don't
know what you think I can do.
Well, I figured if you got
to know him pretty well
when he was your asset,
I was hoping you might be
able to give me some insight
in what could be
causing him to act out.
You mean besides
living in a strange city
under a new identity, and
being completely isolated
from everyone in his former life?
And I'm assuming that
includes his sister, Talia.
Oh, he hasn't seen or had contact
with Talia in two years.
She's still in Moscow.
Still believing that
her only living relative
was tortured to death by the GRU.
He knows that she's alive,
but he can't see her
or speak to her ever again.
I... it's a lot.
It's no wonder he's struggling.
Yeah, the, uh, the loneliness
is getting to him.
This isn't an isolated incident.
Dr. McCord, I'm afraid he's
about to blow his cover,
in which case he becomes
a liability to himself
and the country.
It's a Hail Mary,
but I thought maybe seeing you,
a familiar face, someone
with whom he has history,
might help.
It's a complicated history.
Well, like I said,
it's a Hail Mary.
HENRY: I just think
colleges would love to hear
about something unique to you.
You mean unique to Mom and you.
Hey, it's your life, too.
You can either learn
to embrace it or not.
Oh, I vote for embracing it.
- Hi, Mom.
- Oh, Noodle.
Don't go away to college.
Stay home and work at the yogurt shop.
Okay, this is freaking me out more
than the terrorist bombing.
Come on, Stevie's gonna
be moving out soon.
You can't leave me
alone with all these boys.
I haven't even gotten in yet.
Not that I will on my own merit.
We were just brainstorming
college essay topics.
The prompt is, "Write about a
significant event in your life""
I want to write about something I did,
not something that happened to
me while I stood in your shadow.
Of course not.
Write about one of your own interests.
Maybe something about fashion
or design.
Oh, my God.
It's right in front of me.
I'll write about the time
my makeup tutorial got
250,000 hits on YouTube.
You could totally expand on that.
That's an idea.
That could go in so many directions.
Okay, this is good, I feel better.
I'll start an outline and
I'll have a draft for you guys
before Dad gets back from
his conference in Phoenix.
Hey, look, if her essay really stinks,
it's her guidance counselor's
job to tell her, right?
We're not touching that one.
So Phoenix... you're really going?
Yeah, if Dmitri's cover's blown,
it could cause a lot of
problems, not just for him.
You know, don't-don't
take this the wrong way,
but I just, I can't really believe
that with all the people
that the FBI and the DIA have
at their disposal, the only one
who can handle this job is you.
- Is there a right way to take that?
- Yes.
I need you... here, now.
Our daughter is about to write
her life-defining essay
on eye shadow.
You can't, you can't
just leave me alone
with college and the State Department.
State Department? How could I...
You know what, by the way,
I am really mad at you.
- You're mad at me?
- Yes, for not getting this.
For making me spell it out.
You know, you, with all your
heightened-intelligence
skill and all that.
- Really.
- Are you finished?
And you don't need to go all the way
to Arizona for a hug.
Now I'm done.
(elevator bell dings)
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Good morning, ma'am.
This looks like more on
the bombing in Illinois.
Yes, ma'am.
Uh, because of Matt's connection,
I've asked the FBI to
liaise with me directly.
It turns out Atif Al-Mutaya
wasn't just sightseeing in Mecca.
He studied bomb-making
at an ISIS-affiliated
madrassa near there.
Please tell me that the mosque
Matt goes to isn't implicated.
Their role in the
bomber's radicalization
is still unclear.
But the Saudi government's is not.
The FBI found out who
funds the madrassa
that gave Al-Mutaya the training,
the material support, and inspiration
to carry out his attack.
It's an humanitarian NGO
whose top donor is Majeed Amjad.
That name isn't familiar.
He's a top advisor to the Saudi
Minister of Education.
High in the government
of our most important
oil provider, arms customer,
and ally in the Gulf.
Technically, Amjad is not
a member of the government,
but the minister does not
make a move without him.
Apart from his nationality,
which makes Majeed Amjad untouchable,
the fact that his cousin
is the foreign minister
makes him uranium.
How solid it this information?
You could chip a tooth on it.
Last year, the Saudi government
skirted its connection
to the dirty bomb.
I'm not letting this one slide.
Not this time.
Good morning, Madam Secretary.
Coffee?
What I really need is
the Saudi ambassador.
Now!
BAILIFF: Alexander,
Mironov, you're free to go.
(door clangs open)
Who posted bail?
Your fairy godmother.
Alexander.
Ma'am, Prince Asim,
the Saudi ambassador, is here.
Show him in.
Madam Secretary, the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
strongly rejects the allegations
your government leveled
against Majeed Amjad.
I have a direct line from Amjad
to 21 dead Americans.
You give me one good reason why
I shouldn't put Saudi
Arabia on the List
of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
You're threatening to
cease trading arms to us?
Yes.
And cripple your military
unless you bring
Majeed Amjad to justice.
Madam Secretary, my country is a proven
and rigorous counter-terrorism ally
that provided, among other things,
crucial information that brought
Hizb Al-Shahid's leader to justice.
And yet, Wahhabists wield
a strong influence
in your government and inspire
ISIS fighters throughout the Gulf
to marginalize your Shia
minority and attack the West.
If that is really what you
and President Dalton think...
No, those are facts.
Then I only have to wait a month
to meet our next dance partner.
(chuckles) Oh...
you mean Fred Reynolds,
who wants to turn away
from the international community?
Or-or Sam Evans, who bears a strong
distrust of the entire Middle East?
Believe me, compared to the
other presidential candidates,
we're the best date in town.
Both you and I know
your boldness is misplaced.
Hardly. The U.S. is moving away
from being a net importer of
oil to being a net exporter.
Until then, we provide most of the oil
to your biggest trade partners in Asia.
Or we could stop.
And risk losing those
customers to us forever?
I mean, you'd really shoot your economy
in the foot over one consultant?
You'd really destroy the
U.S.-Saudi relationship
and send the American
economy into a tailspin
right before an election?
But, as a formality,
I will bring your request to the king.
It's the least I can
do for an old friend.
NEWS ANCHOR: Presidential
hopefuls Governor Sam Evans
and Senator Fred Reynolds
are clamoring for action
from the Dalton administration today.
This Matt Mahoney story
just keeps getting bigger, doesn't it?
ANCHOR: Well, it wouldn't be
an election year if it didn't.
- Let's take a look.
- REPORTER: Senator Reynolds!
What do you make of
the allegations leveled
against Secretary
McCord's speech writer?
I'm more interested
in hearing from him.
His silence is an insult
to the victims' families.
If I were Dalton, I'd make him talk.
Matt Mahoney has the highest
security clearance in the land.
Yet does not feel the
need to deny his ties
to the Illinois bomber.
It's very interesting that a Muslim
under FBI investigation
gets to keep his mouth shut,
keep his job,
and keep endangering our safety.
(supporters clamoring)
I call on Dalton to suspend him
until we know what's going on.
I want to know what's going on.
What's going on?
CROWD (chanting): What's going on?
What's going on? What's going on?
So how should Dalton
handle Matt Mahoney?
It's metastasizing.
What are we gonna do about it?
What's going on?
Interesting choice of greeting.
It's the top trending
hashtag, and soon to be
keyed into the side of my car.
I figured I'm make it work for me.
Okay, I'm gonna go.
What's she worried about now?
Everything.
Always.
How was your interview with the FBI?
Fine, in and out in a half an hour.
I'm actually here to talk
to you about something else.
Do you know why Russell Jackson
called me into his office?
I was not informed of this meeting.
I knew it. He's firing me.
That's impossible.
We're a few weeks out
from the election,
and it's neck and neck
If it gives Dalton a
spike in the polls,
Russell will not hesitate to gut me.
The accusations are groundless.
That man is many things,
but reactionary is not one of them.
Besides, State's not his jurisdiction.
If anyone's gonna fire you,
it'll be the secretary...
or me.
Thanks.
I find that oddly comforting.
Okay, Alexander Mironov,
you're all set.
Your court date is next month.
I found some legal aid
who'll represent you pro Bono.
I will pay you back for bail.
That's not necessary.
I don't want to owe you anything.
Now I'm kicking television screens,
so they sent you to find out why, huh?
I have a hunch it's more
than just feeling isolated.
And your visit's supposed to cure me.
Come on, I'm here as a friend.
I was a captain in the Russian army.
A systems analyst with a
masters in political science.
I had my sister, Talia, real friends.
I had a community in Russia
and in Washington.
I had a place in the world,
a path forward.
I can't imagine how hard
all this has been on you.
You're right, you can't.
A-A woman tried to flirt
with me the other night
at a bar, and for a second I-I
felt something real between us.
And then she asked me where I was from,
and I had to start giving her
Alexander Mironov's made-up history.
You know, I ju... I couldn't do it.
I just... That's what
the last six months
has been like for me.
You know, what's the point?
Listen, just because
you have a cover story
doesn't diminish who you are.
So what? The world gets more dangerous,
and all I can do is watch it on TV.
The bombing... the woman
who pressed charges
said you were watching coverage of it.
Is that what set you off?
Look, if I came to you and I said that,
that you had to stop helping the world,
how would you react?
Take me back with you.
To D.C.
With my knowledge of the Russian army
and my expertise in computers,
I-I can be valuable. I can help.
Please. Without this,
I don't know what
I have left to live for.
(door opens)
What's this?
You need backup?
I didn't bring her. She met me.
I act then the White
House imposes its will
on my department.
I want you to write a speech.
That's it?
Wait, is it, is it for the president?
You wish.
You'll deliver it.
A public statement
personally condemning
radical Islam and this latest
sickening act of terror.
Get out in front of the cameras,
say your piece, and this goes away.
It's that simple.
No.
No?
No to what?
I'm offering you a chance to put down
this offensive donation story
once and for all.
Hell, you could even move
some people in the process.
You are uniquely qualified
to speak on behalf of a people
who don't get much
of a voice these days.
And, yeah, does it serve the president?
You bet your ass it does, but
it also serves your country.
You, of all people, should get this.
The fear mongers won't
be any more convinced
whether I say something or not.
Well, then, make a statement, man.
If not for them, for
you, for your people.
For the sanity of this country.
Nadine, help me out here.
Mr. Mahoney has a point.
Do you two...
comprehend the mountains I have to move
between now and November?!
Not to mention,
investigating and preventing
actual terrorists from
slaughtering Americans
at home, where they work
and play.
Do you know what silence looks like?
It looks like support!
Or do you actually support jihadists?
That's what the people
will want to know,
Matthew Asad Mahoney.
(door slams shut)
Russell, we need to talk.
(sighs) You know I have
a heart condition.
Better lay off the coffee.
(sighs) You sound like my wife.
You ignore her calls, too?
I've been busy.
Thanks to your mute speechwriter,
I've become the chum
for the media's feeding frenzy.
Well, part of his
civil liberties include
maintaining his silence.
If you don't bring him to heel now,
Evans'll get elected.
There'll be no civil
liberties left to defend.
Or Reynolds will win
and hit the mute button on
the entire State Department.
How about we stop persecuting
innocent Americans
for the Illinois bombing
when we have the real culprit finally
within our grasp?
King Hani's office
made it quite clear.
Majeed Amjad is nowhere near our grasp.
You spoke with the Saudis?
Well, someone had to reassure them
after you threatened
their national security.
Doesn't Amjad threaten ours?
Look, I'd love to roast
the bastard on a spit,
but not by annihilating
a 70-year alliance.
With one of the main
influencers of outcomes
in Syria and Iraq.
Russell, I know.
Yes, and we both know
there's a better chance
of resolving those quagmires
on Conrad's watch.
How about the chance to leave a legacy
where we stand up to a government that
criminalizes dissent
and-and practices gender apartheid?
A government that
sabotages our security.
Either way, we need four more years
and for that, we need votes.
You're worried about the
number of Americans
who lose manufacturing jobs if
I halt arms sales to the Saudis.
About nine billion in sales.
That's a lot of votes
for Reynolds or Evans.
Listen, I appreciate this doesn't
jive with your new foreign policy.
Our new policy was never
about short-term strategic gains.
We designed it to rock the boat.
We need to take a stand.
You're right...
but not today.
- Just let it slide.
- Russell...
And please, there is no
going to Conrad on this.
He's in the Oval Office right now,
consoling the Illinois
bombing victims' families.
It's not the time.
(chuckles)
When will it be the time?
Just not today.
Madam Secretary.
Can I help you, Ms...
Butler. Victoria Butler.
Ah, Victoria.
This is Cara.
My daughter. My baby.
Ma'am, please, stay with the group.
It's-it's all right.
Give us a minute, Lucy, will you?
She's my youngest.
My baby.
(whispering): I'm so very sorry.
It... she had just
gotten her driver's license.
And it-it-it was
the first time she was allowed
to take the car out alone.
I mean, just to get some coffee.
And here I was worried
that she was gonna get
into an accident.
But I have been reading
in the news that the FBI
is investigating a Saudi citizen
who's funding the attack?
And they're saying that he's
a government consultant.
Unfortunately, it's true.
Well, what are you doing about it?
When I asked the president,
he said that the guilty parties
would be held accountable,
given that the Saudis have been
linked to attacks in the past
and nothing has been done...
Now that is my little girl.
I want them to pay.
When can that happen, Madam Secretary?
Do you know?
Soon, I hope.
I wish I could be more specific.
And I know that's a useless thing
to say to you right now.
(indistinct conversation)
(knocking at door)
Jay.
Do you have any plans for this evening?
Going home to my wife and child,
whom I love very much.
In your dreams, Whitman.
I'm asking you to go out with Matt.
He's in his office right now,
channeling Ingmar Bergman.
Yeah, he told me about how
he left it with Russell.
Kind of seemed like he
wanted to be alone.
Did he say that to you?
Well, no, but...
See, this is why
male bonding was invented.
To free those bottled feelings,
perhaps over beer or televised sports.
My specialties: beer, sports and...
feelings.
Thank you.
(chuckles)
ELIZABETH: Is it bad that I made
Blake cancel my trip to Montreal?
I just couldn't face
the Saudi Foreign Minister.
Uh, well, what does Nadine say?
You know, uh...
decorum and all.
She came around.
Honestly, Blake took it harder.
He was looking forward to Lake Como
travel recommendations
from George Clooney.
So, we both killed some dreams today.
Dmitri?
I was afraid to ask.
Okay, tell me if this is crazy,
but is there any possible way
that Dmitri could come back
and work for U.S. Intelligence?
We promised
the Russians we would
never use Dmitri as an asset again.
But even if we went around their back,
it wouldn't take long for GRU
to find out.
Yeah, I pretty much implied that today.
Tell me why we signed up
for these jobs again?
I don't know how I'm
gonna face him tomorrow.
I'm-I'm sorry I can't do more.
I do have one more question
and it's another long shot.
BARTENDER: Here you go.
MAN: Thanks.
SPORTS ANNOUNCER:
...field goal attempt.
If they can do it...
They're still down, huh?
- Guess I didn't miss much.
- Hi.
JAY: This field goal should tie it up.
(Matt sighs)
SPORTS ANNOUNCER: And the ball is up.
- And it is no good...
- Wow. That was exciting.
Should we call it?
How about another round?
I feel like we haven't...
I feel like we barely talked.
Okay.
Oh, my God.
Are you having another baby?
What? No.
No.
(exhales)
I just... I don't know.
I just... I want to see
how you're holding up.
All right?
Fine.
How are you?
Come on, man, don't make me ask twice.
(sighs)
Um...
I know they're after
you to make a statement.
Come on.
Et Tu, Jay.
Et what?
- We're-We're just talking here.
- Right.
You're the, uh, jihadist from the news.
Hey, hey.
- He's not a jihadist.
- Hey, guys,
- we were just leaving, all right?
- No way.
I want to know what's going on.
- Back off, huh?
- Yeah, Mohammed.
- Huh? What's going on?
- Hey, hey, hey.
Go back to the frat, huh?
You're done.
You're done.
We have ten witnesses who'll say
those guys absolutely started it.
Look, I'm really sorry about the fight,
but I'm not pressing charges.
- You can do whatever you want.
- The guys are regulars.
- The bartender knows their names.
- Just drop it.
Oh my God, what happened?
It's a long story.
BLAKE: What, a sample sale
at Brooks Brothers?
A trio of drunk
Evans' supporters picked a fight
with us last night.
MATT: Actually, they
picked a fight with me.
Jay defended my honor.
But he won't pursue it,
even though he's the
victim of a hate crime.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God,
Jay...
you didn't say it was this bad.
Good news is is it could
have been a lot worse.
JAY: Sure, they could've had guns.
But, hey, you know,
thanks for organizing
our man date.
I suggested you get a beer,
not join fight club.
I knew it.
She sent you.
I was just concerned.
Yeah, great.
Thanks for getting me
punched in the face.
Could everybody just move long?
This is my desk.
Right.
Matt, may I speak with you a minute?
I know the last couple of days
have been very, very rough for you
and the investigation is...
Wait, is this another
talk about the statement?
- Seriously?
- A-Actually, yes.
Okay, Nadine, thanks, but, uh,
I can't anymore with the lectures.
Actually...
there's something I want to say to you.
To everyone, act... come with me.
Daisy, Blake, uh, can you meet
me in the conference room?
Daisy, get Jay.
Blake, bring the secretary in.
"Bring her in"?
Like bagels?
ELIZABETH: Was it somebody's birthday?
I love morning cake.
Whoa, what the hell happened?
I'll tell you later.
Ma'am, may I have your
permission to address the staff?
Sure.
In the last
48 hours, I saw my hometown bombed
and my childhood mosque investigated.
I've been accused
of plotting against my country.
I've been mentally and
physically harassed.
That alone is bad enough.
But the worst thing...
is the grief my own colleagues
and countrymen gave me,
not just about my donation,
but about why I won't say
more to defend myself.
So, here it is.
The big reveal.
The answer to what
you've all been wondering.
Of course, I'm just
as horrified as everyone
that a deranged man
blew up a coffee shop.
I mean, how could
anyone ever doubt that?
But I'm not saying anything
publicly or otherwise,
because I shouldn't have to.
My condemnation should just be a given.
When a white man shoots up
a black church, no one demands
that white men across the
country denounce the attack.
It's understood
that the perpetrator is on the fringe.
That every American
decries the tragedy.
But somehow,
when an Islamic extremist
commits an atrocity,
every Muslim is implicated.
All my years of public service,
every ounce of decency I've ever shown
is erased
by other people's fear and revenge.
I mean, do you want to
know what my donation
to the mosque was earmarked for?
A playground for
children of the members.
And do you know what they
unveiled last month?
A playground.
(sighs)
It's true.
The FBI sent over their report.
That's...
why I wanted to have a word with you.
The bomber was radicalized
in Saudi Arabia, not here.
So-so no one at the mosque had
anything to do with the attack.
Absolutely not.
Thank you.
No one should force you to speak.
I'll make sure Russell knows that.
I'm sorry, Matt.
I didn't realize.
Me, neither.
I'm not exactly a
poster child for Allah.
I bury my ethnicity
and religion because...
...I don't want to deal
with the assumptions.
But it's who I am.
I'm tired of denying it.
Now I have an opportunity
to confront that on my own terms.
So... I'm taking the
rest of the week off.
By all means.
I want to take my mom
to Friday prayers.
I think she'd like that.
I'd like that.
Ma'am.
Blake, are you ready to get your copy
of Ocean's Eleven signed?
Montreal's back on?
♪
The Saudis were very grateful
to be put back on your schedule.
Yeah, thanks, in no small part,
to the extra media
attention it gets them.
Ma'am, are you sure
this is a good idea?
We'll see.
Minister Hajar.
Madam Secretary.
I am glad you changed your mind.
The summit wouldn't have
been the same without you.
There's still much good our countries
can accomplish together.
Perhaps in the realm of solar energy?
I hope this is a sign
that we can leave the past
behind and forge a new road.
I look forward to seeing
where it will lead.
Before we move onto our
important discussions,
I thought I'd add one
more thing to our docket.
ELIZABETH: Victoria...
Minister Hajar.
My name is Victoria Butler.
My 16-year-old daughter
Cara was murdered
by the bomber who received
funds from your cousin
and consultant to your cabinet,
Majeed Amjad.
Secretary McCord told me
you could help get
justice for my daughter.
(bell rings)
(country song playing on radio)
(phone rings)
CLERK: Mesa Pizza, how can I help you?
♪ Today is merely over ♪
And this is a... a delivery, right?
♪ Walk a quarter ♪
Take it easy.
(country song continues playing)
(sighs)
(buzzes)
- MAN: Who is it?
- Alexander Mironov.
(door buzzes)
(indistinct chatter)
Hey, Dmitri.
You remember Special Agent Ross.
Been a while. Thank you for coming.
My release terms force me to come here
for my psychiatrist visits
or I risk going back to jail.
Very clever.
And, uh, probably a good idea since
you're not letting me
back into intelligence.
You're... going without me.
That's right. I couldn't
get you back in. But we will
be able to keep in better touch.
We set up a dead drop number
for your use with Dr. McCord.
For my next phone call from jail.
Come on, Dmitri.
I know things seem hopeless right now.
Honestly, I can't imagine
living like you. Cut off
from my country, my career
and especially my family, but...
Please leave. You're only making
my psychiatrist's job harder.
Look, I can't give you
professional fulfillment.
But I can give you the
chance to find connection.
♪
- Talia?
- (speaks Russian)
- Talia!
- (laughs)
- (exhales)
- Elizabeth worked with immigration
to fast-track Talia
for a temporary visa
to stay in the U.S.
In a few months, it'll be
permanent under a new name,
Dina Mironov.
Her cover is...
well, she's your sister.
- You don't have to lie about that.
- (laughter, sniffling)
You're very lucky to have
Dr. McCord in your corner.
(laughter)
(indistinct chatter)
DAISY: That was incredible, ma'am.
I had a hard time
concentrating on solar grids
after watching Minister Hajar
react to Victoria Butler.
We're not done yet.
Engage phase two.
All right, everyone.
Let's get set up for the
secretary's next meeting.
W-With George Clooney.
(excited chatter)
(speaks Arabic)
Never, in the course
of our nations' friendship,
has our country been treated
- with such disrespect.
- Or
been granted such an opportunity
to prove their progressivism.
Your king sent you to this summit
to show the world Saudi's
cooperative side.
And you ambushed me.
I know. I know it looks
that way now, yeah.
But if you were to return home
and prosecute Majeed Amjad,
well, the image of the Saudi official
moved by the grieving American mother
would do wonders for
your king's narrative.
That's a rather cynical way
to get what you want, Madam Secretary.
If you do nothing,
I promise you, I will not rest
until I bring Amjad to justice.
I can't put your country
on the State Sponsors
of Terrorism list,
but after the election, win or lose,
I will still be the secretary of state
for at least a couple of months
and I will target Amjad
individually with the harshest
economic and travel sanctions
from not only the U.S. but
also our European allies
who suffer Islamic terror attacks.
As you know,
those sanctions have a...
trickle-down effect,
making any family member
of the sanctioned persona non grata
throughout the West.
Go home and tell your cousin that.
♪
(crickets chirping)
ELIZABETH: So? Come on,
how is Ali's essay? Be honest.
On a scale of Harvard
to living in our basement.
(sighs)
She's used her YouTube
tutorial as a metaphor
for the democratization of media,
third-wave feminism
and the Internet as virtual university.
W-What?
A-All that in...
500 words or less?
I never knew...
smoky eyes could be so poignant.
It's really good.
And now I'm getting misty-eyed.
You're very cute
when you're overwhelmed
by intelligence.
Speaking of, thanks again
for helping with Dmitri.
Of course.
Oh, wait. Hold that thought.
ANCHOR: ...Hani of Saudi Arabia
placed Majeed Amjad,
a top consultant
of his minister of education,
under arrest tonight for funding
the Illinois bomb attack
carried out by Atif Al-Mutaya.
All this after a moving meeting
at the Global Development
Assembly in Montreal
between the Saudi Foreign
Minister Kasib Hajar
and Victoria Butler,
mother to 16-year-old
bombing victim, Cara Butler.
Think anybody notices my cowlick?
It's, like, waving at the cameras.
Take the win, babe.
...mosque suspected of radicalizing
Al-Mutaya, of any wrongdoing.
Specifically, Matthew A. Mahoney,
Secretary of State Elizabeth
McCord's speechwriter,
whose donation to the
mosque was under scrutiny
by investigators, media outlets
and presidential hopefuls
Sam Evans and Fred Reynolds.
♪
REPORTER: Mr. Mahoney,
why are you here on a Friday?
Are you taking a leave of absence?
What does the secretary
say about your innocence?
Mr. Mahoney, would you
like to make a statement?
I'll catch up to you.
(indistinct conversations)
(indistinct chatter)
Ay-tiff?
Ah-teef?
Uh, Atif.
Right, double espresso.
I'm sorry, sir.
Are you using this seat?
(gasps)
(explosion)
Good morning.
(camera shutters clicking)
I'd like to start with the
tragic bombing in Illinois.
Due to its domestic nature,
the FBI is leading the investigation.
Though the secretary took
over 50 calls this morning
from other governments
offering their support.
- (reporters clamoring)
- Richard.
Is it true that three months ago,
the Illinois bomber took
a trip to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, for his pilgrimage to Mecca.
For confirmation, I direct you
to FBI Director Doherty's
press conference in two hours.
Keira?
Is the FBI investigating a mosque,
the North Illinois Islamic Center,
for funding that trip?
Again, I urge you
to attend the FBI briefing.
I'll take non-bombing
related questions now.
One more.
Are you aware that State's own
speechwriter, Matthew Mahoney,
a Muslim, is also a member
of that mosque?
I don't have any information
along those lines
and I encourage you
to check your sources.
So, you deny
any knowledge of Mr.
Mahoney's affiliation
with the mosque in question?
I'm not denying anything,
but I am troubled
by your attempt to link a
public servant and a terrorist
based solely on their shared faith.
What about a receipt showing
that, six months ago,
Mr. Mahoney
donated money to the
same mosque at the center
of a terror investigation
for funding a domestic attack?
(reporters clamoring)
(phone ringing)
(cell phone ringing)
Hey, Justin!
Can you please reroute
all press inquiries to Public Affairs?
Absolutely, sir.
And, uh, my e-mail, man.
My inbox has got more spam
than a Monty Python sketch.
And-and listen, if-if they
ask about this donation thing,
just take a message.
What if the FBI calls?
That I'll take.
And if my mom calls,
get me immediately.
(Matt sighs)
How could you let The
Chronicle sideswipe me
with this donation thing?
When were you planning to tell me?
What, that I'm a half-Pakistani
agnostic cultural Muslim
who never practices and
sometimes donates money
to his mom's mosque?
Pretty sure you knew most of that.
Hey, the minute you found
out this guy was affiliated
with your congregation, you sh...
I don't have a congregation,
I have friends and family
who I was worried sick about
after a maniac bombed our hometown.
I'm sorry.
But you still should've told me.
Should I disclose the money I gave
my dad's Catholic church, too?
If a member of its
congregation sets off a bomb
in the United States, you bet.
Next time.
We're late for the staff meeting.
Lead on.
And confirmations are in
for your Global Development
meeting in Montreal.
So far you're meeting
with chef Jamie Oliver, to discuss
global children's nutrition,
the Saudi Foreign Minister Kasib Hajar,
exploring the future of solar power,
and George Clooney,
to stare deeply into his eyes.
And talk mass genocide.
(sighs)
Madam Secretary?
Well, how is taking a
selfie with George Clooney
going to assure Americans they're safe?
Ma'am...
Nobody's missed me at this conference
for the past two years.
Sorry for being late.
It's quite all right. You doing okay?
Fine. Uh, I got waylaid
writing your bombing remarks,
but they're almost done.
Do you think that you're the
right person to write those?
Why wouldn't I be?
Because there was a bombing
in your hometown, Matt.
Uh... thank you, ma'am,
but I-I really am okay.
DAISY: Well, I think
the statement should
address the issue at hand.
What issue?
That there's a Muslim American working
on the seventh floor
of the State Department?
No.
It's his affiliation
with the same mosque
- that the bomber attended.
- She said no, dude.
- Don't "dude" me.
- Okay, you know what?
Let's give this issue a
chance to settle down, okay?
In the meantime,
Daisy, tell me that the optics
of me going to Montreal
instead of standing by
my fellow Americans in D.C.
- are terrible.
- But they're not.
I mean, honestly, I'd be more worried
about offending the
Saudi Foreign Minister.
NADINE: The bombing investigation's
with the FBI, ma'am.
There's nothing any of
us can do right now.
ELIZABETH: All right.
Jay, dust off
every brilliant but underfunded
solution to global blight
that State has ever had.
If I'm going to be
sipping champagne with Bill Gates,
I want ten great ideas that
I can convince him were his.
You got it.
- Matt?
- Yeah?
Got a minute?
Sure.
I don't need to take the day off.
Okay.
I didn't realize I'd offered.
Then what is this?
The big "How are you doing?
Is there anything I
can help with" talk?
More the
"I just want you to know
that I'm on your side" talk.
But, you know, those other things, too.
I'm sorry.
I'm just... worried about my mom.
- Have you heard from her?
- We've talked.
She's, uh, volunteering
at the mosque now,
which is a scary thought today.
Or tomorrow.
Media scrutiny over this donation
will blow over with
the next news cycle.
In an election year?
Anyone of substance
will dismiss the story.
And what about the rest of the country?
Let's just wait and see.
Would you like the day off?
See?
I knew you dragged me in here
to be all kind and considerate.
Honestly,
I'd rather stay busy.
Then get back to work.
REPORTER: Details now
emerging in this morning's
suicide bombing in an Elmhurst,
Illinois coffee shop.
Authorities confirm 21 dead,
including the bomber, Atif Al-Mutaya,
a native-born American
citizen of Lebanese decent.
Local to the area.
Here's a box of cords I have,
maybe something in here will work.
...FBI found a handwritten
note pledging loyalty to ISIS.
Uh, yeah, thanks but
these aren't gonna, uh,
restore your Wi-Fi connectivity.
...or how the bomber was radicalized...
Okay, what will?
Well, I set up a wired network
connection to test your modem,
uh, checked for the valid IP address,
and then reset the network circuit.
I don't need to hear your TED talk,
I just need the thing to
play more than four channels.
- Uh, maybe a wireless repeater.
- A what?
I just want to press a
button and make it work.
I'm trying to explain...
I don't want an explanation.
I want a solution.
You can get a repeater
at any electronics store.
So I need to get a new piece of
equipment, which you don't have.
Can't you do anything?
I really love this.
...was a lone-wolf attack,
and not part of a larger
- If I'm supposed to just do it myself,
- coordinated strike,
why do they even send you?
- but they stress...
- (woman screaming)
MAN: Our government
has an ethical duty
to hit those responsible
for the bombing hard.
The question is how?
We've targeted strategic
ISIS positions for years.
Oh, maybe it's time to clean
house once and for all.
But you mean kill civilians.
Aren't we then guilty of
using non-combatants as a means,
rather than an end?
That's an interesting point.
But I'm not sure
that Kant would agree with
your take on the
categorical imperative.
Okay, that's enough for today.
As always, please submit
your response papers online
before the end of week
so I don't do anything crazy
like make plans for the weekend.
Dr. Henry McCord?
Special Agent Paul Ross, FBI.
- May I have a word?
- Regarding?
I'm the case officer for your
former asset, Dmitri Petrov.
What's the charge?
Malicious destruction of property.
A Class 6 felony in Arizona.
A year in jail, minimum.
HENRY: And what sparked it?
Besides being overqualified
for a job he's clearly not crazy about.
That or anything else.
It's safe to say that his
transition isn't going smoothly.
I need your help.
I haven't seen or spoken
to Dmitri in six months.
That's protocol, I don't
know what you think I can do.
Well, I figured if you got
to know him pretty well
when he was your asset,
I was hoping you might be
able to give me some insight
in what could be
causing him to act out.
You mean besides
living in a strange city
under a new identity, and
being completely isolated
from everyone in his former life?
And I'm assuming that
includes his sister, Talia.
Oh, he hasn't seen or had contact
with Talia in two years.
She's still in Moscow.
Still believing that
her only living relative
was tortured to death by the GRU.
He knows that she's alive,
but he can't see her
or speak to her ever again.
I... it's a lot.
It's no wonder he's struggling.
Yeah, the, uh, the loneliness
is getting to him.
This isn't an isolated incident.
Dr. McCord, I'm afraid he's
about to blow his cover,
in which case he becomes
a liability to himself
and the country.
It's a Hail Mary,
but I thought maybe seeing you,
a familiar face, someone
with whom he has history,
might help.
It's a complicated history.
Well, like I said,
it's a Hail Mary.
HENRY: I just think
colleges would love to hear
about something unique to you.
You mean unique to Mom and you.
Hey, it's your life, too.
You can either learn
to embrace it or not.
Oh, I vote for embracing it.
- Hi, Mom.
- Oh, Noodle.
Don't go away to college.
Stay home and work at the yogurt shop.
Okay, this is freaking me out more
than the terrorist bombing.
Come on, Stevie's gonna
be moving out soon.
You can't leave me
alone with all these boys.
I haven't even gotten in yet.
Not that I will on my own merit.
We were just brainstorming
college essay topics.
The prompt is, "Write about a
significant event in your life""
I want to write about something I did,
not something that happened to
me while I stood in your shadow.
Of course not.
Write about one of your own interests.
Maybe something about fashion
or design.
Oh, my God.
It's right in front of me.
I'll write about the time
my makeup tutorial got
250,000 hits on YouTube.
You could totally expand on that.
That's an idea.
That could go in so many directions.
Okay, this is good, I feel better.
I'll start an outline and
I'll have a draft for you guys
before Dad gets back from
his conference in Phoenix.
Hey, look, if her essay really stinks,
it's her guidance counselor's
job to tell her, right?
We're not touching that one.
So Phoenix... you're really going?
Yeah, if Dmitri's cover's blown,
it could cause a lot of
problems, not just for him.
You know, don't-don't
take this the wrong way,
but I just, I can't really believe
that with all the people
that the FBI and the DIA have
at their disposal, the only one
who can handle this job is you.
- Is there a right way to take that?
- Yes.
I need you... here, now.
Our daughter is about to write
her life-defining essay
on eye shadow.
You can't, you can't
just leave me alone
with college and the State Department.
State Department? How could I...
You know what, by the way,
I am really mad at you.
- You're mad at me?
- Yes, for not getting this.
For making me spell it out.
You know, you, with all your
heightened-intelligence
skill and all that.
- Really.
- Are you finished?
And you don't need to go all the way
to Arizona for a hug.
Now I'm done.
(elevator bell dings)
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
Good morning, ma'am.
This looks like more on
the bombing in Illinois.
Yes, ma'am.
Uh, because of Matt's connection,
I've asked the FBI to
liaise with me directly.
It turns out Atif Al-Mutaya
wasn't just sightseeing in Mecca.
He studied bomb-making
at an ISIS-affiliated
madrassa near there.
Please tell me that the mosque
Matt goes to isn't implicated.
Their role in the
bomber's radicalization
is still unclear.
But the Saudi government's is not.
The FBI found out who
funds the madrassa
that gave Al-Mutaya the training,
the material support, and inspiration
to carry out his attack.
It's an humanitarian NGO
whose top donor is Majeed Amjad.
That name isn't familiar.
He's a top advisor to the Saudi
Minister of Education.
High in the government
of our most important
oil provider, arms customer,
and ally in the Gulf.
Technically, Amjad is not
a member of the government,
but the minister does not
make a move without him.
Apart from his nationality,
which makes Majeed Amjad untouchable,
the fact that his cousin
is the foreign minister
makes him uranium.
How solid it this information?
You could chip a tooth on it.
Last year, the Saudi government
skirted its connection
to the dirty bomb.
I'm not letting this one slide.
Not this time.
Good morning, Madam Secretary.
Coffee?
What I really need is
the Saudi ambassador.
Now!
BAILIFF: Alexander,
Mironov, you're free to go.
(door clangs open)
Who posted bail?
Your fairy godmother.
Alexander.
Ma'am, Prince Asim,
the Saudi ambassador, is here.
Show him in.
Madam Secretary, the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
strongly rejects the allegations
your government leveled
against Majeed Amjad.
I have a direct line from Amjad
to 21 dead Americans.
You give me one good reason why
I shouldn't put Saudi
Arabia on the List
of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
You're threatening to
cease trading arms to us?
Yes.
And cripple your military
unless you bring
Majeed Amjad to justice.
Madam Secretary, my country is a proven
and rigorous counter-terrorism ally
that provided, among other things,
crucial information that brought
Hizb Al-Shahid's leader to justice.
And yet, Wahhabists wield
a strong influence
in your government and inspire
ISIS fighters throughout the Gulf
to marginalize your Shia
minority and attack the West.
If that is really what you
and President Dalton think...
No, those are facts.
Then I only have to wait a month
to meet our next dance partner.
(chuckles) Oh...
you mean Fred Reynolds,
who wants to turn away
from the international community?
Or-or Sam Evans, who bears a strong
distrust of the entire Middle East?
Believe me, compared to the
other presidential candidates,
we're the best date in town.
Both you and I know
your boldness is misplaced.
Hardly. The U.S. is moving away
from being a net importer of
oil to being a net exporter.
Until then, we provide most of the oil
to your biggest trade partners in Asia.
Or we could stop.
And risk losing those
customers to us forever?
I mean, you'd really shoot your economy
in the foot over one consultant?
You'd really destroy the
U.S.-Saudi relationship
and send the American
economy into a tailspin
right before an election?
But, as a formality,
I will bring your request to the king.
It's the least I can
do for an old friend.
NEWS ANCHOR: Presidential
hopefuls Governor Sam Evans
and Senator Fred Reynolds
are clamoring for action
from the Dalton administration today.
This Matt Mahoney story
just keeps getting bigger, doesn't it?
ANCHOR: Well, it wouldn't be
an election year if it didn't.
- Let's take a look.
- REPORTER: Senator Reynolds!
What do you make of
the allegations leveled
against Secretary
McCord's speech writer?
I'm more interested
in hearing from him.
His silence is an insult
to the victims' families.
If I were Dalton, I'd make him talk.
Matt Mahoney has the highest
security clearance in the land.
Yet does not feel the
need to deny his ties
to the Illinois bomber.
It's very interesting that a Muslim
under FBI investigation
gets to keep his mouth shut,
keep his job,
and keep endangering our safety.
(supporters clamoring)
I call on Dalton to suspend him
until we know what's going on.
I want to know what's going on.
What's going on?
CROWD (chanting): What's going on?
What's going on? What's going on?
So how should Dalton
handle Matt Mahoney?
It's metastasizing.
What are we gonna do about it?
What's going on?
Interesting choice of greeting.
It's the top trending
hashtag, and soon to be
keyed into the side of my car.
I figured I'm make it work for me.
Okay, I'm gonna go.
What's she worried about now?
Everything.
Always.
How was your interview with the FBI?
Fine, in and out in a half an hour.
I'm actually here to talk
to you about something else.
Do you know why Russell Jackson
called me into his office?
I was not informed of this meeting.
I knew it. He's firing me.
That's impossible.
We're a few weeks out
from the election,
and it's neck and neck
If it gives Dalton a
spike in the polls,
Russell will not hesitate to gut me.
The accusations are groundless.
That man is many things,
but reactionary is not one of them.
Besides, State's not his jurisdiction.
If anyone's gonna fire you,
it'll be the secretary...
or me.
Thanks.
I find that oddly comforting.
Okay, Alexander Mironov,
you're all set.
Your court date is next month.
I found some legal aid
who'll represent you pro Bono.
I will pay you back for bail.
That's not necessary.
I don't want to owe you anything.
Now I'm kicking television screens,
so they sent you to find out why, huh?
I have a hunch it's more
than just feeling isolated.
And your visit's supposed to cure me.
Come on, I'm here as a friend.
I was a captain in the Russian army.
A systems analyst with a
masters in political science.
I had my sister, Talia, real friends.
I had a community in Russia
and in Washington.
I had a place in the world,
a path forward.
I can't imagine how hard
all this has been on you.
You're right, you can't.
A-A woman tried to flirt
with me the other night
at a bar, and for a second I-I
felt something real between us.
And then she asked me where I was from,
and I had to start giving her
Alexander Mironov's made-up history.
You know, I ju... I couldn't do it.
I just... That's what
the last six months
has been like for me.
You know, what's the point?
Listen, just because
you have a cover story
doesn't diminish who you are.
So what? The world gets more dangerous,
and all I can do is watch it on TV.
The bombing... the woman
who pressed charges
said you were watching coverage of it.
Is that what set you off?
Look, if I came to you and I said that,
that you had to stop helping the world,
how would you react?
Take me back with you.
To D.C.
With my knowledge of the Russian army
and my expertise in computers,
I-I can be valuable. I can help.
Please. Without this,
I don't know what
I have left to live for.
(door opens)
What's this?
You need backup?
I didn't bring her. She met me.
I act then the White
House imposes its will
on my department.
I want you to write a speech.
That's it?
Wait, is it, is it for the president?
You wish.
You'll deliver it.
A public statement
personally condemning
radical Islam and this latest
sickening act of terror.
Get out in front of the cameras,
say your piece, and this goes away.
It's that simple.
No.
No?
No to what?
I'm offering you a chance to put down
this offensive donation story
once and for all.
Hell, you could even move
some people in the process.
You are uniquely qualified
to speak on behalf of a people
who don't get much
of a voice these days.
And, yeah, does it serve the president?
You bet your ass it does, but
it also serves your country.
You, of all people, should get this.
The fear mongers won't
be any more convinced
whether I say something or not.
Well, then, make a statement, man.
If not for them, for
you, for your people.
For the sanity of this country.
Nadine, help me out here.
Mr. Mahoney has a point.
Do you two...
comprehend the mountains I have to move
between now and November?!
Not to mention,
investigating and preventing
actual terrorists from
slaughtering Americans
at home, where they work
and play.
Do you know what silence looks like?
It looks like support!
Or do you actually support jihadists?
That's what the people
will want to know,
Matthew Asad Mahoney.
(door slams shut)
Russell, we need to talk.
(sighs) You know I have
a heart condition.
Better lay off the coffee.
(sighs) You sound like my wife.
You ignore her calls, too?
I've been busy.
Thanks to your mute speechwriter,
I've become the chum
for the media's feeding frenzy.
Well, part of his
civil liberties include
maintaining his silence.
If you don't bring him to heel now,
Evans'll get elected.
There'll be no civil
liberties left to defend.
Or Reynolds will win
and hit the mute button on
the entire State Department.
How about we stop persecuting
innocent Americans
for the Illinois bombing
when we have the real culprit finally
within our grasp?
King Hani's office
made it quite clear.
Majeed Amjad is nowhere near our grasp.
You spoke with the Saudis?
Well, someone had to reassure them
after you threatened
their national security.
Doesn't Amjad threaten ours?
Look, I'd love to roast
the bastard on a spit,
but not by annihilating
a 70-year alliance.
With one of the main
influencers of outcomes
in Syria and Iraq.
Russell, I know.
Yes, and we both know
there's a better chance
of resolving those quagmires
on Conrad's watch.
How about the chance to leave a legacy
where we stand up to a government that
criminalizes dissent
and-and practices gender apartheid?
A government that
sabotages our security.
Either way, we need four more years
and for that, we need votes.
You're worried about the
number of Americans
who lose manufacturing jobs if
I halt arms sales to the Saudis.
About nine billion in sales.
That's a lot of votes
for Reynolds or Evans.
Listen, I appreciate this doesn't
jive with your new foreign policy.
Our new policy was never
about short-term strategic gains.
We designed it to rock the boat.
We need to take a stand.
You're right...
but not today.
- Just let it slide.
- Russell...
And please, there is no
going to Conrad on this.
He's in the Oval Office right now,
consoling the Illinois
bombing victims' families.
It's not the time.
(chuckles)
When will it be the time?
Just not today.
Madam Secretary.
Can I help you, Ms...
Butler. Victoria Butler.
Ah, Victoria.
This is Cara.
My daughter. My baby.
Ma'am, please, stay with the group.
It's-it's all right.
Give us a minute, Lucy, will you?
She's my youngest.
My baby.
(whispering): I'm so very sorry.
It... she had just
gotten her driver's license.
And it-it-it was
the first time she was allowed
to take the car out alone.
I mean, just to get some coffee.
And here I was worried
that she was gonna get
into an accident.
But I have been reading
in the news that the FBI
is investigating a Saudi citizen
who's funding the attack?
And they're saying that he's
a government consultant.
Unfortunately, it's true.
Well, what are you doing about it?
When I asked the president,
he said that the guilty parties
would be held accountable,
given that the Saudis have been
linked to attacks in the past
and nothing has been done...
Now that is my little girl.
I want them to pay.
When can that happen, Madam Secretary?
Do you know?
Soon, I hope.
I wish I could be more specific.
And I know that's a useless thing
to say to you right now.
(indistinct conversation)
(knocking at door)
Jay.
Do you have any plans for this evening?
Going home to my wife and child,
whom I love very much.
In your dreams, Whitman.
I'm asking you to go out with Matt.
He's in his office right now,
channeling Ingmar Bergman.
Yeah, he told me about how
he left it with Russell.
Kind of seemed like he
wanted to be alone.
Did he say that to you?
Well, no, but...
See, this is why
male bonding was invented.
To free those bottled feelings,
perhaps over beer or televised sports.
My specialties: beer, sports and...
feelings.
Thank you.
(chuckles)
ELIZABETH: Is it bad that I made
Blake cancel my trip to Montreal?
I just couldn't face
the Saudi Foreign Minister.
Uh, well, what does Nadine say?
You know, uh...
decorum and all.
She came around.
Honestly, Blake took it harder.
He was looking forward to Lake Como
travel recommendations
from George Clooney.
So, we both killed some dreams today.
Dmitri?
I was afraid to ask.
Okay, tell me if this is crazy,
but is there any possible way
that Dmitri could come back
and work for U.S. Intelligence?
We promised
the Russians we would
never use Dmitri as an asset again.
But even if we went around their back,
it wouldn't take long for GRU
to find out.
Yeah, I pretty much implied that today.
Tell me why we signed up
for these jobs again?
I don't know how I'm
gonna face him tomorrow.
I'm-I'm sorry I can't do more.
I do have one more question
and it's another long shot.
BARTENDER: Here you go.
MAN: Thanks.
SPORTS ANNOUNCER:
...field goal attempt.
If they can do it...
They're still down, huh?
- Guess I didn't miss much.
- Hi.
JAY: This field goal should tie it up.
(Matt sighs)
SPORTS ANNOUNCER: And the ball is up.
- And it is no good...
- Wow. That was exciting.
Should we call it?
How about another round?
I feel like we haven't...
I feel like we barely talked.
Okay.
Oh, my God.
Are you having another baby?
What? No.
No.
(exhales)
I just... I don't know.
I just... I want to see
how you're holding up.
All right?
Fine.
How are you?
Come on, man, don't make me ask twice.
(sighs)
Um...
I know they're after
you to make a statement.
Come on.
Et Tu, Jay.
Et what?
- We're-We're just talking here.
- Right.
You're the, uh, jihadist from the news.
Hey, hey.
- He's not a jihadist.
- Hey, guys,
- we were just leaving, all right?
- No way.
I want to know what's going on.
- Back off, huh?
- Yeah, Mohammed.
- Huh? What's going on?
- Hey, hey, hey.
Go back to the frat, huh?
You're done.
You're done.
We have ten witnesses who'll say
those guys absolutely started it.
Look, I'm really sorry about the fight,
but I'm not pressing charges.
- You can do whatever you want.
- The guys are regulars.
- The bartender knows their names.
- Just drop it.
Oh my God, what happened?
It's a long story.
BLAKE: What, a sample sale
at Brooks Brothers?
A trio of drunk
Evans' supporters picked a fight
with us last night.
MATT: Actually, they
picked a fight with me.
Jay defended my honor.
But he won't pursue it,
even though he's the
victim of a hate crime.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God,
Jay...
you didn't say it was this bad.
Good news is is it could
have been a lot worse.
JAY: Sure, they could've had guns.
But, hey, you know,
thanks for organizing
our man date.
I suggested you get a beer,
not join fight club.
I knew it.
She sent you.
I was just concerned.
Yeah, great.
Thanks for getting me
punched in the face.
Could everybody just move long?
This is my desk.
Right.
Matt, may I speak with you a minute?
I know the last couple of days
have been very, very rough for you
and the investigation is...
Wait, is this another
talk about the statement?
- Seriously?
- A-Actually, yes.
Okay, Nadine, thanks, but, uh,
I can't anymore with the lectures.
Actually...
there's something I want to say to you.
To everyone, act... come with me.
Daisy, Blake, uh, can you meet
me in the conference room?
Daisy, get Jay.
Blake, bring the secretary in.
"Bring her in"?
Like bagels?
ELIZABETH: Was it somebody's birthday?
I love morning cake.
Whoa, what the hell happened?
I'll tell you later.
Ma'am, may I have your
permission to address the staff?
Sure.
In the last
48 hours, I saw my hometown bombed
and my childhood mosque investigated.
I've been accused
of plotting against my country.
I've been mentally and
physically harassed.
That alone is bad enough.
But the worst thing...
is the grief my own colleagues
and countrymen gave me,
not just about my donation,
but about why I won't say
more to defend myself.
So, here it is.
The big reveal.
The answer to what
you've all been wondering.
Of course, I'm just
as horrified as everyone
that a deranged man
blew up a coffee shop.
I mean, how could
anyone ever doubt that?
But I'm not saying anything
publicly or otherwise,
because I shouldn't have to.
My condemnation should just be a given.
When a white man shoots up
a black church, no one demands
that white men across the
country denounce the attack.
It's understood
that the perpetrator is on the fringe.
That every American
decries the tragedy.
But somehow,
when an Islamic extremist
commits an atrocity,
every Muslim is implicated.
All my years of public service,
every ounce of decency I've ever shown
is erased
by other people's fear and revenge.
I mean, do you want to
know what my donation
to the mosque was earmarked for?
A playground for
children of the members.
And do you know what they
unveiled last month?
A playground.
(sighs)
It's true.
The FBI sent over their report.
That's...
why I wanted to have a word with you.
The bomber was radicalized
in Saudi Arabia, not here.
So-so no one at the mosque had
anything to do with the attack.
Absolutely not.
Thank you.
No one should force you to speak.
I'll make sure Russell knows that.
I'm sorry, Matt.
I didn't realize.
Me, neither.
I'm not exactly a
poster child for Allah.
I bury my ethnicity
and religion because...
...I don't want to deal
with the assumptions.
But it's who I am.
I'm tired of denying it.
Now I have an opportunity
to confront that on my own terms.
So... I'm taking the
rest of the week off.
By all means.
I want to take my mom
to Friday prayers.
I think she'd like that.
I'd like that.
Ma'am.
Blake, are you ready to get your copy
of Ocean's Eleven signed?
Montreal's back on?
♪
The Saudis were very grateful
to be put back on your schedule.
Yeah, thanks, in no small part,
to the extra media
attention it gets them.
Ma'am, are you sure
this is a good idea?
We'll see.
Minister Hajar.
Madam Secretary.
I am glad you changed your mind.
The summit wouldn't have
been the same without you.
There's still much good our countries
can accomplish together.
Perhaps in the realm of solar energy?
I hope this is a sign
that we can leave the past
behind and forge a new road.
I look forward to seeing
where it will lead.
Before we move onto our
important discussions,
I thought I'd add one
more thing to our docket.
ELIZABETH: Victoria...
Minister Hajar.
My name is Victoria Butler.
My 16-year-old daughter
Cara was murdered
by the bomber who received
funds from your cousin
and consultant to your cabinet,
Majeed Amjad.
Secretary McCord told me
you could help get
justice for my daughter.
(bell rings)
(country song playing on radio)
(phone rings)
CLERK: Mesa Pizza, how can I help you?
♪ Today is merely over ♪
And this is a... a delivery, right?
♪ Walk a quarter ♪
Take it easy.
(country song continues playing)
(sighs)
(buzzes)
- MAN: Who is it?
- Alexander Mironov.
(door buzzes)
(indistinct chatter)
Hey, Dmitri.
You remember Special Agent Ross.
Been a while. Thank you for coming.
My release terms force me to come here
for my psychiatrist visits
or I risk going back to jail.
Very clever.
And, uh, probably a good idea since
you're not letting me
back into intelligence.
You're... going without me.
That's right. I couldn't
get you back in. But we will
be able to keep in better touch.
We set up a dead drop number
for your use with Dr. McCord.
For my next phone call from jail.
Come on, Dmitri.
I know things seem hopeless right now.
Honestly, I can't imagine
living like you. Cut off
from my country, my career
and especially my family, but...
Please leave. You're only making
my psychiatrist's job harder.
Look, I can't give you
professional fulfillment.
But I can give you the
chance to find connection.
♪
- Talia?
- (speaks Russian)
- Talia!
- (laughs)
- (exhales)
- Elizabeth worked with immigration
to fast-track Talia
for a temporary visa
to stay in the U.S.
In a few months, it'll be
permanent under a new name,
Dina Mironov.
Her cover is...
well, she's your sister.
- You don't have to lie about that.
- (laughter, sniffling)
You're very lucky to have
Dr. McCord in your corner.
(laughter)
(indistinct chatter)
DAISY: That was incredible, ma'am.
I had a hard time
concentrating on solar grids
after watching Minister Hajar
react to Victoria Butler.
We're not done yet.
Engage phase two.
All right, everyone.
Let's get set up for the
secretary's next meeting.
W-With George Clooney.
(excited chatter)
(speaks Arabic)
Never, in the course
of our nations' friendship,
has our country been treated
- with such disrespect.
- Or
been granted such an opportunity
to prove their progressivism.
Your king sent you to this summit
to show the world Saudi's
cooperative side.
And you ambushed me.
I know. I know it looks
that way now, yeah.
But if you were to return home
and prosecute Majeed Amjad,
well, the image of the Saudi official
moved by the grieving American mother
would do wonders for
your king's narrative.
That's a rather cynical way
to get what you want, Madam Secretary.
If you do nothing,
I promise you, I will not rest
until I bring Amjad to justice.
I can't put your country
on the State Sponsors
of Terrorism list,
but after the election, win or lose,
I will still be the secretary of state
for at least a couple of months
and I will target Amjad
individually with the harshest
economic and travel sanctions
from not only the U.S. but
also our European allies
who suffer Islamic terror attacks.
As you know,
those sanctions have a...
trickle-down effect,
making any family member
of the sanctioned persona non grata
throughout the West.
Go home and tell your cousin that.
♪
(crickets chirping)
ELIZABETH: So? Come on,
how is Ali's essay? Be honest.
On a scale of Harvard
to living in our basement.
(sighs)
She's used her YouTube
tutorial as a metaphor
for the democratization of media,
third-wave feminism
and the Internet as virtual university.
W-What?
A-All that in...
500 words or less?
I never knew...
smoky eyes could be so poignant.
It's really good.
And now I'm getting misty-eyed.
You're very cute
when you're overwhelmed
by intelligence.
Speaking of, thanks again
for helping with Dmitri.
Of course.
Oh, wait. Hold that thought.
ANCHOR: ...Hani of Saudi Arabia
placed Majeed Amjad,
a top consultant
of his minister of education,
under arrest tonight for funding
the Illinois bomb attack
carried out by Atif Al-Mutaya.
All this after a moving meeting
at the Global Development
Assembly in Montreal
between the Saudi Foreign
Minister Kasib Hajar
and Victoria Butler,
mother to 16-year-old
bombing victim, Cara Butler.
Think anybody notices my cowlick?
It's, like, waving at the cameras.
Take the win, babe.
...mosque suspected of radicalizing
Al-Mutaya, of any wrongdoing.
Specifically, Matthew A. Mahoney,
Secretary of State Elizabeth
McCord's speechwriter,
whose donation to the
mosque was under scrutiny
by investigators, media outlets
and presidential hopefuls
Sam Evans and Fred Reynolds.
♪
REPORTER: Mr. Mahoney,
why are you here on a Friday?
Are you taking a leave of absence?
What does the secretary
say about your innocence?
Mr. Mahoney, would you
like to make a statement?