Madam Secretary (2014–…): Season 3, Episode 8 - Breakout Capacity - full transcript

And polls have officially opened

in what is shaping up to
be one of the most dramatic

American elections in recent memory.

For the first time in nearly 200 years,

we may be looking at a deadlock

in the Electoral College for president.

For more, we'll turn to
our election correspondent,

Robin Carver.

Robin, what would this

three-way tie look like?

Well, Sam Evans



is looking strong and could still win

the outright majority, but if he fails

to reach the magic number
of 270 electoral votes,

then the winner will be chosen

by the House of Representatives,

according to the Twelfth Amendment,

which means that any one

of the top three finishers, including

incumbent Conrad Dalton
and Fred Reynolds,

could still win the election.

And what are the odds of that happening?

I'd say 50-50.

Now, it's all coming down

to a few key swing
states, particularly Ohio.



Is Dalton gonna lose?

I told you, he's not gonna lose.

He just isn't gonna win... today.

But he's totally gonna win

in the House of Representatives
in a couple months.

Which, again, makes no sense.

Well, it's tricky,
but Evans has alienated

a lot of people in his own party,

so in a contingent election,

Dalton should emerge as
the compromise candidate.

And if he doesn't, do I
have to leave Westmore?

Noodle, we've been over this.

No one is moving until
you are safely in college.

Even if we are unemployed.

Is that what you're wearing?

Apparently.

Well, it's just... you
know, Russell Jackson

had requested a blue tie.

You agreed to let him dress me?

The guy was

foaming at the mouth,
ranting about optics.

I just want it to stop.

Hang on, we are unemployed?

I thought Dad's job was safe.

Turns out there's no
tenure at the War College,

so if Evans is elected, my head could be

on the block right next to Mom.

But you know what they say.

Couple that gets fired
together, stays together.

No one says that.

Well, then we better hope Dalton wins.

Or don't.

You know, just in case
you want any real change.

Are you kidding me, Jason?

What is that?

It's exactly what you think it is,

assuming you can read.

Um, I think you missed the part

about how Mom and Dad

could lose their jobs.

No, I got that.

It's just a small price to pay

to defeat the establishment.

Well, as long as it's a small price.

Take it off.

I know everybody's obsessing
over the Twelfth Amendment,

but last time I checked,

I'm still protected under the first.

He cannot wear that to school.

No, he's right.

If Jason genuinely believes

that Reynolds would
make a better president,

I don't have a problem
with him wearing it.

No matter how

obnoxious and disrespectful it may be.

Thank you.

Would be a little bit ironic

if you bought it with our
establishment credit card.

Seriously, Jason?

Come on, when Reynolds gets elected

he's gonna wipe out all
the consumer debt, anyway.

- Student debt.
- Whatever.

- Big difference.
- Russell.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we're just walking

right out the door now.

So, we're going with that tie?

I'm gonna risk it.

Yeah, you are a brave man, Dr. McCord.

Nah, I'm just a humble,

establishment-supporting coward.

Yes, well, I love you with every ounce

of my cold, plutocratic heart.

Fine, mock me.

We'll see who's laughing
when the revolution comes.

Okay!

For those of you who don't know,

this... is my big board.

Been with me since my first race

for commissioner in Seneca County.

It hasn't let me down yet.

When we started down this road...

some of us...

myself included...

thought winning as an independent...

couldn't be done.

But this board...

this board says we have a shot,

a real shot...

of pulling this thing off...

if... we get to the House

and we can't do that unless we deliver

the great state of
Ohio for Conrad Dalton.

Succeed, and you can
tell your grandchildren

you were a part of history.

Fail...

and you can explain to your
parents how you all got fired.

Let's go!

Don't forget to smile!

That was a blur.

There were so many judges.

Good thing we had a game plan.

Yeah, about that.

I know that we agreed, you know,

Crutchfield for the advisory
neighborhood commission...

but then, you know,
I got in the booth...

- You picked Schneider.
- Me, too.

I know.

Come on, it's...

Thing is...

I just don't want a 19-year-old
zoning our neighborhood.

We could wind up with
a bunch of juice bars

and artisanal vape shops.

And who wants that?

Madam Secretary.

Dr. McCord!

Do you want to make a statement?

Well, this is a
very sacred ritual for us

because we voted on
one of our first dates.

It was very romantic...

and very economical.

Who'd you guys vote for?

Now, Todd, the United
States remains committed

to the principle of the secret ballot.

I voted for Dalton.

Free speech, another
cherished principle.

Thank you, guys.

Madam Secretary, one last question...

Bye, guys.

So, how do you think that went?

Are you kidding?

Even Russell's gonna
be happy about that.

And you got to admit, the tie?

Killed it.

- Yes, it did.
- Killed it.

Not that it's gonna sway the election,

but...

If Sam Evans becomes the next president,

he's gonna take our legacy
apart, piece by piece,

until there's nothing left.

Dalton embraced a new foreign policy

'cause I pushed him.

He ran as an independent,
again, because I pushed him.

It's all on me.

Hey, okay, easy.

You can't blame yourself...

even if Evans wins.

Then who?

Well... the voters.

Wow, I'm just glad our son

isn't old enough to be one of them.

Yeah.

That thing with the T-shirt

seemed to be crossing
a line, even for him.

He's baiting us.

Yeah, it's working.

Walter Nowack wants to see me.

Remember him?

Yeah, the nonproliferation guy.

The last time he got nervous,

a dirty bomb went off in Virginia.

Turns out, Oliver invented

some kind of neural network
they want him to develop.

Did he ask you to go with him?

Begged me, practically.

But I-I said no.

I mean, what am I supposed
to do in California?

Write copy for the next Pokémon Go?

Well, once you get a
taste of the action,

the private sector seems a little dull.

Oliver says he doesn't have
the stomach for long distance,

so we broke up.

I'm sorry.

Of course if I'm out of a job tomorrow,

I'm gonna look pretty foolish.

Well...

in the short term, I suggest alcohol.

Is this your first

presidential election in D.C.?

Yeah, why?

Well, it's a little like.

New Year's Eve and The Hunger Games

rolled into one.

Traditionally,

we veterans gather at the Brickmore

to cope with the agony and the
ecstasy of watching the returns.

Why don't you come with me?

- I'd love to.
- Okay.

Well, good morning, fellow citizens.

Morning.

Morning. We're going to the Brickmore

this evening to watch
the returns come in.

Would you gentlemen care to join us?

The Brickmore?

I was going to hit

the election rave at Tangerine,

but I guess I could kick it old school.

Moran, you in?

I prefer to watch at home where I can

curl into the fetal
position with my blanket.

They have a Steinway.

I'll bring my song book.

Walter Nowack

on the seventh floor.

That guy gives me the creeps.

When he shows up,

doomsday preppers head for the bunker.

Is it too early to start drinking?

Wha...

I'm asking for a friend.

Hassan Karimi, Komeil Yazdani,

Saeid Davaran.

Recognize the names?

They were all top scientists in
Iran's nuclear weapons program.

And all three arrived at Vnukovo
Airport in Moscow last week.

It's the nuclear equivalent of
getting the band back together.

Kurchatov Institute is
near Vnukovo, isn't it?

Less than 80 kilometers.

So, they were either visiting
Russia's top nuclear facility

or they're on a team-building
outing to see Stravinsky

at the Bolshoi.

But assuming they're not ballet fans...

They were advancing
their nuclear program.

Which is a direct violation of our deal.

Is anybody else
traveling with these guys?

Not on that flight, but
we could expand the search,

look at old manifests.

Do it.

But this stays between the three of us.

Send whatever you find directly to me.

There's still a chance
we could be wrong.

Unless there's corroborating evidence,

we're going with a night at the ballet.

This is your 15 minute warning.

Thanks.

You can't be late for the Dalton event.

Do I have to go?

Yes, Russell Jackson
made that clear at length

and at a very high volume.

Also, Walter and Jay
sent this up for you.

Have any of the networks
called anything yet?

Not yet,

but polls should be
closing in a few minutes.

Should I tell Mr. Jackson
you're on your way?

Koohyar Nazari.

No.

Wait.

Shoes!

Ma'am, there's...

Thank you so much.

Madam Secretary.

- Madam Secretary.
- Yeah.

Secretary McCord.

- Madam Secretary.
- Hey, Bruce.

That was an excellent
round table on Haiti.

Well done.

Hi, guys. So sorry.

- Hold on, Madam Secretary.
- Hey, Sheila.

How's the parakeet?

Madam Secretary, how
ever did you find us?

Those guys weren't going to the ballet.

They were shopping.

There's an Iranian banker on this list.

- How did we miss that?
- No, it-it's...

I only know the name
from my time at CIA.

Koohyar Nazari.

Now, on the books,

he's listed as a manager
of a lumber company.

He secretly works as a loan
officer at Razmian Bank.

Which the Iranian government
uses to make illicit deals.

Nazari arrived two days
before the scientists.

I mean, a guy like that only shows up

when there is a massive purchase

about to take place.

There's your corroborating
evidence right there.

But what are they buying?

Well, there can only be

one logical answer to that question.

Vasily Heavy Industries
has a plant right here.

I'm guessing they don't make toasters.

Actually, they do. But they also hold

an exclusive contract
to build centrifuges

for Russia's nuclear weapons program.

If the Russians are supplying
Iran with centrifuges,

they'll achieve breakout
capacity in a matter of months.

Okay, we need to track every shipment

out of that facility
within the last week.

Jeez, it's like Comic-Con in here.

I don't get your reference,

but I do get the claustrophobia.

Well, just close your
eyes and think of Gershwin.

Sorry, Mattman.

So, who wants shots?

Me, me. A thousand times me.

Shots...

- Well, that was weird.
- What was?

The tie adjustment, the old nickname.

I'd swear she was putting
out the old Matt-signal.

Well, it's possible.

She did just break up with Oliver.

Whoa, she's single again?

Easy, Mattman.

Fireballs.

If we're going down,

at least we're going down in flames.

I will drink to that.

Just one second.

I'd like to make a toast.

Should this be my last administration,

I'd just like to say
that working with you all

has been... a real pleasure.

Cheers.

Bess, what do we have?

The Russian vessel is the
SS Kazym, out of Vladivostok.

Officially, she's got a
cargo of wheat and barley.

Unofficially, my team
has reason to believe

that she is carrying a shipment

of gas centrifuges to Iran.

Do you really think Iran
is breaking our deal?

Sure looks that way.

Where is she now?

Gulf of Oman.

Traveling ten knots on a course

for the Iranian port of Bander Abbas.

She's going to enter
Iranian territorial waters

in less than two hours.

Can we intercept?

We have a destroyer in range,

but the window's narrow,
and it is closing fast.

Do we have any hard proof that
they're carrying contraband?

For now it's circumstantial.

The proof is in the hold.

If we come up empty, we could be looking

at a major embarrassment.

So you want to just let 'em go?

Our coalition is hanging by a thread.

I've planned for a lot of contingencies,

but taking a wrecking ball to
the Iran deal isn't one of them.

Not to mention what this
might do to our relationship

- with Russia.
- Yeah, it I'm wrong,

we would be embarrassed.

But if I'm right, and we do nothing...

The Iranians will be
at breakout capacity.

Call in the Joint Chiefs.
We're stopping that ship.

The last thing I want to do is

take advantage of a vulnerable person.

Look at me.

I'm vulnerable, too.

I mean, was it the best sex ever?

Yeah.

Was that enough? Guess not.

What do you think?

"Shall I part my hair behind?

Do I dare to eat a peach."

I don't think anyone ever
got laid quoting Prufrock.

What up, nerds?

Matt, you know Win.

I believe you two are what the kids call.

"Eskimo Brothers"

Matty man, it's good to see you.

Mutual, I'm sure.

Since when do you two work together?

Ever since legal marijuana became

a bizillion-dollar industry.

Can I buy you guys a drink?

I don't think so.

Actually, I'd be delighted.

Yes, Max, I agree.

Invasive species are a
menace to the Everglades.

That's why I'm the only candidate

with a comprehensive
plan to tackle them.

And, yes, that includes
additional funding, so...

do I have your support?

I'll take it.

Rexford's a maybe.

Okay. You've got Kripke next,

followed by Simonson.

Yeah?

It's happening.

We're hailing them, Mr. President.

Vessel Kazym, repeat,

this is the U.S. Navy Destroyer Pico.

Heave to and prepare to be boarded.

Fire a warning shot.

Captain, put one across her bow.

No response, sir.

They're making a run for it.

How long till they reach Iranian waters?

T-minus five minutes.

Sir, I'm getting multiple
contacts approaching the Pico.

Iranian fast-attack craft.
They're closing quickly.

Looks like someone called for backup.

Are the Iranians crazy
enough to attack us?

Not in international waters.

The moment our destroyer
crosses the line...

They'll be all over us. Options?

Sir, the Pico has a platoon
of Marines in two raiding craft

on standby.

If we act now, we can
capture the Russian ship

before it reaches Iranian waters.

Do it.

Charlie, Echo, you're clear to board.

Hostiles still inbound.
Visual contact in two minutes.

You better be right about this.

Drop your weapon!

Please tell me we didn't
just kill Russian sailors.

What about the Iranians?

Their ships are turning.
They're bugging our, sir.

We have eyes on the package.

Stand back.

Admiral, can we get a closer look?

Stand by. Get close, Echo.

I'm guessing that's not a Crockpot.

It's a centrifuge.

The media's gonna have
a field day with this.

We're gonna lose. It's over.

You don't know that.

I spent months...

trying to build a coalition...

all on the strength of two things...

our nuclear deal with Iran,

and détente with Russia.

And thanks to Pandora here,

we just lost both in
the span of five minutes.

It was the right call.

Of course.

I'm just trying to get my head around

electoral Armageddon.

The question is how close is Iran

to getting the bomb?

The Navy impounded the centrifuges.

There's a chance we stopped
them in their tracks.

Or it's just the tip of the iceberg.

There's only one way to find out.

Trigger Article 63 of the deal.

If Iran commits a violation,

the U.N. Security Council has the right

to send in IAEA inspectors.

So if Iran cooperates with
the inspectors and comes clean,

we could put the genie
back in the bottle.

In theory, yeah.

In theory, I'm eligible to be Pope.

Other than being
married and not Catholic.

Aren't you forgetting something?

Russia holds a veto in
the Security Council.

And a grudge,

now that we killed two of their sailors.

Yeah, they'll never allow
inspections, not now.

We have the centrifuges.

The evidence of a
violation is undeniable.

It's never stopped 'em before.

They're getting ready to call Ohio.

Citizens United was
a ringing endorsement

for American liberty.

Said the Dark Prince of K Street.

You only think money is speech

because it's paying you.

- Money is America, Nadine.
- My God.

The only reason that
the colonist revolted

is because the king
told them to buy stamps.

I know it didn't last long,

but it meant a lot, you know?

No, no, man, I get you.

She has that effect on people.

When she turns those big
eyes on you, it's totally...

Sublime! It's like two black opals

staring straight into your soul.

Yeah, I was going with "hot," but sure.

Hey, a word of advice, though?

Hooking up with your ex is bad news.

Especially if you've
still got feelings for her.

You're probably right.

Thanks, man.

Anytime, bud.

Great chat.

And it looks like we are finally ready

- to make a projection in Ohio.
- Shh!

As we all know, if Dalton
loses here, his race is over.

But if he manages a victory,
the election will be thrown

to the House of Representatives.

We are calling Ohio for Conrad Dalton.

Deadlock in the
Electoral College since 1824.

My goodness!

On January 6th, the
House of Representatives

will choose our next president.

We're entering uncharted waters...

Out of the frying pan...

into the House.

Told you.

Hey, you seen Daisy?

We won, baby!

Easy, boy, it's just Ohio.

Yeah, we didn't lose.
It's going to the House!

Two of my Russian countrymen
are dead and you give me regret?

Our Marines acted in self-defense.

After illegally boarding our ship.

It was a by the book search and seizure.

No.

You had no right to seize the Kazym.

These were taken in the cargo hold,

hidden in a container of wheat.

High-frequency gas centrifuges,
used to enrich uranium.

What exactly are you implying?

Nothing. I'm stating a fact.

The Kazym was involved in a
deliberate attempt to circumvent

the terms of our nuclear deal with Iran.

You need to support our vote

to send inspectors into Iran.

I see only lies.

Conjured by your CIA to
justify another invasion

- of the Middle East.
- Really?

- You're going with conspiracy theory?
- I remember well

your aluminum tubes and yellowcake

before the invasion of Iraq.

Alexei, talk to me.

What the hell is going on?

The United States

will pay for what it has done to us.

This appeasement,

This cowardice of the
Dalton administration...

You're up early.

I was gonna go for a
run, but I got distracted

by this blowhard.

The Iran deal and order

an immediate military
buildup in the Middle East.

On January 6th, the citizens...

That's comforting.

Well, don't mean to pile
on, but guess who's going

to the Reynolds' rally at
RFK Stadium this afternoon?

Jason.

Yep.

That's disappointing.

Although we have given
him a lot to rebel against.

How is that, exactly?

They've lost their
right to a normal life.

I don't want to take away
their right to react to it.

So their extremely privileged
life isn't exactly normal.

That doesn't give him
the license to be smug.

Which he really was, when he
announced this to me last night.

I wanted to shut him down, but...

after the whole T-shirt thing, I...

Slippery slope.

Iran's Supreme Council just
issued a blanket statement,

insisting that the centrifuges
were intended for civilian use.

Ha.

Yeah, high-frequency
centrifuge would mix up

a hell of a salad dressing.

Well, at least they're not like Russia,

going with paranoid conspiracy theory.

Doesn't that reek of desperation?

Well, yeah, it's a little stinky,

but they got caught with their hand

in the nuclear... cookie jar.

Yeah, I'm-I'm just saying,

if Russia really wanted to
give Iran nuclear weapons,

wouldn't they have been ready

with a more plausible cover story?

Just saying.

Good morning, Madam Secretary.

Nadine, can you please
get me Walter Nowack

in my office ASAP?

I want him to scour everything

we've got on Vasily Heavy Industries.

Yes, Ma'am.

Get right on that.

Did you get a dog?

No, ma'am, I'm pet sitting.

Okay, bye now.

So... waffles?

Can you turn the air on?

You feel that suspension?

What I feel is nauseous.

You can grab a Red Bull

from the glove box.

Last night was amazing.

Just... make a left turn right here.

And you're right,

it was end-of-the-world sex.

'Cause I didn't know if

I'd have a job in the morning.

Guess I still don't know.

Just don't expect it to happen again.

I won't.

No?

What happens on election night,

stays on election night.

It seems your suspicions
regarding the Russians

were on point, ma'am.

Three Vasily Heavy Industries
officials were disappeared

by the FSB last night.

The C.O.O., the VP of logistics,

and the chief engineer

of the centrifuge program.

That's great.

Wait, so a bunch of
dudes are disappeared

without due process in
an authoritarian state

and that's great?

It means that the Russian Government

didn't authorize the shipment.

It was a rogue operation,
through and through.

But if the Russians are willing
to prosecute their own people,

why won't they come
clean about what happened?

Probably because what
happened is super embarrassing.

And it's hard to save face

after the fact.

Tell me about it.

I may have a way for them to save face.

Blake!

Keep me posted. Thanks.

Elizabeth?

She's making another
run at the Russians.

Well, she better hurry.

This whole debacle is driving
a stake through the heart

of our coalition.

The delegations from
Iowa, Utah and Virginia

just flipped to Evans.

That was fast.

Yeah, and only the beginning.

Nebraska and Colorado are
now in the maybe column.

Sam Evans isn't just
stealing our friends.

He's snatching our lunch money
and kissing our girlfriends.

If the House voted today, he'd win.

So how do we take down the bully?

By making common cause with his enemy.

Fred Reynolds.

Reynolds only secured the
electoral votes in nine states,

which means he doesn't have a
shot at winning in the House.

But he does have the
power to play kingmaker.

We get his endorsement,

we can hit 26 states
without breaking a sweat.

That's a big if.

Reynolds wants to hike
the marginal tax rate

to levels we haven't
seen since World War II.

He hates virtually
everything I stand for.

Well...

let's hope he hates Sam Evans more.

- Hey.
- Hey.

- How was the rally?
- It was awesome.

Yeah, I saw. On your profile.

This is Jason McCord for the Revolution.

Now I pledge to support Fred Reynolds

because I believe that...

He is fighting for real change.

He is the-the only candidate
who thinks billionaires

should pay their fair share in taxes.

Sit on the sidelines
while so-called wise men

allow the status quo to grow

like a cancer on our future.

Take it down.

Now.

Why?

Do I really have to
spell it out for you?

Fine.

- Are we done?
- No.

Let's say Reynolds does
become president, what then?

Then he's president.

And what's his position
on... for example, Iran?

He wants every country to
control its own destiny.

What's that mean exactly?

Self-determination.

So, if Iran is self-determined
to acquire nuclear weapons,

does Reynolds think we should let them?

- Do you?
- No!

No, I...

I'm not sure.

And yet you're sure that

he would make a better president.

What's-what's your point?

Your knowledge is a mile
wide and an inch deep.

Do you know what that makes you?

A poser.

A dilettante.

If you're gonna support someone,

and publicly humiliate your
own family in the process,

then you damn well better
be able to defend him.

So either educate yourself,

or stop talking.

Hey, hey! Ho, ho!

The status quo has got to go!

Hey, hey!

Fred.

Thanks for seeing us.

Mr. President.

Russell.

I could have done without
the cloak and dagger.

You've...

you've fought a hell of a campaign.

Inspired millions.

Even I was getting a little misty-eyed

at some of your speeches.

But now it's time to unite.

The stock market is crashing.

Our enemies abroad
smell blood in the water.

The American people need certainty.

And I'm happy to provide it.

Assuming we can work together.

School reform has been the cornerstone

of your agenda.

And it's an area where you and I

are in lockstep.

Now,

I'm prepared to offer you
the Department of Education,

along with a mandate to
run it as you see fit.

I think our people got
their wires crossed.

I was under the impression

that you were going
to offer to endorse me.

You can't be serious.

Your support is disintegrating.

The whole Iran debacle
exposes why the next president

should focus on our
problems here at home.

Senator, the numbers don't lie.

The only statistical certainty
in this whole election

is that you're gonna lose.

It's like betting on
last year's Super Bowl.

And Evans will destroy
everything you stand for.

I'm fighting for the
millions of voiceless people

who can't afford four more
years of cynical compromise

in Washington.

I'm taking this to the finish line.

Sir.

Russell.

We know about the arrests
at Vasily Heavy Industries.

What of it?

And we know that the Russian
government had nothing to do

with the shipment of those centrifuges.

What do you want?

Your country has a scandal on its hands,

and I can give you a way out.

I'm listening.

We're prepared to say that

the raid on the Kazym
was a joint operation,

coordinated by Russian Intelligence.

Our CIA will provide
the necessary documents

to back it up.

The men who were killed...

their families will need compensation.

They could be entitled
to a condolence payment.

We genuinely regret the loss of life.

None of this happens, however,

unless Russia drops the veto threat

and allows IAEA inspections
of Iran's nuclear sites.

I'll take this to President Salnikov.

Russell?

How'd it go with Zinchenko?

Fine. I was gonna call you.

No, never mind that.

This is about something else.

Mike B. Is making an
end-run around Reynolds

to reach his supporters.

I want you to go as backup.

Any particular reason?

Well, I'd do it myself,

but they're all skittish
about this Iran situation.

I need a credible
figure to talk them down.

Besides, if I'm in a
room full of pacifists,

there's no telling what I might do.

I have to clear my schedule...

It's already done.

So, I have a total of
eight suits in there,

representing key districts
in Florida, Maine and Georgia.

Any one of them could flip their state

to Dalton in the House,

but the real heavy is Elle Vazquez,

who sits on a Foreign Affairs Committee.

Take her out and the rest will follow.

- Okay.
- Happy hunting.

Wait, before I go in there,

I got to know.

Did you and my chief of staff...

A gentleman never tells.

Yes.

No one in this room
likes Governor Evans.

But each of us made a
pledge to Fred Reynolds.

You're asking us

to abandon a man who's inspired millions

of our constituents.

So how do we get on the same page?

If there's one thing we can't stomach,

it's another war in the Middle East.

Evans is practically chomping at the bit

to invade Iran.

We need your pledge that Dalton won't.

Under any circumstance.

Believe me, nobody put more
at risk for the Iran deal

than Dalton. You have my word

that I will never give up,

as long as there's a
sliver of a possibility

that we can save it.

But I can't, in good conscience,

make that pledge.

If Iran won't accept our inspections,

we may not have a choice.

The House doesn't vote...

until January 6.

If you can resolve this
Iran issue peacefully

before then, we'll switch to Dalton.

Otherwise,

we'll take our chances with Reynolds.

I will support Reynolds

and I will fight the old establishment

of Evans and Dalton

until we get the
government that we deserve!

Yeah!

Well, at least he finally thinks

government should exist.

He took it down,

but not before it got thousands of hits.

We're lucky it's not blasting on CNN.

Between the electoral chaos

and Iran getting close to the bomb,

there probably isn't any room.

When did it all start?

This...

need to get under our skin.

I don't know, second grade?

That's about when he discovered sarcasm.

Well, I miss first grade Jason.

I liked him.

He believed in me.

Thought I had superpowers, you remember?

I was reminded of that today

with those Reynolds people.

You should have seen the
way they looked at me,

like I could...

wave a wand and make peace appear.

Still no word from Zinchenko?

Nothing.

And if President Salnikov
doesn't support the inspections,

then the deal is dead

and Conrad will lose the House.

Then Iran will get the bomb.

Isn't right about now
when you're supposed to

inspire me with some
great religious quote?

Unfortunately,

most of the quotes I
have for this situation

are about the nobility of suffering.

Maybe just tell me a joke.

So, Thomas Aquinas walks into a bar...

Ma'am.

Mike Barnow.

You know, after over
two years in this office,

I never noticed this painting.

It's beautiful.

You seem busy.

I'm waiting to hear from the Russians.

You need an escape plan.

Pretty sure the DS has
something involving a stairwell.

I mean from this administration.

Unless you enjoy rearranging
deck chairs on the Titanic.

I know Dalton's a lame duck.

Lame?

He's passed on.

This duck is no more.

He has ceased to be.

I'm not resigning my post, Mike.

I know you don't believe me,

but there is a whole
world out there, Elizabeth.

A place where former disgraced officials

can feed at the trough
of corporate greed.

Okay, I have multiple

speaking offers for you and I charge

a very reasonable commission.

Thanks, but no thanks.

Truly.

Can't blame a guy for trying.

Ma'am, we've just received
word from Ambassador Zinchenko.

The Russians are going for it.

How soon can he be here?

He's on his way now.

Matt's writing up your remarks,
but would love your input.

Okay.

Sorry, got to run.

Speaking engagement.

So...

dinner?

No, I doubt it.

Can I at least call you?

You're welcome to try.

Despite speculation to the contrary,

the raid on the Kazym was, in fact,

a joint operation

between the United States

and Russia to interdict contraband

intended for an Iranian weapons program.

That's why today,

we're issuing a joint ultimatum

to the people of Iran.

Inspectors from

the International Atomic Energy Agency

are in the sky as we speak

and will be wheels down
in Tehran within hours.

The Iranian government
must accept the inspections,

surrender all illicit material,

or face the immediate restoration

of the full sanctions regime.

Well, I knew you were angry,

but are you abandoning me?

You know, the first time my
dad took my brother and me

and sisters to D.C.,

I thought we were gonna
go see the monuments,

but he took us here instead.

Why?

To commune with dumpsters?

Well, to tell us about a strike

that happened more than
a hundred years ago.

See that street?

A group of bricklayers marched down it

to demand an eight-hour workday.

But instead of negotiating,
the factory owners

got a local militia together
who opened fire on 'em.

They brought the wounded in here.

Two men died right there.

Seriously?

Is there like, a plaque?

Or a statue or something?

No, I guess that was the point.

You don't always do
things to get a trophy.

My dad...

he fought his whole
life for other people.

Yeah, I know,

you resented him for it.

Yeah, I did. Half the reason

I joined the Marines
was to piss him off.

But over time,

I came to understand that even as a kid,

I was part of something bigger.

Yeah, but you're not sorry

- for joining the Marines.
- God no.

But I had to grow into it.

- You know?
- Yeah.

You've got gifts, Jason.

An incredible facility
for thought and language.

That makes you powerful.

But until you're ready to

fight for something that
you truly believe in,

something that's bigger than yourself,

that power is wasted.

No one's ever gonna take you seriously.

That's all I'm saying.

Two minutes till contact.

Where's the first site?

Chehrehabad.

It's a former salt
mine in Zanjan Province.

Intel from Russia says
that the centrifuges

were headed here.

Will they really let the inspectors in?

If they want to cooperate, then yes.

The moment they refuse entry...

Our nuclear deal is dead.

And we're on a direct
path to confrontation.

Well, they got 'em this far.

That's a good sign.

Sir, the UN is patching us
directly into their feed.

We're here

to inspect the facility.
We're with the IAEA.

What is that?

We're seeing helos.

Military.

They're coming fast.

That does not look like a welcome wagon.

It's NOHED Brigade.

Elite units of the Revolutionary Guard.

They're refusing entry.

We're surrounded.

Get 'em out of there.

Rook to Castle.

Evacuate. I repeat, evacuate.

We've lost contact, sir.

Elizabeth, call an emergency
session of the Security Council.

We need to snap back the
sanctions against Iran.

- Fast.
- Yes, Mr. President.

And I want military strike options

from CENTCOM on my desk within the hour.

- Sir.
- Sir, it won't be long

before this gets out.

We need to figure out how to spin it.

No. No spin.

Make sure that Iran doesn't
get a nuclear weapon.

We just accept defeat.