Madam Secretary (2014–…): Season 4, Episode 8 - The Fourth Estate - full transcript
McCord and her staff must work to rectify a botched extradition of a Mexican cartel leader to the US.
Did you get any sleep?
Oh, a couple minutes
here and there. You?
No, I kept waking up from
nightmares about Russia
infiltrating the top
levels of our government.
- Mm.
- More coffee?
Sure.
I'm already on my second pot.
So have you found any reason
not to suspect the Gang of Eight?
Besides the fact that they're
the most powerful members
of Congress and it would be
treason for any one of them
to share our secrets with Russia? Nah.
I've had my team working
on it all night, too.
Eggs?
No. I'm feeling carby.
You'll want rock-solid proof
before you take it up the chain.
Yeah, I was thinking that
I would brief the committee
on a fake op in Afghanistan.
See if there was any Taliban response.
A drip test.
Right, drip test.
I like it.
But I don't like this.
"White House. Now."
Fresh nightmares.
CDC just finished
tabulating overdose deaths
from last year.
How bad?
Record-breaking.
Well, I'm sorry to hear that,
but shouldn't you have called
in a different cabinet member?
The president already had
the secretary of Health
and Human Services
in the Oval this morning.
Russell?
Harrison's back in rehab.
Oh, no.
Ah, he's okay.
Checked himself in last
week before he spiraled.
Even managed to keep it out of the news,
but when Conrad saw the CDC report...
it became a busy morning.
Do you know what he wants from me?
Revenge.
Good morning, Mr. President.
Do you know how many American servicemen
died in Vietnam, Bess?
Uh, 58,000...
58,220.
In a war that lasted
more than ten years.
Do you know how many Americans
died of drug overdoses last year?
- Well...
- 64,000.
Mostly from opioids.
It's the worst public
health crisis in a century.
And it's happening on my watch.
So I'm going to do something about it.
Sergio Macias. You familiar?
He's head of the Puebla
Cartel in Southern Mexico.
He's in prison in Jalisco,
but he's running things from his cell.
That's why I want him
extradited to the U.S.
and put into supermax.
I'm not sure that's the right play, sir.
Why the hell not?
More than 90% of our
heroin comes from Mexico,
and most of that from Macias.
We extradite him, it'll
cripple his empire.
And some new drug lord takes his place.
If you want to focus on Mexico,
we should focus on
government corruption.
So you are content to let
Macias keep killing Americans?
State's been holding talks
with Mexico about new
anti-corruption measures,
but it's delicate.
If we push them to give up Macias,
they won't want to cut any other deals.
Fighting corruption is a noble goal,
but I want Macias out of the equation.
Opioid deaths are a systemic problem,
a tragic one.
So it's understandable
to want to find...
We've known each other
a long time, Bess.
You can talk to me straight.
Russell told me about
Harrison, and I am, I'm so sorry
for what you and Lydia
are going through.
I'm worried that maybe
it's clouding your judgment.
Well, I understand your concern,
but this isn't just about my son.
I meet with families
who've lost loved ones to
drugs almost every week.
I can't keep giving them platitudes.
I want decisive action today.
Are we clear?
Yes, Mr. President.
- Morning.
- Good morning, ma'am.
Uh, your call with the Mexican
secretary of foreign affairs
- is in five minutes.
- Thanks. Are you okay?
Yes. Why?
Well, your blazer is unbuttoned.
Oh, God.
I'm so sorry.
- No, that's not what I...
- It's, uh...
...mean. It's, um, I'm just all...
My parents are flying
into D.C. tomorrow.
- Oh! Oh. Yeah.
- Yeah.
That's... always a little challenging.
- Yeah. Look, I-I love them
- I mean, I'm sure.
More than anyone in the world.
It's just... oh, sometimes
they make me so mad
I want to rip the skin off my own face.
Does that make sense?
Yeah, I try not to
think about what my kids
- think of me sometimes.
- Well, I doubt that you question
their career and relationship
choices at every turn,
- so I'm sure you're fine.
- How can they question your career choice?
Well...
You are literally
helping save the world.
My parents are private sector people.
They... To their mind, leaving finance
to go work for the government
was like blasting a fire hose
full of money off a
cliff into the abyss.
Well, if they saw what you did,
they'd be bragging to all your friends,
- Well, I...
- all their friends.
- Yeah.
- Oh, come on.
You know what, bring 'em in.
What? Oh, no. Thank you.
- That's very kind of you. I...
- Yeah. No.
We have been in this
relationship for years.
It's time I met your parents, Blake.
You are aware that Macias is in prison
in Jalisco, Madam Secretary?
Of course you are.
You just don't trust our justice system.
Secretary Gomez, I assure you
this request is solely about
the U.S. justice system.
Macias is wanted in seven states.
He has indictments from nine
federal courts.
He is also a Mexican citizen,
convicted by the Mexican judiciary.
But why should you
respect our sovereignty?
We have great respect for Mexico.
In fact, I can guarantee
we will honor your laws
and Macias won't face the death penalty.
That is a start.
But to even consider this deal,
President Zaragoza wants
new trade provisions.
Lift the restrictions on
cybersecurity software.
Well, the Pentagon
doesn't give cyberweapons
to any foreign country.
I'm not talking about your military.
Private companies.
You have many burdensome
regulations around cyber trade
with Mexico.
Well, for good reason.
Do you have any idea how hard it is
to keep cyberweapons
away from bad actors?
That is a rather galling lack
of faith for a close ally.
It is a well-documented
fact that American guns
have made their way to cartel hands.
And a gun is a lot easier to
keep safe than a string of code.
Once again, you know
what is best for Mexico.
Can you just knock that off?
I assure you that I am negotiating
- in good faith.
- But we have nothing to negotiate.
President Dalton wants Macias.
Cyber is a priority
for President Zaragoza.
You need to make it work. Or no deal.
And tell your anti-corruption
unit to stand down.
My government is no longer in the mood
to be educated by your bureaucrats.
Sec...
...retary.
Great news, ma'am.
Uh, it's more like insanely
amazing news. Go ahead.
Kat found some ironclad
security guarantees for
- our cyberweaponry.
- Cyberweaponry.
President Zaragoza will sign
the extradition
agreement within the hour.
Apologies. I promise this is
enthusiasm, not impertinence.
- Understood.
- That is great.
And insanely amazing.
Ma'am, Miguel Briseño from
the Washington Chronicle is here
- for your interview.
- Mexican bureau chief?
I'll be there in a second.
Details.
- It was all Ms. Sandoval.
- Oh.
Well, let's hear it.
No, I just, uh, asked INR to find
the American cybersecurity
firm that Mexico wants
to contract, Kizlet
Programming, and then I made
a super solid deal with
their CEO, Kenny Fisk.
He guaranteed that
any tech Kizlet shares
will be completely traceable
and can be disabled remotely
at a moment's notice.
CYBERCOM signed off
in, like, five seconds.
It was barely even a thing.
Usually, those private
sector guys, they hate working
- with the government.
- Tell me about it.
So I Facebooked Fisk.
Found he's deep into Neal Stephenson.
That doesn't ring a bell.
Yeah. No. Sci-Fi author.
He wrote Cryptonomicon.
- No.
- Anathem?
- Mm.
- Um, Seveneves.
Wow.
Still no bells? Okay.
Now I know your Christmas gift.
Anyway, Fisk and I were
way in the weeds about
the reconstructed society aboard
the Cloud Ark in Seveneves.
So, now he's pretty much
my little nerd buddy.
It's all about relationships, right?
Good job, Kat.
Thank you, ma'am.
I actually have
some breaking news for you.
Hmm.
President Zaragoza is moments away
from signing an extradition agreement.
Sergio Macias is coming
to the United States.
Did Mexico demand any concessions?
Yes, of course.
We've agreed to relax some of our...
trade provisions around...
cybersecurity software.
Defensive software or cyberweaponry?
I'm not really prepared to
comment about that yet...
Are you concerned that if Mexico
obtains American cyberweapons,
they might fall into
the hands of bad actors?
No, we have faith in
the Mexican government.
Really?
You've had guarantees before,
and yet American guns
have still got into the
hands of cartel members.
Other than trade provisions,
does the U.S. have any
solutions to fight the cartels?
I mean, after all, it is...
government corruption
that allows them to thrive.
We've been advising President Zaragoza
to pursue anti-corruption measures.
And, off the record...
You're not wrong.
Excuse me?
We're never gonna beat the cartels
as long as Mexican government
officials stay on their payroll.
What more can the U.S. do?
Mexico is our neighbor
and one of our most reliable
allies and trade partners.
We can't just...
force them into rooting out corruption.
It's like having a best friend
who won't stop robbing banks.
We are doing everything we can,
but...
thankfully, there are
tough reporters like you
who are holding the Mexican
government accountable.
Because ultimately,
I think it just might
be the Fourth Estate
that brings about change.
_
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_
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_
The extradition was rushed.
All due respect, President Zaragoza,
but I don't see how more
time would have stopped
a helicopter loaded with RPGs.
Well, then perhaps it
never should have happened.
21 Federales were killed in the attack.
I am sorry.
Their loss is a tragedy.
I pledge our full support in
bringing Macias to justice.
We're already coordinating
with your DEA in Mexico City.
I have instructed them to
provide whatever resources
you need for the search,
but... our cyberweapons deal
is suspended until the
extradition is back on track.
The cartels undermine
our relationship, Conrad.
In many ways. I regret that.
So do I.
But I'll feel a lot better
when Macias is back in prison.
We will keep you apprised.
Thank you, Mario.
That was awkward.
After a deep investigative dive
into each member of the Gang of Eight,
we have three winners for
most Russia connections:
Senate Majority Leader Beau Carpenter,
Representative Drew Emerick,
Senator Carlos Morejon.
An all-star list of D.C. powerhouses.
Nothing illegal
vis-à-vis Russia, but connected enough
that it could point to something more.
Our plan is to send
a classified brief to each congressman
saying high-level
intelligence agents are meeting
in Afghanistan day after tomorrow,
4:00 Afghan time.
We give each congressman
a different location for the meeting.
So for Emerick...
...it's in Kunar Province.
Morejon...
Parwan.
Carpenter...
Nimruz.
We'll fly surveillance
drones over each location.
- If we see a Taliban presence...
- We'll have our Judas Iscariot.
Let's go ahead, see what we get.
What gorgeous walnut paneling.
Imagine it with something brighter.
That'd just open it right up.
Oh, so, does State have anything to do
with catching this cartel guy, Macias?
I can't answer any
classified questions, Dad.
- Ah.
- That's a yes.
Okay,
- here's a D.C. insider question for you.
- Mm-hmm?
What do you think of Shaw?
Is that an up-and-coming neighborhood?
Oh, it's arrived.
The streets are lined with gastropubs.
Ah. We're thinking
of, uh, buying a condo
- as an investment.
- What?
The real estate market
here is very spicy.
Oh. Uh, well, yeah.
I mean, Shaw's fantastic.
It's... This is my
desk, by the way. Mom.
- Oh.
- Um, yeah, Shaw's really pretty,
um, it's close to the metro, it's...
Yeah, it's great.
Well, how would you...
like to live there?
Why, I'd love to, but...
Are you buying me a condo?
Like a PlayStation for my birthday?
Oh, we're buying it anyway.
- Yeah, don't touch.
- Now, if you want
to contribute, you can just
give us what you pay in rent now.
Yeah, the open house is tomorrow.
Okay, this is feeling like charity.
Well, you're the one who said
your apartment was a "postage stamp."
Y-Yeah, but it's my postage stamp.
- And I pay fair-market value for it.
- We just thought
you would like a
thousand-square-foot...
- Two-bedroom.
- ...two-bedroom
with a walk-in closet.
- Yeah.
- Hardwood floors.
When's the open house?
Well, there's no mistaking it...
you must be Fred and Edie Moran.
- Yes?
- Mom, Dad, this is, um,
Elizabeth... Secretary McCord.
- So nice to meet you. Elizabeth...
- Madam Secre... something.
Secretary McCord.
We've heard so many
wonderful things about you.
Oh. Well, thank you. I've...
Oh. Kat?
Kat Sandoval, my new policy advisor.
- And Matt Mahoney, my speechwriter.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- My parents.
- Oh. Hello.
- Hi, Blake's mom.
I'm amazed at how large this place is.
How many employees?
I think 30,000.
Well, Kat just joined us, so 30,001.
Ah.
That's a lot of pension
and health plans.
No wonder you can't pay much up front.
Dad.
What? What? Sh-She's aware.
Oh, well, it's a living wage.
But you're absolutely right...
it doesn't nearly match
the value of our employees.
Yup.
I mean, uh...
uh, yeah, it's a shame.
- But it's a good stepping-stone, right?
- Yeah, stepping-stone.
All right, let's go...
let's go, uh, this way.
- This way...
- You know, I just wanted to say
that Blake is one of
the most capable people
I've ever worked with.
The sky is the limit for a guy like him.
So in-in D.C. terms,
that's low six figures?
All right, nice to meet you.
Here we go. Going this way.
- That's Jay. My parents.
- Hi. Great to meet you.
- Sorry, I have to...
- Yep.
There's something you need to see.
What's going on?
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Two-thirds of our continent
is looking for this guy,
and he gives an interview
to an American newspaper.
Well, I don't think
too many cautious types
end up becoming drug lords.
Hell of a scoop.
Briseño's more
impressive than I thought.
Um, this interview
isn't even all of it...
he wrote this long exposé
on corruption in the drug war.
He names Mexican
politicians on the take,
U.S. border agents
who look the other way.
He even lays out how
Macias gets American guns.
Macias can't be too happy about that.
Yeah.
Yeah, Macias and his ilk
are only happy when
inflicting pain and suffering.
They kill and rape without compunction,
they wreak generations of trauma
wherever they gain influence.
And if I told you of
the grotesque crimes
that the cartel's committed
in the idyllic little...
Oaxacan town where my father grew up,
we would all be lying on the floor,
huddled in the fetal position,
weeping like frightened toddlers.
Buy me a drink, and I'll
tell you how I really feel.
Ma'am. The president wants to see you.
How many more times can Sergio Macias
stick his thumb in my eye?
The Justice Department will
get into it with this reporter,
shake something loose.
I wouldn't count on him
giving up his sources.
Well, maybe a contempt
citation will make him rethink
- his principles.
- It won't. I've met him.
Then we fight him in court.
He can't invoke reporter's privilege
if it's a criminal case.
And by the time we get a
ruling, it'll be too late.
Let me talk to him.
- I think I can get him to cooperate.
- And why is that?
We bonded.
Look, I couldn't tell
you where he was hiding
if I wanted to.
They blindfolded me and
put headphones over my ears.
Well, you could...
give me the device you recorded him on.
It is not my job to make things
easier for powerful people.
That's true.
But your principles won't save you
when you're arrested
for contempt of court.
AG could have you on an FBI plane
back to Washington tonight.
No, I-I... I need more
time before that happens.
More time to do what?
I can't say.
But it's the kind of reporting
that could really change things.
You're living dangerously.
Excuse me?
Leaving a girl alone at a bar like this?
I've already turned down two drinks
and a weekend in Atlantic City.
Well, sorry, I-I got hung up at work,
and then the metro was slow, and...
Never mind that. You look beautiful.
Uh, what are you drinking,
and how do you like Atlantic City?
Nice recovery.
A-plus.
So, uh, what was... what was happening
at the war college?
Did my... did my dad keep
you after class, or...?
No, just... stuff.
Oh. Well, stuff. Wow.
Sounds important.
Is everything okay?
This...
is-is probably a bad idea.
I was gonna tell you that up front,
but then you were... you are...
funny and... beautiful.
Are you worried about this
because you work with my dad?
Yes.
Okay, look...
Um, here.
Both my parents work for the government,
so if I avoided everyone
that they work with,
I would have to leave town
to date, and...
just, you know, live life in general.
If you're really worried,
I know how to do this.
Date?
Sneak.
I mean, at least until we figure out
what this is gonna be.
And what do you want this to be?
Fun?
I just got my heart broken, so
I'm not really up for anything
that involves family, negotiations
or long discussions about validation
and personal space.
So, you know, if you want
to keep it casual and...
secret,
I'm your girl, Alexander.
Unless you're married or something.
No. Not... No.
- Not married.
- Okay, good.
Feel like we should probably
know things like that
about each other.
Okay, well, ask me anything.
I'm an open book.
Hmm, okay.
Where are you from, originally?
Baltimore.
That was a joke.
Oh.
Okay.
You got me.
Do you want a drink?
Oh, no, I-I don't.
Uh, just club soda.
A Russian who doesn't drink?
Yeah. That's, uh, that's
why they kicked me out.
Really?
No! Damn it.
So you said "I need more time,"
and she just said "Okay"?
Well, first, she warned me again
that I might get grabbed by the FBI.
That's nice of her.
Our budget for bail
money is pretty strained.
Yeah, well, I don't think the FBI
would let me bail out.
All right, pedal to the metal, and, uh,
whatever resources you need.
Thanks, Marc. Good night.
That's, I mean, I guess.
- But I don't know.
- No. Okay.
Breakfast cereal, disgusting.
Sweetened iced tea, disgusting.
- That's fair, that's fair.
- In fact,
everything you call tea here,
- disgusting.
- Mm.
But the worst, the worst:
peanut butter.
Peanut butter?
You don't like peanut butter?
That's like the best American idea
since, um...
jazz.
I... but, probably before jazz.
- That's, that's w...
- You get the idea.
No, that's weird.
Why would you spread peanuts on bread?
It's delicious.
I mean, I don't know what else to say.
Aw...
I should probably go home.
But, um...
You know, maybe next time,
you can... ask me out.
What do you think?
What?
Are you serious?
We just had one of the
all-time greatest first dates.
Didn't we?
We did.
My dad is not gonna fire
you for going out with me.
- It's more complicated than that.
- He's a very rational person.
All I can say
is that it's been a wonderful night,
and I wish...
It's not that complicated.
Okay.
Miguel was always
the first one in the
newsroom and the last one out.
On a few occasions, I
found him asleep on his desk
in the middle of a story.
He was a rare breed, uh,
old-school, relentless
and unwaveringly principled.
The world is a poorer place
without Miguel Briseño.
I've lost count how many reporters
were killed in Mexico this year.
Eleven?
Fourteen.
They guarantee you freedom of the press.
If you kill a reporter
for doing his job...
There hasn't been a single
prosecution, not one.
Miguel is an American citizen.
We're not gonna let his killers go free.
But I need your help to catch them.
You still want his notes?
Anything you're willing to give.
I keep thinking, even now,
Miguel wouldn't have helped you.
Even to solve his own murder,
he would've stuck to his guns
and told you no.
But I am not that principled.
And this is
the second bedroom.
Kind of perfect to start a family.
That's a little cart before the horse.
You'll find someone.
Blake is bisexual, so,
twice the playing field.
Oh, my God.
So, is this a load-bearing wall?
I'll check.
Oh, imagine what you
could do in that kitchen.
I'm sure, but, guys, don't you
think this is a little much?
- Ah.
- It's a modest two-bedroom apartment
for a young professional.
- I knew this was gonna happen.
- What?
Well, you've been an
assistant for too long.
It got up in your head.
You don't think you're
worthy of bigger things.
What is so shameful
about wanting to live within my means?
Well, I'm not just
talking about an apartment.
You used to want to do
things and change things.
You know, some would view
the morning that I spent
preparing a binder on
global water shortages
so we don't have a catastrophe
in sub-Saharan Africa
as doing more to help the world
than balancing a spreadsheet
for some mutual fund.
No one is doubting
the work you're doing.
We just want you to reach
for more for yourself.
I've been talking to
my friend Tim Williams.
Oh, Tim...
His cousin runs a political
consulting firm, and they think
a guy with your experience
would be a great asset for them.
Dad, there is nothing,
nothing more insufferable
than spending all day with
some overpaid policy bro.
You would be doing the
same work you're doing now,
with a chance to advance,
to move up in the world.
We're just asking you to consider it.
That's all we're asking.
Oh.
I... I get it.
You're buying me an apartment
so you can leverage me
into doing what you want.
- Leverage? No one is leveraging you.
- No, we just want...
Guys. Come on, guys.
No, come on. Come on.
- Please.
- I am happy.
Can't you see that I'm happy?
I have a... I have a great life.
I have a great job.
I have a... small studio apartment
that gets way too hot
in the summer, but...
We think that you should...
- Probably want...
- I know what you think.
I know what you think, and I respect it.
I'm sorry you don't respect me.
- No, that's... Look...
- Blake, that's ridiculous.
How could you even...?
But good luck with the
investment, all right?
I love you.
I'll call you later.
- Good news, ma'am.
- No, not good.
Ridiculously amazing. Go ahead.
Miguel's Briseño's notes
are a treasure trove.
You figured out where Macias is?
Oh, no, not at all.
That would've been amazing, too.
However, when Briseño told you
that his next story could change
things... big understatement.
Huge, actually.
He learned that-that
Macias has a friend high up
in the Mexican government.
Like nosebleed high up.
We're figuring deputy
level in the judiciary,
something like that.
Which would explain why
Macias is always one step ahead
- of the Federales.
- Exactly.
Now, we don't have a name
yet, but we do have an alias.
- El A guila.
- The Eagle.
Pretty good, right? As
in "sees everything"?
Anyway, Briseño thought
that he was only days
from tracking down this
guy's actual identity.
So you think we can finish the job?
Yes, ma'am.
Miguel discovered the names of
some offshore dummy corporations
that launder El A guila's money.
We have an army of INR
agents, accountants...
basically the whole department...
sorting out ownership as we speak.
Once we trace the money to a name,
El A guila will be el atrapado.
Encarcelado.
All right.
And DEA just located Macias.
You are aware this is a
remote intelligence office,
and a U.S. Senator
can't just barge in here.
I don't need you scolding me, Professor.
I came here in an unmarked car
with no security.
Why?
My staff heard about these shady
characters posing as reporters,
asking my PAC donors how
they make their money.
I have no idea what
you're talking about.
Oh, of course not.
Why would you admit to
doing oppo research on me
to help your wife's career?
Well, that's a hell of an accusation.
I don't hear you denying.
Of secret things, I am silence.
You always quote the
Bible when you're backed
- into a corner?
- That's the Bhagavad Gita, actually.
Go with smug. Fine.
I cannot discuss classified matters
outside proper channels.
That's not smug. That's the law.
It's also the law that the CIA is barred
from spying on American citizens.
I'm getting the attorney
general into this.
So, we heard all of that.
Are we blown?
Is there something you need to tell me?
Not a chance.
We only used real freelance reporters
who have no idea who
they've been working for.
It's a total firewall.
So you're telling me the senator
just made a really good guess?
Or this is one of many stops
on a guilty conscience tour.
Except he's right.
Well, the drones go online tomorrow.
Then we'll know for sure.
Macias's hideout is in rural Veracruz.
It's a remote home,
but sources say there's a large
bunker underneath the residence.
Cameras are at the entrance,
at least 20 guards in rotation.
If we raid the compound,
you think we can pull him out alive,
Admiral? Yes, I believe we can.
Good. Organize a raid immediately.
President Zaragoza will
want a Mexican Marine presence, as well.
I'm sure he would, but we are not
telling President Zaragoza about this.
Violating their sovereignty.
It's a surgical strike.
We got bin Laden without Pakistan.
Mexico isn't Pakistan, sir.
We're all concerned
about cartel moles inside
Zaragoza's administration.
My team at State is working
at uncovering one as we speak.
But are we really willing
to risk our relationship
with one of our strongest
allies over a cartel leader?
I want Macias in supermax
as much as you do, sir,
but we don't know how
Mexico's gonna react to this.
Mexico wants Macias locked up, too.
If their feathers do get
ruffled, they'll come around.
We're talking about a lot
more than ruffled feathers.
What if they were to pull
out of our trade agreements?
It could send our economy
into a death spiral.
Do you really think that they
would commit economic suicide?
This whole affair has
proven one thing to me:
we can't trust Mexico
when it comes to Macias.
And I refuse to let
that monster get away
while he destroys American lives.
Something needs to be done.
We're raiding his compound.
We're doing it alone.
Got something you need to talk about?
Why do you ask?
Well, there's no milk in that coffee.
Special Forces are moving
into Mexico later today.
Covertly.
Conrad has this...
hawkish streak.
I mean, I get it. The man was a Marine,
head of the CIA.
But you can usually count
on him to put his guns down
and talk when the time is right.
You still think this is about Harrison?
I do.
Well, I can see where he's coming from.
I mean, look at Dmitri.
He was this ramrod
straight military kid.
He comes to the U.S.
and within a matter of months,
he's addicted to oxycodone.
Something needs to be done.
That's exactly what Conrad
said when he ordered the raid.
There isn't a phrase that scares me more
than "something needs to be done."
Why?
It means no one really knows
what to do.
Love you.
Hello.
Hey, we have eyes on all three targets.
Uh, we should have
results in a few hours.
Good. Be sure to report
any suspicious movement.
Okay, I'll keep an eye out.
Should I cancel your
roundtable in Palo Alto?
Yeah, probably.
If we do this raid in Mexico,
I'm gonna need a solid week
to deal with the fallout.
Meetings with Gomez,
Zaragoza.
You know what? Can we take five?
I've never had to actually
plan for a diplomatic crisis.
And it is giving me a massive headache.
Of course.
Oh, hey. How did the,
uh, the open house go?
I decided the place wasn't for me.
Really? Why not?
Turns out it was part of a larger plan
to turn me into a sleazy
political consultant.
They want you to quit State?
It's a much larger conversation,
but, essentially, they want me
to be more than an assistant.
Well, I can understand that.
Blake, you are way too smart
to remain at this level.
Come on, I always imagined
you had a larger goal, right?
Uh, well, I mean,
in-in my first year here, I
kind of wanted to be a policy guy
like Jay or Jay-adjacent.
And now?
I would like to try
something in planning,
more the organizing... I don't know.
- I don't know. I feel like...
- Blake, I'm gonna do you a favor.
In one year I'm gonna fire you.
No, I'm serious.
And you can use that time
to consider what you want to do next.
If it's at State,
I'll do everything I
can to get you that job.
But if it's not at State,
I will write you the most
glowing recommendation
in human history.
Wow. That's very sweet of you, ma'am.
And as momentarily
terrifying as that was,
uh, I-I really appreciate that.
Good.
Do I put you firing
me into your calendar?
Yeah, please do.
- Okay.
- Sorry to barge in again, ma'am.
But we just identified El Aguila.
And...?
Goes even higher than the nosebleeds.
It's the secretary of
foreign affairs, Pedro Gomez.
What?
Macias was right.
He really does run Mexico.
Special Forces have been deployed?
They're in the air, ma'am, ten
minutes from Mexican airspace.
Good.
Sir, you need to cancel this raid.
We've been over this, Bess.
I can't trust Mexico to arrest Macias.
I completely agree, you can't.
This is definitive proof
that the Mexican foreign
secretary, Pedro Gomez,
- is a paid lackey of Sergio Macias.
- What?
Where'd you find all this?
Miguel Briseño's
editor gave me his notes
after he was murdered, and
I would bet everything I own
that Gomez ordered that hit.
Then why stop the raid?
Because we have a real
opportunity here, sir.
If we get Gomez out of power,
and we use our Intel
on Macias as leverage,
we can get an anti-corruption measure
and Macias, with Mexico's help.
Do you know who Briseño's sources were?
Diplomats. High-level
government officials
who were outraged by Gomez
and fighting for a just government.
And with Gomez out of the picture,
they'll have their chance.
If we don't raid now, Macias
could leave the country.
We both know Macias
isn't the real problem.
Admiral Parker,
abort the raid.
Omega Team, abort.
Immediate abort.
Return to base.
Nicely done.
What do you want, McCord?
Beau Carpenter's leaking secrets
to the Russian government.
- What?
- My team has uncovered
an intelligence leak
implicating the Gang of Eight.
Obviously, I couldn't read you in
until we knew who was guilty,
but now we're confident
it's the majority leader.
Beau and Russia, why?
I have no idea, but it
doesn't really matter why.
Once POTUS gives the order,
he'll be under investigation
by a lot of assiduous people.
In the meantime, I need your help.
With what?
Look,
we haven't exactly made it a secret that
we don't like each
other, but I also know
that you love this country
and you would do anything
in your power to keep our secrets.
As chair of the Senate
Intelligence Committee,
you can block information
from reaching Carpenter's desk.
My team is standing by to brief you.
How about it, Senator?
We appreciate you sharing
your intelligence with us.
Frankly, Mr. President,
well, after you agreed to
arrest Gomez, we were happy to.
This is the first significant step
toward eliminating corruption, yes,
but I fear
there will be many more painful steps
before we achieve all our goals.
I think your government
anti-corruption bill
will also have a big impact.
God willing.
And now if you'll excuse
me, I have to get back
to Mexico City.
- Buenosuerte, Mario.
- Presidente, gracias.
Thank you so much.
Mr. President, pleasure. Señora.
Well, it's 11:00 a.m.
and we have put away a drug lord
and a corrupt foreign minister.
That's efficiency.
You should take the rest
of the day off, Russell.
Maybe catch a yoga class.
That's...
the funniest thing
you've ever said to me.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Please, stay a minute, Bess.
I, uh...
I know when I get up a head
of steam about something,
it can be tough to get me off it.
Well,
I mean, it turns out
our goals weren't...
mutually exclusive.
They weren't.
And I'm proud of the work we did today.
But somehow...
it all feels... small.
It's just...
there are so many people in this country
who are addicted and desperate.
No matter what we do,
thousands of them are gonna die
before the opioid crisis gets better.
I've spent...
I can't tell you how many nights,
wide awake... thinking,
I'm going to get a call
from the Secret Service.
They're gonna be in some
town I've never heard of.
And they're going to
tell me my son is dead.
Conrad, I'm so sorry.
But Harrison is, he's in rehab.
He's getting help.
But that demon will
always be inside him.
It can get him anytime.
And that scares me...
more than anything.
Late again?
Is this gonna be your thing?
- Uh, maybe.
- Mmm.
So... what happened to all
those mysterious reasons
that we couldn't see each other?
Uh, they're still there.
So what made you change your mind?
I stopped thinking about it.
Oh, a couple minutes
here and there. You?
No, I kept waking up from
nightmares about Russia
infiltrating the top
levels of our government.
- Mm.
- More coffee?
Sure.
I'm already on my second pot.
So have you found any reason
not to suspect the Gang of Eight?
Besides the fact that they're
the most powerful members
of Congress and it would be
treason for any one of them
to share our secrets with Russia? Nah.
I've had my team working
on it all night, too.
Eggs?
No. I'm feeling carby.
You'll want rock-solid proof
before you take it up the chain.
Yeah, I was thinking that
I would brief the committee
on a fake op in Afghanistan.
See if there was any Taliban response.
A drip test.
Right, drip test.
I like it.
But I don't like this.
"White House. Now."
Fresh nightmares.
CDC just finished
tabulating overdose deaths
from last year.
How bad?
Record-breaking.
Well, I'm sorry to hear that,
but shouldn't you have called
in a different cabinet member?
The president already had
the secretary of Health
and Human Services
in the Oval this morning.
Russell?
Harrison's back in rehab.
Oh, no.
Ah, he's okay.
Checked himself in last
week before he spiraled.
Even managed to keep it out of the news,
but when Conrad saw the CDC report...
it became a busy morning.
Do you know what he wants from me?
Revenge.
Good morning, Mr. President.
Do you know how many American servicemen
died in Vietnam, Bess?
Uh, 58,000...
58,220.
In a war that lasted
more than ten years.
Do you know how many Americans
died of drug overdoses last year?
- Well...
- 64,000.
Mostly from opioids.
It's the worst public
health crisis in a century.
And it's happening on my watch.
So I'm going to do something about it.
Sergio Macias. You familiar?
He's head of the Puebla
Cartel in Southern Mexico.
He's in prison in Jalisco,
but he's running things from his cell.
That's why I want him
extradited to the U.S.
and put into supermax.
I'm not sure that's the right play, sir.
Why the hell not?
More than 90% of our
heroin comes from Mexico,
and most of that from Macias.
We extradite him, it'll
cripple his empire.
And some new drug lord takes his place.
If you want to focus on Mexico,
we should focus on
government corruption.
So you are content to let
Macias keep killing Americans?
State's been holding talks
with Mexico about new
anti-corruption measures,
but it's delicate.
If we push them to give up Macias,
they won't want to cut any other deals.
Fighting corruption is a noble goal,
but I want Macias out of the equation.
Opioid deaths are a systemic problem,
a tragic one.
So it's understandable
to want to find...
We've known each other
a long time, Bess.
You can talk to me straight.
Russell told me about
Harrison, and I am, I'm so sorry
for what you and Lydia
are going through.
I'm worried that maybe
it's clouding your judgment.
Well, I understand your concern,
but this isn't just about my son.
I meet with families
who've lost loved ones to
drugs almost every week.
I can't keep giving them platitudes.
I want decisive action today.
Are we clear?
Yes, Mr. President.
- Morning.
- Good morning, ma'am.
Uh, your call with the Mexican
secretary of foreign affairs
- is in five minutes.
- Thanks. Are you okay?
Yes. Why?
Well, your blazer is unbuttoned.
Oh, God.
I'm so sorry.
- No, that's not what I...
- It's, uh...
...mean. It's, um, I'm just all...
My parents are flying
into D.C. tomorrow.
- Oh! Oh. Yeah.
- Yeah.
That's... always a little challenging.
- Yeah. Look, I-I love them
- I mean, I'm sure.
More than anyone in the world.
It's just... oh, sometimes
they make me so mad
I want to rip the skin off my own face.
Does that make sense?
Yeah, I try not to
think about what my kids
- think of me sometimes.
- Well, I doubt that you question
their career and relationship
choices at every turn,
- so I'm sure you're fine.
- How can they question your career choice?
Well...
You are literally
helping save the world.
My parents are private sector people.
They... To their mind, leaving finance
to go work for the government
was like blasting a fire hose
full of money off a
cliff into the abyss.
Well, if they saw what you did,
they'd be bragging to all your friends,
- Well, I...
- all their friends.
- Yeah.
- Oh, come on.
You know what, bring 'em in.
What? Oh, no. Thank you.
- That's very kind of you. I...
- Yeah. No.
We have been in this
relationship for years.
It's time I met your parents, Blake.
You are aware that Macias is in prison
in Jalisco, Madam Secretary?
Of course you are.
You just don't trust our justice system.
Secretary Gomez, I assure you
this request is solely about
the U.S. justice system.
Macias is wanted in seven states.
He has indictments from nine
federal courts.
He is also a Mexican citizen,
convicted by the Mexican judiciary.
But why should you
respect our sovereignty?
We have great respect for Mexico.
In fact, I can guarantee
we will honor your laws
and Macias won't face the death penalty.
That is a start.
But to even consider this deal,
President Zaragoza wants
new trade provisions.
Lift the restrictions on
cybersecurity software.
Well, the Pentagon
doesn't give cyberweapons
to any foreign country.
I'm not talking about your military.
Private companies.
You have many burdensome
regulations around cyber trade
with Mexico.
Well, for good reason.
Do you have any idea how hard it is
to keep cyberweapons
away from bad actors?
That is a rather galling lack
of faith for a close ally.
It is a well-documented
fact that American guns
have made their way to cartel hands.
And a gun is a lot easier to
keep safe than a string of code.
Once again, you know
what is best for Mexico.
Can you just knock that off?
I assure you that I am negotiating
- in good faith.
- But we have nothing to negotiate.
President Dalton wants Macias.
Cyber is a priority
for President Zaragoza.
You need to make it work. Or no deal.
And tell your anti-corruption
unit to stand down.
My government is no longer in the mood
to be educated by your bureaucrats.
Sec...
...retary.
Great news, ma'am.
Uh, it's more like insanely
amazing news. Go ahead.
Kat found some ironclad
security guarantees for
- our cyberweaponry.
- Cyberweaponry.
President Zaragoza will sign
the extradition
agreement within the hour.
Apologies. I promise this is
enthusiasm, not impertinence.
- Understood.
- That is great.
And insanely amazing.
Ma'am, Miguel Briseño from
the Washington Chronicle is here
- for your interview.
- Mexican bureau chief?
I'll be there in a second.
Details.
- It was all Ms. Sandoval.
- Oh.
Well, let's hear it.
No, I just, uh, asked INR to find
the American cybersecurity
firm that Mexico wants
to contract, Kizlet
Programming, and then I made
a super solid deal with
their CEO, Kenny Fisk.
He guaranteed that
any tech Kizlet shares
will be completely traceable
and can be disabled remotely
at a moment's notice.
CYBERCOM signed off
in, like, five seconds.
It was barely even a thing.
Usually, those private
sector guys, they hate working
- with the government.
- Tell me about it.
So I Facebooked Fisk.
Found he's deep into Neal Stephenson.
That doesn't ring a bell.
Yeah. No. Sci-Fi author.
He wrote Cryptonomicon.
- No.
- Anathem?
- Mm.
- Um, Seveneves.
Wow.
Still no bells? Okay.
Now I know your Christmas gift.
Anyway, Fisk and I were
way in the weeds about
the reconstructed society aboard
the Cloud Ark in Seveneves.
So, now he's pretty much
my little nerd buddy.
It's all about relationships, right?
Good job, Kat.
Thank you, ma'am.
I actually have
some breaking news for you.
Hmm.
President Zaragoza is moments away
from signing an extradition agreement.
Sergio Macias is coming
to the United States.
Did Mexico demand any concessions?
Yes, of course.
We've agreed to relax some of our...
trade provisions around...
cybersecurity software.
Defensive software or cyberweaponry?
I'm not really prepared to
comment about that yet...
Are you concerned that if Mexico
obtains American cyberweapons,
they might fall into
the hands of bad actors?
No, we have faith in
the Mexican government.
Really?
You've had guarantees before,
and yet American guns
have still got into the
hands of cartel members.
Other than trade provisions,
does the U.S. have any
solutions to fight the cartels?
I mean, after all, it is...
government corruption
that allows them to thrive.
We've been advising President Zaragoza
to pursue anti-corruption measures.
And, off the record...
You're not wrong.
Excuse me?
We're never gonna beat the cartels
as long as Mexican government
officials stay on their payroll.
What more can the U.S. do?
Mexico is our neighbor
and one of our most reliable
allies and trade partners.
We can't just...
force them into rooting out corruption.
It's like having a best friend
who won't stop robbing banks.
We are doing everything we can,
but...
thankfully, there are
tough reporters like you
who are holding the Mexican
government accountable.
Because ultimately,
I think it just might
be the Fourth Estate
that brings about change.
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
The extradition was rushed.
All due respect, President Zaragoza,
but I don't see how more
time would have stopped
a helicopter loaded with RPGs.
Well, then perhaps it
never should have happened.
21 Federales were killed in the attack.
I am sorry.
Their loss is a tragedy.
I pledge our full support in
bringing Macias to justice.
We're already coordinating
with your DEA in Mexico City.
I have instructed them to
provide whatever resources
you need for the search,
but... our cyberweapons deal
is suspended until the
extradition is back on track.
The cartels undermine
our relationship, Conrad.
In many ways. I regret that.
So do I.
But I'll feel a lot better
when Macias is back in prison.
We will keep you apprised.
Thank you, Mario.
That was awkward.
After a deep investigative dive
into each member of the Gang of Eight,
we have three winners for
most Russia connections:
Senate Majority Leader Beau Carpenter,
Representative Drew Emerick,
Senator Carlos Morejon.
An all-star list of D.C. powerhouses.
Nothing illegal
vis-à-vis Russia, but connected enough
that it could point to something more.
Our plan is to send
a classified brief to each congressman
saying high-level
intelligence agents are meeting
in Afghanistan day after tomorrow,
4:00 Afghan time.
We give each congressman
a different location for the meeting.
So for Emerick...
...it's in Kunar Province.
Morejon...
Parwan.
Carpenter...
Nimruz.
We'll fly surveillance
drones over each location.
- If we see a Taliban presence...
- We'll have our Judas Iscariot.
Let's go ahead, see what we get.
What gorgeous walnut paneling.
Imagine it with something brighter.
That'd just open it right up.
Oh, so, does State have anything to do
with catching this cartel guy, Macias?
I can't answer any
classified questions, Dad.
- Ah.
- That's a yes.
Okay,
- here's a D.C. insider question for you.
- Mm-hmm?
What do you think of Shaw?
Is that an up-and-coming neighborhood?
Oh, it's arrived.
The streets are lined with gastropubs.
Ah. We're thinking
of, uh, buying a condo
- as an investment.
- What?
The real estate market
here is very spicy.
Oh. Uh, well, yeah.
I mean, Shaw's fantastic.
It's... This is my
desk, by the way. Mom.
- Oh.
- Um, yeah, Shaw's really pretty,
um, it's close to the metro, it's...
Yeah, it's great.
Well, how would you...
like to live there?
Why, I'd love to, but...
Are you buying me a condo?
Like a PlayStation for my birthday?
Oh, we're buying it anyway.
- Yeah, don't touch.
- Now, if you want
to contribute, you can just
give us what you pay in rent now.
Yeah, the open house is tomorrow.
Okay, this is feeling like charity.
Well, you're the one who said
your apartment was a "postage stamp."
Y-Yeah, but it's my postage stamp.
- And I pay fair-market value for it.
- We just thought
you would like a
thousand-square-foot...
- Two-bedroom.
- ...two-bedroom
with a walk-in closet.
- Yeah.
- Hardwood floors.
When's the open house?
Well, there's no mistaking it...
you must be Fred and Edie Moran.
- Yes?
- Mom, Dad, this is, um,
Elizabeth... Secretary McCord.
- So nice to meet you. Elizabeth...
- Madam Secre... something.
Secretary McCord.
We've heard so many
wonderful things about you.
Oh. Well, thank you. I've...
Oh. Kat?
Kat Sandoval, my new policy advisor.
- And Matt Mahoney, my speechwriter.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- My parents.
- Oh. Hello.
- Hi, Blake's mom.
I'm amazed at how large this place is.
How many employees?
I think 30,000.
Well, Kat just joined us, so 30,001.
Ah.
That's a lot of pension
and health plans.
No wonder you can't pay much up front.
Dad.
What? What? Sh-She's aware.
Oh, well, it's a living wage.
But you're absolutely right...
it doesn't nearly match
the value of our employees.
Yup.
I mean, uh...
uh, yeah, it's a shame.
- But it's a good stepping-stone, right?
- Yeah, stepping-stone.
All right, let's go...
let's go, uh, this way.
- This way...
- You know, I just wanted to say
that Blake is one of
the most capable people
I've ever worked with.
The sky is the limit for a guy like him.
So in-in D.C. terms,
that's low six figures?
All right, nice to meet you.
Here we go. Going this way.
- That's Jay. My parents.
- Hi. Great to meet you.
- Sorry, I have to...
- Yep.
There's something you need to see.
What's going on?
_
_
Two-thirds of our continent
is looking for this guy,
and he gives an interview
to an American newspaper.
Well, I don't think
too many cautious types
end up becoming drug lords.
Hell of a scoop.
Briseño's more
impressive than I thought.
Um, this interview
isn't even all of it...
he wrote this long exposé
on corruption in the drug war.
He names Mexican
politicians on the take,
U.S. border agents
who look the other way.
He even lays out how
Macias gets American guns.
Macias can't be too happy about that.
Yeah.
Yeah, Macias and his ilk
are only happy when
inflicting pain and suffering.
They kill and rape without compunction,
they wreak generations of trauma
wherever they gain influence.
And if I told you of
the grotesque crimes
that the cartel's committed
in the idyllic little...
Oaxacan town where my father grew up,
we would all be lying on the floor,
huddled in the fetal position,
weeping like frightened toddlers.
Buy me a drink, and I'll
tell you how I really feel.
Ma'am. The president wants to see you.
How many more times can Sergio Macias
stick his thumb in my eye?
The Justice Department will
get into it with this reporter,
shake something loose.
I wouldn't count on him
giving up his sources.
Well, maybe a contempt
citation will make him rethink
- his principles.
- It won't. I've met him.
Then we fight him in court.
He can't invoke reporter's privilege
if it's a criminal case.
And by the time we get a
ruling, it'll be too late.
Let me talk to him.
- I think I can get him to cooperate.
- And why is that?
We bonded.
Look, I couldn't tell
you where he was hiding
if I wanted to.
They blindfolded me and
put headphones over my ears.
Well, you could...
give me the device you recorded him on.
It is not my job to make things
easier for powerful people.
That's true.
But your principles won't save you
when you're arrested
for contempt of court.
AG could have you on an FBI plane
back to Washington tonight.
No, I-I... I need more
time before that happens.
More time to do what?
I can't say.
But it's the kind of reporting
that could really change things.
You're living dangerously.
Excuse me?
Leaving a girl alone at a bar like this?
I've already turned down two drinks
and a weekend in Atlantic City.
Well, sorry, I-I got hung up at work,
and then the metro was slow, and...
Never mind that. You look beautiful.
Uh, what are you drinking,
and how do you like Atlantic City?
Nice recovery.
A-plus.
So, uh, what was... what was happening
at the war college?
Did my... did my dad keep
you after class, or...?
No, just... stuff.
Oh. Well, stuff. Wow.
Sounds important.
Is everything okay?
This...
is-is probably a bad idea.
I was gonna tell you that up front,
but then you were... you are...
funny and... beautiful.
Are you worried about this
because you work with my dad?
Yes.
Okay, look...
Um, here.
Both my parents work for the government,
so if I avoided everyone
that they work with,
I would have to leave town
to date, and...
just, you know, live life in general.
If you're really worried,
I know how to do this.
Date?
Sneak.
I mean, at least until we figure out
what this is gonna be.
And what do you want this to be?
Fun?
I just got my heart broken, so
I'm not really up for anything
that involves family, negotiations
or long discussions about validation
and personal space.
So, you know, if you want
to keep it casual and...
secret,
I'm your girl, Alexander.
Unless you're married or something.
No. Not... No.
- Not married.
- Okay, good.
Feel like we should probably
know things like that
about each other.
Okay, well, ask me anything.
I'm an open book.
Hmm, okay.
Where are you from, originally?
Baltimore.
That was a joke.
Oh.
Okay.
You got me.
Do you want a drink?
Oh, no, I-I don't.
Uh, just club soda.
A Russian who doesn't drink?
Yeah. That's, uh, that's
why they kicked me out.
Really?
No! Damn it.
So you said "I need more time,"
and she just said "Okay"?
Well, first, she warned me again
that I might get grabbed by the FBI.
That's nice of her.
Our budget for bail
money is pretty strained.
Yeah, well, I don't think the FBI
would let me bail out.
All right, pedal to the metal, and, uh,
whatever resources you need.
Thanks, Marc. Good night.
That's, I mean, I guess.
- But I don't know.
- No. Okay.
Breakfast cereal, disgusting.
Sweetened iced tea, disgusting.
- That's fair, that's fair.
- In fact,
everything you call tea here,
- disgusting.
- Mm.
But the worst, the worst:
peanut butter.
Peanut butter?
You don't like peanut butter?
That's like the best American idea
since, um...
jazz.
I... but, probably before jazz.
- That's, that's w...
- You get the idea.
No, that's weird.
Why would you spread peanuts on bread?
It's delicious.
I mean, I don't know what else to say.
Aw...
I should probably go home.
But, um...
You know, maybe next time,
you can... ask me out.
What do you think?
What?
Are you serious?
We just had one of the
all-time greatest first dates.
Didn't we?
We did.
My dad is not gonna fire
you for going out with me.
- It's more complicated than that.
- He's a very rational person.
All I can say
is that it's been a wonderful night,
and I wish...
It's not that complicated.
Okay.
Miguel was always
the first one in the
newsroom and the last one out.
On a few occasions, I
found him asleep on his desk
in the middle of a story.
He was a rare breed, uh,
old-school, relentless
and unwaveringly principled.
The world is a poorer place
without Miguel Briseño.
I've lost count how many reporters
were killed in Mexico this year.
Eleven?
Fourteen.
They guarantee you freedom of the press.
If you kill a reporter
for doing his job...
There hasn't been a single
prosecution, not one.
Miguel is an American citizen.
We're not gonna let his killers go free.
But I need your help to catch them.
You still want his notes?
Anything you're willing to give.
I keep thinking, even now,
Miguel wouldn't have helped you.
Even to solve his own murder,
he would've stuck to his guns
and told you no.
But I am not that principled.
And this is
the second bedroom.
Kind of perfect to start a family.
That's a little cart before the horse.
You'll find someone.
Blake is bisexual, so,
twice the playing field.
Oh, my God.
So, is this a load-bearing wall?
I'll check.
Oh, imagine what you
could do in that kitchen.
I'm sure, but, guys, don't you
think this is a little much?
- Ah.
- It's a modest two-bedroom apartment
for a young professional.
- I knew this was gonna happen.
- What?
Well, you've been an
assistant for too long.
It got up in your head.
You don't think you're
worthy of bigger things.
What is so shameful
about wanting to live within my means?
Well, I'm not just
talking about an apartment.
You used to want to do
things and change things.
You know, some would view
the morning that I spent
preparing a binder on
global water shortages
so we don't have a catastrophe
in sub-Saharan Africa
as doing more to help the world
than balancing a spreadsheet
for some mutual fund.
No one is doubting
the work you're doing.
We just want you to reach
for more for yourself.
I've been talking to
my friend Tim Williams.
Oh, Tim...
His cousin runs a political
consulting firm, and they think
a guy with your experience
would be a great asset for them.
Dad, there is nothing,
nothing more insufferable
than spending all day with
some overpaid policy bro.
You would be doing the
same work you're doing now,
with a chance to advance,
to move up in the world.
We're just asking you to consider it.
That's all we're asking.
Oh.
I... I get it.
You're buying me an apartment
so you can leverage me
into doing what you want.
- Leverage? No one is leveraging you.
- No, we just want...
Guys. Come on, guys.
No, come on. Come on.
- Please.
- I am happy.
Can't you see that I'm happy?
I have a... I have a great life.
I have a great job.
I have a... small studio apartment
that gets way too hot
in the summer, but...
We think that you should...
- Probably want...
- I know what you think.
I know what you think, and I respect it.
I'm sorry you don't respect me.
- No, that's... Look...
- Blake, that's ridiculous.
How could you even...?
But good luck with the
investment, all right?
I love you.
I'll call you later.
- Good news, ma'am.
- No, not good.
Ridiculously amazing. Go ahead.
Miguel's Briseño's notes
are a treasure trove.
You figured out where Macias is?
Oh, no, not at all.
That would've been amazing, too.
However, when Briseño told you
that his next story could change
things... big understatement.
Huge, actually.
He learned that-that
Macias has a friend high up
in the Mexican government.
Like nosebleed high up.
We're figuring deputy
level in the judiciary,
something like that.
Which would explain why
Macias is always one step ahead
- of the Federales.
- Exactly.
Now, we don't have a name
yet, but we do have an alias.
- El A guila.
- The Eagle.
Pretty good, right? As
in "sees everything"?
Anyway, Briseño thought
that he was only days
from tracking down this
guy's actual identity.
So you think we can finish the job?
Yes, ma'am.
Miguel discovered the names of
some offshore dummy corporations
that launder El A guila's money.
We have an army of INR
agents, accountants...
basically the whole department...
sorting out ownership as we speak.
Once we trace the money to a name,
El A guila will be el atrapado.
Encarcelado.
All right.
And DEA just located Macias.
You are aware this is a
remote intelligence office,
and a U.S. Senator
can't just barge in here.
I don't need you scolding me, Professor.
I came here in an unmarked car
with no security.
Why?
My staff heard about these shady
characters posing as reporters,
asking my PAC donors how
they make their money.
I have no idea what
you're talking about.
Oh, of course not.
Why would you admit to
doing oppo research on me
to help your wife's career?
Well, that's a hell of an accusation.
I don't hear you denying.
Of secret things, I am silence.
You always quote the
Bible when you're backed
- into a corner?
- That's the Bhagavad Gita, actually.
Go with smug. Fine.
I cannot discuss classified matters
outside proper channels.
That's not smug. That's the law.
It's also the law that the CIA is barred
from spying on American citizens.
I'm getting the attorney
general into this.
So, we heard all of that.
Are we blown?
Is there something you need to tell me?
Not a chance.
We only used real freelance reporters
who have no idea who
they've been working for.
It's a total firewall.
So you're telling me the senator
just made a really good guess?
Or this is one of many stops
on a guilty conscience tour.
Except he's right.
Well, the drones go online tomorrow.
Then we'll know for sure.
Macias's hideout is in rural Veracruz.
It's a remote home,
but sources say there's a large
bunker underneath the residence.
Cameras are at the entrance,
at least 20 guards in rotation.
If we raid the compound,
you think we can pull him out alive,
Admiral? Yes, I believe we can.
Good. Organize a raid immediately.
President Zaragoza will
want a Mexican Marine presence, as well.
I'm sure he would, but we are not
telling President Zaragoza about this.
Violating their sovereignty.
It's a surgical strike.
We got bin Laden without Pakistan.
Mexico isn't Pakistan, sir.
We're all concerned
about cartel moles inside
Zaragoza's administration.
My team at State is working
at uncovering one as we speak.
But are we really willing
to risk our relationship
with one of our strongest
allies over a cartel leader?
I want Macias in supermax
as much as you do, sir,
but we don't know how
Mexico's gonna react to this.
Mexico wants Macias locked up, too.
If their feathers do get
ruffled, they'll come around.
We're talking about a lot
more than ruffled feathers.
What if they were to pull
out of our trade agreements?
It could send our economy
into a death spiral.
Do you really think that they
would commit economic suicide?
This whole affair has
proven one thing to me:
we can't trust Mexico
when it comes to Macias.
And I refuse to let
that monster get away
while he destroys American lives.
Something needs to be done.
We're raiding his compound.
We're doing it alone.
Got something you need to talk about?
Why do you ask?
Well, there's no milk in that coffee.
Special Forces are moving
into Mexico later today.
Covertly.
Conrad has this...
hawkish streak.
I mean, I get it. The man was a Marine,
head of the CIA.
But you can usually count
on him to put his guns down
and talk when the time is right.
You still think this is about Harrison?
I do.
Well, I can see where he's coming from.
I mean, look at Dmitri.
He was this ramrod
straight military kid.
He comes to the U.S.
and within a matter of months,
he's addicted to oxycodone.
Something needs to be done.
That's exactly what Conrad
said when he ordered the raid.
There isn't a phrase that scares me more
than "something needs to be done."
Why?
It means no one really knows
what to do.
Love you.
Hello.
Hey, we have eyes on all three targets.
Uh, we should have
results in a few hours.
Good. Be sure to report
any suspicious movement.
Okay, I'll keep an eye out.
Should I cancel your
roundtable in Palo Alto?
Yeah, probably.
If we do this raid in Mexico,
I'm gonna need a solid week
to deal with the fallout.
Meetings with Gomez,
Zaragoza.
You know what? Can we take five?
I've never had to actually
plan for a diplomatic crisis.
And it is giving me a massive headache.
Of course.
Oh, hey. How did the,
uh, the open house go?
I decided the place wasn't for me.
Really? Why not?
Turns out it was part of a larger plan
to turn me into a sleazy
political consultant.
They want you to quit State?
It's a much larger conversation,
but, essentially, they want me
to be more than an assistant.
Well, I can understand that.
Blake, you are way too smart
to remain at this level.
Come on, I always imagined
you had a larger goal, right?
Uh, well, I mean,
in-in my first year here, I
kind of wanted to be a policy guy
like Jay or Jay-adjacent.
And now?
I would like to try
something in planning,
more the organizing... I don't know.
- I don't know. I feel like...
- Blake, I'm gonna do you a favor.
In one year I'm gonna fire you.
No, I'm serious.
And you can use that time
to consider what you want to do next.
If it's at State,
I'll do everything I
can to get you that job.
But if it's not at State,
I will write you the most
glowing recommendation
in human history.
Wow. That's very sweet of you, ma'am.
And as momentarily
terrifying as that was,
uh, I-I really appreciate that.
Good.
Do I put you firing
me into your calendar?
Yeah, please do.
- Okay.
- Sorry to barge in again, ma'am.
But we just identified El Aguila.
And...?
Goes even higher than the nosebleeds.
It's the secretary of
foreign affairs, Pedro Gomez.
What?
Macias was right.
He really does run Mexico.
Special Forces have been deployed?
They're in the air, ma'am, ten
minutes from Mexican airspace.
Good.
Sir, you need to cancel this raid.
We've been over this, Bess.
I can't trust Mexico to arrest Macias.
I completely agree, you can't.
This is definitive proof
that the Mexican foreign
secretary, Pedro Gomez,
- is a paid lackey of Sergio Macias.
- What?
Where'd you find all this?
Miguel Briseño's
editor gave me his notes
after he was murdered, and
I would bet everything I own
that Gomez ordered that hit.
Then why stop the raid?
Because we have a real
opportunity here, sir.
If we get Gomez out of power,
and we use our Intel
on Macias as leverage,
we can get an anti-corruption measure
and Macias, with Mexico's help.
Do you know who Briseño's sources were?
Diplomats. High-level
government officials
who were outraged by Gomez
and fighting for a just government.
And with Gomez out of the picture,
they'll have their chance.
If we don't raid now, Macias
could leave the country.
We both know Macias
isn't the real problem.
Admiral Parker,
abort the raid.
Omega Team, abort.
Immediate abort.
Return to base.
Nicely done.
What do you want, McCord?
Beau Carpenter's leaking secrets
to the Russian government.
- What?
- My team has uncovered
an intelligence leak
implicating the Gang of Eight.
Obviously, I couldn't read you in
until we knew who was guilty,
but now we're confident
it's the majority leader.
Beau and Russia, why?
I have no idea, but it
doesn't really matter why.
Once POTUS gives the order,
he'll be under investigation
by a lot of assiduous people.
In the meantime, I need your help.
With what?
Look,
we haven't exactly made it a secret that
we don't like each
other, but I also know
that you love this country
and you would do anything
in your power to keep our secrets.
As chair of the Senate
Intelligence Committee,
you can block information
from reaching Carpenter's desk.
My team is standing by to brief you.
How about it, Senator?
We appreciate you sharing
your intelligence with us.
Frankly, Mr. President,
well, after you agreed to
arrest Gomez, we were happy to.
This is the first significant step
toward eliminating corruption, yes,
but I fear
there will be many more painful steps
before we achieve all our goals.
I think your government
anti-corruption bill
will also have a big impact.
God willing.
And now if you'll excuse
me, I have to get back
to Mexico City.
- Buenosuerte, Mario.
- Presidente, gracias.
Thank you so much.
Mr. President, pleasure. Señora.
Well, it's 11:00 a.m.
and we have put away a drug lord
and a corrupt foreign minister.
That's efficiency.
You should take the rest
of the day off, Russell.
Maybe catch a yoga class.
That's...
the funniest thing
you've ever said to me.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Please, stay a minute, Bess.
I, uh...
I know when I get up a head
of steam about something,
it can be tough to get me off it.
Well,
I mean, it turns out
our goals weren't...
mutually exclusive.
They weren't.
And I'm proud of the work we did today.
But somehow...
it all feels... small.
It's just...
there are so many people in this country
who are addicted and desperate.
No matter what we do,
thousands of them are gonna die
before the opioid crisis gets better.
I've spent...
I can't tell you how many nights,
wide awake... thinking,
I'm going to get a call
from the Secret Service.
They're gonna be in some
town I've never heard of.
And they're going to
tell me my son is dead.
Conrad, I'm so sorry.
But Harrison is, he's in rehab.
He's getting help.
But that demon will
always be inside him.
It can get him anytime.
And that scares me...
more than anything.
Late again?
Is this gonna be your thing?
- Uh, maybe.
- Mmm.
So... what happened to all
those mysterious reasons
that we couldn't see each other?
Uh, they're still there.
So what made you change your mind?
I stopped thinking about it.