Madam Secretary (2014) s04e11 Episode Script
Mitya
1 BLAKE: Tight schedule today, ma'am.
Nearly all focused on the aftermath of the deal we brokered in Afghanistan.
First up is the National Security Council.
To discuss details on the troop withdrawal followed by a roundtable for USAID on support for the new unity government.
I've been working on a joint statement with UNICEF.
It's (MAN SPEAKING RUSSIAN) Is that President Salnikov? Yes, ma'am.
Doing his annual call-in show.
BLAKE: Oh, this is the thing where he talks to ordinary Russians.
I love this.
Taking canned questions and creating your own personality cult.
It has a certain perverse charm.
I love how weird it is.
It's like The View meets Joseph Stalin.
DAISY: Well, this is his first public appearance since the peace deal we brokered in Afghanistan.
Any word on Russia's reaction to that? No, not through official channels, but they can't be happy.
Less conflict in the region means their influence is waning.
TRANSLATOR: Next we have Sergei Khulakov, an accountant from Kazan.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN) TRANSLATOR: Tensions with the United States are at a high point.
Here we go.
Can you turn it up? TRANSLATOR: Do you see a path toward a better relationship? (SPEAKING RUSSIAN) TRANSLATOR: I love many things about America.
Beyoncé, for instance.
But the treachery of the American government has reached new levels under President Dalton and Secretary McCord.
This so-called peace deal in Afghanistan is only the latest aggression from a bankrupt imperial culture.
Normal relations are impossible.
That's why I've instructed the Minister of Education to immediately terminate all adoptions of Russian citizens by American parents.
We cannot allow our precious children to become part of this poisonous culture.
What? Wh orphans? Are you serious? JAY: Of all the ways he could retaliate, he's attacking innocent kids.
Not just kids, orphans.
Orphaned kids.
- Get me the White House now.
- Yeah.
RUSSELL: How many kids are we talking about? ELIZABETH: At least 300.
Russian orphanages haven't evolved since the days of the czar.
And their treatment of kids with disabilities borders on criminal.
And, often, American parents are their last resort.
Whoa, whoa.
Where's the fire? Mom.
Hey, sorry.
I'm late for lunch with a friend.
How is she busier than I am? If it were up to me, they wouldn't get lunch.
Oh, hey, heads-up.
The, uh, vice president is crashing our meeting.
Any particular reason? Well, maybe because she has a strong record of advocating for the rights of adoptive parents.
Or maybe she's just tired of cutting ribbons.
Who knows? HURST: I did.
Madam Vice President.
Elizabeth.
I'm sorry I couldn't make your holiday party.
Oh, it's all right.
- I heard you had a taco truck.
- (PHONE BEEPS) LUCY: Yes, Mr.
President.
He's ready for you.
(CHILD LAUGHING) DALTON: Teresa, Bess.
(CHILD CONTINUES LAUGHING) Have a look at this.
WOMAN (ON VIDEO): Very good.
MAN: That's terrific.
It's wonderful.
WOMAN: Open the envelope, sweetie.
What is that? (SPEAKING RUSSIAN) MAN: Can you say it in English? BOY: "Hos.
" Hus.
WOMAN: House.
House, very good.
- BOY: House.
- WOMAN: House, yes.
This is your cat.
MAN: Her name is Sushi.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN) WOMAN (LAUGHING): Yes.
That's the Gunderson family.
Their adoption was approved last month.
They were on the last day of their waiting period when the ban was announced.
The kid was literally boarding his plane when the FSB yanked him off.
ELIZABETH: Well, this family is just the tip of the iceberg.
There are hundreds of American families being torn apart.
Then we should treat Salnikov's behavior like the tantrum it is.
Agreed.
Obviously, we can condemn this.
The question is, what next? We retaliate.
Russia has repeatedly attacked us.
Supporting the Taliban, and recruiting and coercing the Senate majority leader, hacking our embassies.
Now this? You want sanctions.
My team is working on proposals as we speak.
Will we have support in the Senate? Absolutely.
I'll reach out to my former colleagues, lay the groundwork for a floor vote.
Just make sure your office coordinates with Bess at State.
Yes, Mr.
President.
Teresa.
I'm glad you're aboard.
Now let's bring those kids home.
I love that this has somehow, like, become our place.
It's not exactly Paris, is it? (BOTH LAUGH) "We'll always have the Potomac Lodge.
" (BOTH LAUGH) Doesn't quite have the same ring to it.
(PHONE CHIMES) (SIGHS) I have to go.
- I have to go.
- (GROANS, LAUGHS) I can't be late.
(SIGHS) (CHUCKLES) What if we went away somewhere? For a weekend.
(LAUGHS) I'm serious.
I don't know.
I found a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
(LAUGHS) We could build a fire, and maybe (BOTH LAUGH) build a snowman.
Put a put a turnip on his nose.
I usually use a carrot.
It's more nose-shaped.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN) (BEEPING) (BEEPING STOPS) JAY: We have a range of options to retaliate for the Russian adoption ban.
Go ahead.
Uh, in the short-term we can revoke travel visas for Salnikov's inner circle.
Treasury will freeze their bank accounts and block their real estate deals.
- And if Salnikov still won't back down? - (PHONE CHIMES) We sanction their chief exports, timber, aluminum, gas.
Cut off their access - to the global market.
- (PHONE RINGING) - (PHONE RINGING) - ELIZABETH: Write it up.
I want to get something to POTUS within the hour what is happening? Madam Secretary.
We have a slight situation on our hands.
(PHONES CONTINUE RINGING) This is from an interview the vice president gave ten minutes ago.
HURST (ON TV): legislative agenda.
REPORTERS: Madam Vice President.
Yes? Any comment on the adoption ban? HURST: The White House will be putting out a statement shortly.
- Madam Vice President.
- Yes, Sofia.
What about the parents who'd already met their children? Do you have a message for them? I do.
I want them to know the United States government will do whatever it takes to bring them back.
Whatever it takes.
SOFIA: Are you open to dialogue? - What is she thinking? - She's way out of bounds.
Is it me, or did the VP just commit us to negotiate over adoptees? ELIZABETH: It's worse.
She just implied that we are going to make major concessions to get them back.
Can't we disavow her? And admit that the president and the vice president aren't on the same page? Russell won't go for it.
I-I'm gonna confer with POTUS.
Meanwhile, let's stick a pin in sanctions and start work on an inducement strategy.
DAISY: Teresa Hurst has been working with the press for decades.
You really think a veteran politician makes a gaffe like that? It happens every day, but feel free to ask one of your contacts.
Well, actually, I was thinking we could ask one of yours.
Sofia Martinez.
She's the reporter who asked the question.
We do have a history - (CHUCKLES) - of contact.
Yeah, and how long has she been back from Buenos Aires? A few months, I guess.
I I'll see what she knows.
Thanks.
My advice? Bring flowers.
Hola.
(SPEAKS SPANISH) (SNEEZES) (SNIFFLES) Oh, I'm allergic.
I know I told you.
I was probably lost in your eyes.
Are you free for dinner tonight? Against my better judgment, yes.
(CHUCKLES) Okay.
Where are we going? Anywhere you like.
But, uh Hey.
It's yours.
I have a couple questions first.
Come on.
NEWSWOMAN: I'm joined now by Rhonda and Peter Gunderson, two parents directly affected by this ban.
Please, tell us about your son.
Nikolai was born with Leber congenital amaurosis, a genetic defect that causes retinal degeneration and eventual blindness.
PETER: There's an experimental gene therapy that could cure him, but it's only available in the United States, so the fact that we can't take care of him It it breaks our hearts.
NEWSWOMAN: Were you encouraged - by the vice president's remarks today? - PETER: We were.
It's nice to hear common sense coming out of a politician.
Her office has been in touch - with us throughout the process.
- (PHONE RINGS) - I'll bet they have.
- STEVIE: Hello? Can't Conrad tell her to stay in her lane? He thought it would be better to close ranks.
We'll see how Russia reacts.
- STEVIE: Mom? - Yeah.
Jay is here to see you.
Thank you.
(SIGHS) Shouldn't you be passed out with a kid's book over your face right now? Sorry for the intrusion, ma'am.
But this is sensitive.
I just spoke to Sofia Martinez, that reporter at the Chronicle.
I've had contact with her in the past.
Oh, I remember.
Anyway, Teresa Hurst is trying to raise her profile for a presidential campaign.
Sofia got a tip from her chief of staff that it would be worth her while to ask that question about the adoptees.
The whole thing was staged? Including the follow-up.
They fed her the exact wording.
The VP is playing us.
And going rogue on foreign policy.
Why? Because she sees you as a rival.
And ma'am, she's trying to take you out.
- Could you go get Marcus for me, please? - Mm-hmm.
Madam Secretary, if you'll just wait a minute - We need to talk.
- Sounds good.
All right.
I'll have my office contact you.
Thank you.
Do you have an appointment? I know you staged that Q and A - on the Hill.
- Those families are suffering.
Someone needed to have their back.
You subverted policy to serve a personal agenda.
I did you a favor.
We're already on edge with Russia.
Sanctions will only make it worse.
Teresa, if you disagree, debate us.
But you cannot contradict the president behind his back.
And you have no right to lecture me on loyalty after the stunt you pulled over the holidays.
This is about my party? I have zero interest in running for president.
Really? Your actions say otherwise.
I only hosted that thing to whip votes for the land mine treaty.
Well, that's not what Jacob Barker thinks.
Or half a dozen other key bundlers who will not return my calls.
When I signed on as VP, when I abandoned the party I spent a lifetime working for, I was made certain promises promises that apparently mean nothing.
What promises? (SCOFFS) Oh, come on.
Please.
Russell Jackson pledged Dalton's explicit support if I ever ran for president.
I'm not responsible for that.
But I am responsible for the foreign policy of the United States, and you need to let me do my job.
Let me tell you a story.
I started out as a PTA mom who just wanted the school to remove asbestos from the gym.
I've won a lot of tough elections since, mostly against smug, entitled men who I had to work twice as hard as.
But that was all right.
I expected it.
But you know what I really couldn't stand? There was always this one influential woman who just wasn't sure about me.
Of course, what she was really struggling with was her own ambition.
This little game that you're playing, Elizabeth? I have played it a hundred times and I've always won.
So, if you'll excuse me Okay, so, in response to the VP's novel approach to the adoption issue, we've compiled some potential inducements for Salnikov.
The most promising idea might be in the area of public health.
Russia is suffering from a severe HIV and hep C outbreak.
JAY: The CDC could implement a clean needle exchange program and smart data analysis - to help contain the outbreak.
- Good.
Blake.
Get Salnikov on SVTC.
- See if he bites.
Thank you.
- Yes, ma'am.
May want to hold off on that.
Kremlin just released this.
SALNIKOV: I was profoundly touched by the vice president's commitment to these beautiful children.
It gives me hope that we can find common ground.
Accordingly, I would like to formally invite Vice President Hurst to Moscow to resolve - this adoption issue.
- Sly bastard.
He's milking this.
Well, you can bet Teresa will, too.
Your office.
Please.
Russell Jackson, ma'am.
It might be time to pull the plug.
Is that a question or a statement? This is all her fault.
Now Salnikov can look like a gallant peacemaker, all for a crisis of his own making.
(SIGHS) No way his offer's sincere.
That was a question.
Yes, he's insincere.
But it's also an opportunity.
What, you think she should go? Is that really how we want to conduct diplomacy? Throw a tantrum, get a cookie? I don't disagree.
But if we have a chance to reunite those families, yes.
We have to take it.
(SIGHS) Fine.
But I want you babysitting her every step of the way.
If we face-plant, that's on you.
Did you tell Teresa Hurst that you would support her campaign - if she ran for president? - (SIGHS) Teresa Hurst is a fine public servant.
We just happen to like you better.
Just answer the question, Russell.
Hurst was the only person who could deliver us Pennsylvania.
I'd have sold my own mother to get those electoral votes.
Does Conrad know? I make promises so that he doesn't have to.
- We done here? - (KNOCKING ON DOOR) Sorry to interrupt.
Ephraim Ware called.
You're needed at Liberty Crossing ASAP.
Well, tell him I'll be right there.
I meant the secretary.
Did he say what it was about? Just that it's urgent.
Okay, this Afghan deal.
We got to figure out a way to decrease our footprint in-country and be more creative and-and flexible with our mission.
Where's Alexander? We thought he was with you.
Dr.
McCord.
Director Ware just called.
You're wanted at the ODNI.
That's Igor Zhukov, a GRU agent and noted assassin.
Facial recognition caught him at a tollbooth on I-95 near the Beltway.
We have reason to believe his target is Dmitri Petrov.
Seems your instincts were right.
Based on what? NSA intercepted a communiqué sharing his personnel file with unknown Russian assets in the United States.
Tell me you've secured Petrov.
I had CIA Security place both Mr.
Petrov and his sister in protective custody an hour ago.
Well, I see how this is relevant to Henry, but why am I at this meeting? This matter pertains to your daughter, as well.
It appears that Stephanie is in a romantic relationship with Mr.
Petrov.
- Oh, my God.
- What? Uh, I'm sorry you're only learning of this now.
The information was highly compartmentalized How did they even know each other? How did they meet? - Henry? At the house? - They met at the house once.
Months ago.
- Why would he What is he thinking? - ELIZABETH: Wait a second.
If you know about this, then there is a very good likelihood that the Russians know about this, too.
Stevie could end up as collateral damage.
That's right.
Where is she? She's still at the White House? A Secret Service team is with her as we speak.
But until Zhukov is captured, she'll have to stay on total lockdown at your home, in the White House and nowhere in between.
(SIGHS) (DOOR OPENS) (DOOR CLOSES) Did you reveal any information that could put my daughter in danger? That is, any more danger than you already put her in? Look, I-I wanted Just answer the question.
What did you tell her? Nothing.
No names.
No operational details.
I insisted "Alexander Mehranov.
" I worked at the War College.
She had other suspicions, but I never confirmed them.
I maintained situational awareness.
Except you kept going back to the same hotel.
She kept the relationship a secret.
Was that your idea, too? I-I didn't want trouble.
Yeah, and how's that working out for you? She doesn't know anything, Henry.
I guess we're just gonna have to trust your judgment.
(SIGHS) So why her? We bumped into each other a few times, and we just connected.
Of all the women in Washington, you chose my daughter to connect with.
Which you shouldn't even be doing, anyway, because you just got sober.
- Remember how we got you sober? - Well, remember what I went through to become addicted in the first place? Yes, very well.
And I think this is revenge for that.
It-it it wasn't.
Please.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH) My-my whole life as a kid in Russia, and then as a soldier, then a spy, there was always so much that you weren't allowed to think, you know, to-to feel.
Not if you wanted to survive.
And so so I-I didn't.
And then I met Stevie, and I thought can't I feel what I feel just once? And it was selfish of me, and I apologize.
And I'm sorry for what you went through, and any part my wife and I might have played in that.
But this is the end of the line.
You're suspended from Special Activities Division.
What do you mean I can't see him again? We're consenting adults.
It's not about that.
He's a national security risk.
Well, okay, well, how? I mean, specifically.
I-I'm not saying I was shocked to learn that Alexander works with you For starters, Alexander isn't even his real name.
Okay.
Wow.
(SIGHS) Well, what is it, then? It's classified.
Well, I work at the White House, okay? I have pretty high - security clearance, too!, - Not high enough, okay? Does that give you some indication of how serious it is? It is dangerous for you to be near him.
Is he safe? Is he gonna be okay? We don't know yet.
(PANTING QUIETLY) We want you to know that this isn't your fault.
- He put you in a situation, Stevie - Actually, he didn't.
Okay, Mom? If anything, I pushed him.
- (PHONE RINGING) - I totally did, Mom, okay? - He tried to warn me.
- He didn't try hard enough.
HENRY: Yeah? Okay.
I'm so sorry.
Your motorcade is here.
(SIGHS) TERESA: It's nine hours to Moscow that's a long way for the silent treatment.
You went the whole car ride - without speaking.
- Sorry.
There's something else on my mind.
You know, I was going to adopt once.
But I was in the middle of a reelection - (PLANE RUMBLING OVERHEAD) - in the state assembly and I lost the nerve.
I've always regretted that.
You know, I know you don't like the way this went down, but you and I both want the same thing: to bring those orphans home as quickly as possible.
Yes.
But only one of us is cutting a campaign ad.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO PLAYING) ELIZABETH: This is Salnikov.
He'll drown you in pomp, but it's just a stalling technique.
TERESA: I'm familiar with the practice.
ELIZABETH: The key is not to indulge him.
We need to maintain firm pressure to keep these talks on track.
I appreciate the tip.
Madam Vice President.
Madam Secretary.
- Welcome to Moscow.
- Our pleasure.
We're delighted to be here and to seek redress for our citizens.
What a coincidence.
I'm here to do the same.
Maxim, I understand that you are an avid collector of antique weaponry.
Mainly guns, it's true.
I've heard that you have the most exclusive collection in Europe.
Perhaps you would like to take a tour.
Madam Vice President? That would be wonderful.
Lead on, Mr.
President.
Tell me this is part of a strategy.
I-I wish I could.
FBI's been unable to find any leads in the search for GRU Agent Igor Zhukov.
HENRY: Not even a glimmer? No sightings on metro cameras and crickets from our local informants.
He's a trained assassin.
Conventional methods were always gonna be a long shot.
I think we should read in the local PD, - get more eyeballs on the street.
- If we go wide, - he'll go to ground.
- And what's the alternative? I don't know.
We use Alexander as bait.
Alex has avoided predictable behavior with one exception he had regular meetings at the Potomac Lodge in the Hay-Adams district.
How regular are we talking? Enough to establish a pattern.
All right.
So if we have Alexander show up like it's any other day Zhukov will make his move.
And then we can move in and take him.
Are we sure about this? Well, we can't have a GRU killer loose in the United States.
Zhukov's the kind of guy who likes to make a statement.
Whatever he's planning won't be simple, or clean.
Is he ready to put his life on the line? He's been through worse.
I'll explain the risk to him.
But I have a feeling he'll say yes.
(FUSE HISSING) - (GASPS) - (LAUGHS) Brava! TERESA: My father was an artilleryman.
I went to bed with stories of Howitzers.
(CHUCKLES) Mr.
President, due respect, there are hundreds of children just ready to go home.
And now for the pièce de résistance.
According to legend, this flintlock pistol belonged to Pyotr Pervy, whom you call Peter the Great.
- May I? - (CHUCKLES) Oh.
This could be in The Hermitage.
It was until I bought it.
That's the beauty of new Russia everything is for sale.
You know, I, too, admire Peter.
Who doesn't? He was a military genius.
He was also a diplomat and-and a reformer and a man who didn't care where a good idea came from, as long as it was good.
And you have such an idea.
Our CDC is running a highly effective program to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, two diseases which, unfortunately, are spreading rapidly through your country.
These are merely rumors.
We have the situation well in hand.
Yeah, well, no doubt.
But this isn't a problem you can shoot your way out of.
(CHUCKLES) She's right, Maxim.
Let us help you.
Discreetly, of course, so your government can take credit.
(SIGHS) Very well.
I am listening.
So, where are we? All units, report in.
SNIPER (OVER RADIO): Alpha Team in position.
Beta Team standing by.
Bishop ready in pursuit.
DMITRI (OVER RADIO): This is Cardinal.
I'm en route.
ETA ten minutes.
All units nominal.
What about civilians? DDOT has road crews restricting traffic within a six-block radius of the hotel.
The area is well contained.
There are no blind spots.
OTD folks know what they're doing.
And clear fields of fire.
That's generally a good thing.
Nope.
No, it's too exposed.
I was wrong Zhukov would never do it here.
Why would he risk it? There.
Do you see that? Alexander, bail out.
What? Get out of the car.
Now.
(BEEPING) Oh, God.
Was that a rocket launcher? Looks like an IED.
What's the status of Cardinal? What's the status of Cardinal? Hey, you okay? - Okay, roll him - Careful, careful.
(SIREN APPROACHING) - (OVER RADIO): Bishop, report.
- You okay? This is Bishop.
We got Cardinal.
He's fine.
But we lost Zhukov.
Okay, take the CIRG team off standby.
We need rapid deployment.
Come on, let's go, let's go! ELIZABETH: Please tell me you have a lead on Zhukov.
HENRY: I wish I could.
The FBI set up a cordon, but apparently, he slipped through.
How's Dmitri? He's banged up, but he'll be okay.
How's the VP? Useful, actually.
Kind of a Lacey to my Cagney.
(CHUCKLES): So you're playing bad cop for a change, huh? Yeah.
Well, it suits me.
Especially dealing with a sinister windbag like Salnikov.
(SIGHS HEAVILY) Knowing that he sent an assassin to U.
S.
soil made we want to stuff him in his stupid little cannon and fire it.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) So, what happens to Dmitri? Uh, Director Haymond approved his transfer to Alaska Station.
That way he'll be able to monitor Russian activity in relative safety.
And his sister? Talia's gonna stay in D.
C.
and finish school.
After that, it's up to her.
What are we gonna tell Stevie? (FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) Wasting electricity.
I know.
Sorry, I'm a little, um, stir-crazy.
Let me fix you something.
Like eggs or eggs.
Our options are kind of limited.
Dad, you don't have to babysit me.
Uh, I don't have a choice.
I'm kind of cursed that way.
You know, you don't remember this, but when you were about three, you fell out of a tree.
And you hit the ground.
You didn't move.
I was I was pretty cool.
I checked your pulse, made sure you were breathing.
When we got home and I knew you were safe, I just lost it.
The thou (EXHALES) I'm sorry I scared you.
You didn't know.
Yeah, but (SIGHS) Another damaged, unavailable guy.
(SCOFFS) I mean, Jareth was an exception, but I don't know, it just keeps happening.
It's, like, becoming a pattern or something.
Look, Alexander was no Harrison or Armon.
You Do you mean Arthur? Arthur.
Arthur.
He was twice your age and so pedantic.
Peda Dad, look who's talking.
Look, it's completely normal to question yourself.
I do it all the time these days, especially.
Just the idea that I would be involved in something that put you in danger A-Alexander did heroic things for this country, at im-immense personal cost.
He's a courageous young man.
I am very pleased with this deal.
Your people send me this memo about our joint statement.
It's wonderful.
But? There is one small detail I would like to add.
A pledge to discuss the presence of American troops in Bulgaria.
The country you invaded.
Otherwise, the adoptees stay in Russia.
Where they belong.
Why don't you send us the language you have in mind? (SPEAKING RUSSIAN) We need to talk, alone.
Please.
- (QUIETLY): We need to walk.
- Why? It's not like he declared war.
Our NATO deployment is off-limits.
It is a glowing red line, and he just crossed it.
We are inches from the finish line.
What is the harm in negotiating? Negotiating is the harm.
If he walks out there and says that we have opened the door to pulling out of Europe, our allies will panic.
So reassure them.
By saying what? That we're being duplicitous but not with you? We can refuse the joint statement - and come up with new incentives.
- No.
Groveling will only make things worse.
I cannot abandon those children.
I made a promise to the American people, to their parents, to bring them home.
Your promises are not my problem.
National security is.
Blake.
I'm leaving, Madam Vice President.
So are you.
That is great news.
And, again, we're ready to assist the FBI in any way you need.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Bye.
(EXHALES) We got Zhukov.
Oh, thank God.
Where? Uh, at the FBI checkpoint at Lake Champlain, - near the Canadian border.
- Oh, my God.
Then-then that means Stevie's safe, right? Yes? - Oh, God.
- Yeah, yeah, I mean, we should keep the detail on her for a couple more days, but threat is over.
- Mm.
- (SIGHS) Oh, that just about takes the sting out - of my face-plant in Moscow.
- No, come on.
That's on the VP, not you.
(SIGHS) Russell was right.
This was a fool's errand from the beginning, - you know? - Here.
I shouldn't have let guilt cloud my judgment.
But the thing is, honestly, I wanted to support a woman who felt betrayed.
You know? And those kids.
(BOTH SIGH) I reached out to the Gundersons.
You know, the-the parents of the boy in the video? Yeah.
Who could forget? Yeah.
They wouldn't take my call.
We would file a claim in the European Court of Human Rights.
There's a chance Russia will respect their ruling.
Mm Okay.
That chance is zero.
(CHUCKLES) (GROANS) Ow.
Mm.
(CHUCKLES) Mm.
Wait a second.
Wait, wait, wait.
Where is Zhukov now? Uh, he's being transported to FBI Headquarters.
No, no.
They'll probably just throw him in some deep, dark hole.
They can't do that.
Not yet, not yet.
We got to we got to try one thing.
SALNIKOV: We categorically deny any involvement.
Such an attack would be against our principles.
This isn't your call-in show, Maxim.
Platitudes won't help you.
What more is there to say? Our government denies any knowledge of Mr.
Zhukov.
Well, Zhukov categorically admitted to working for the GRU.
That's right.
He's in custody.
And he was all too happy to name names, including that of his handler, Yaroslav Ryback.
Who is the linchpin of your entire spy network in the United States.
Ryback has been operating under nonofficial cover.
So, no diplomatic immunity.
Which means, under federal law, he can be executed.
ELIZABETH: However, might consider clemency, maybe even a future exchange, under one condition.
And that would be? Honor the original terms of the deal we struck in Moscow.
Those orphans come home.
They'll be on a plane tomorrow.
Thank you for your time.
I have to ask.
This man you accuse of being GRU, he could resist any form of interrogation.
How did you get him to crack? Don't you know? Everything in new Russia's for sale.
TERESA: Offering cash to a GRU assassin.
- I got to say, that took guts.
- (CHUCKLES) Credit lies with Conrad.
He had to approve it.
Still, this was a guy who might have murdered your own daughter.
Trying to forget that.
I'm sorry I doubted you.
We make strong allies, Elizabeth.
Can we bury the hatchet? Of course.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS) Madam Vice President.
- Madam Secretary.
- (CHUCKLES) I just need one thing from you.
Rule yourself out.
Pardon? Announce you won't run for president in public.
Shouldn't be difficult.
You've already said you have zero interest in the job.
I can't do that.
Well, that's disappointing.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) (LAUGHING): Hey There you are.
PETER (CHUCKLES): Hey! Welcome home.
Thanks for coming.
It was the least I can do.
This country owes you a great debt.
(SIGHS) But not you.
Uh, I've given you more than enough trouble.
That's fair to say.
I'll look in on your sister from time to time.
That's very kind of you.
Thank you, Henry, for all you've done for us.
There's someone else that wants to say good-bye to you.
(DOOR CLOSES) Hey, you.
- I thought I was never gonna see you again.
- I didn't think I'd see you.
Listen, I I knew it was all wrong.
Every time I saw you, I told myself I was going to end it.
And then I saw you and I couldn't.
(CHUCKLES) So much for a fling, right? (CHUCKLES) I'm so sorry, Stevie.
No, I am.
I-I didn't mean to get you - exiled or whatever.
- (CHUCKLES) It's okay.
Exile is a very Russian thing.
- It's like a rite of passage.
- (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) MAN: Mehranov, Alexander.
It's time to go.
That cabin in the mountains was really beautiful.
We'll always have the Potomac Lodge.
(CHUCKLES) (SNIFFLES) Good-bye, Stephanie McCord.
So long.
(SIGHS) Hey.
What's your real name? Dmitri.
Mitya.
Good-bye, Mitya.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) (CHUCKLES)
Nearly all focused on the aftermath of the deal we brokered in Afghanistan.
First up is the National Security Council.
To discuss details on the troop withdrawal followed by a roundtable for USAID on support for the new unity government.
I've been working on a joint statement with UNICEF.
It's (MAN SPEAKING RUSSIAN) Is that President Salnikov? Yes, ma'am.
Doing his annual call-in show.
BLAKE: Oh, this is the thing where he talks to ordinary Russians.
I love this.
Taking canned questions and creating your own personality cult.
It has a certain perverse charm.
I love how weird it is.
It's like The View meets Joseph Stalin.
DAISY: Well, this is his first public appearance since the peace deal we brokered in Afghanistan.
Any word on Russia's reaction to that? No, not through official channels, but they can't be happy.
Less conflict in the region means their influence is waning.
TRANSLATOR: Next we have Sergei Khulakov, an accountant from Kazan.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN) TRANSLATOR: Tensions with the United States are at a high point.
Here we go.
Can you turn it up? TRANSLATOR: Do you see a path toward a better relationship? (SPEAKING RUSSIAN) TRANSLATOR: I love many things about America.
Beyoncé, for instance.
But the treachery of the American government has reached new levels under President Dalton and Secretary McCord.
This so-called peace deal in Afghanistan is only the latest aggression from a bankrupt imperial culture.
Normal relations are impossible.
That's why I've instructed the Minister of Education to immediately terminate all adoptions of Russian citizens by American parents.
We cannot allow our precious children to become part of this poisonous culture.
What? Wh orphans? Are you serious? JAY: Of all the ways he could retaliate, he's attacking innocent kids.
Not just kids, orphans.
Orphaned kids.
- Get me the White House now.
- Yeah.
RUSSELL: How many kids are we talking about? ELIZABETH: At least 300.
Russian orphanages haven't evolved since the days of the czar.
And their treatment of kids with disabilities borders on criminal.
And, often, American parents are their last resort.
Whoa, whoa.
Where's the fire? Mom.
Hey, sorry.
I'm late for lunch with a friend.
How is she busier than I am? If it were up to me, they wouldn't get lunch.
Oh, hey, heads-up.
The, uh, vice president is crashing our meeting.
Any particular reason? Well, maybe because she has a strong record of advocating for the rights of adoptive parents.
Or maybe she's just tired of cutting ribbons.
Who knows? HURST: I did.
Madam Vice President.
Elizabeth.
I'm sorry I couldn't make your holiday party.
Oh, it's all right.
- I heard you had a taco truck.
- (PHONE BEEPS) LUCY: Yes, Mr.
President.
He's ready for you.
(CHILD LAUGHING) DALTON: Teresa, Bess.
(CHILD CONTINUES LAUGHING) Have a look at this.
WOMAN (ON VIDEO): Very good.
MAN: That's terrific.
It's wonderful.
WOMAN: Open the envelope, sweetie.
What is that? (SPEAKING RUSSIAN) MAN: Can you say it in English? BOY: "Hos.
" Hus.
WOMAN: House.
House, very good.
- BOY: House.
- WOMAN: House, yes.
This is your cat.
MAN: Her name is Sushi.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN) WOMAN (LAUGHING): Yes.
That's the Gunderson family.
Their adoption was approved last month.
They were on the last day of their waiting period when the ban was announced.
The kid was literally boarding his plane when the FSB yanked him off.
ELIZABETH: Well, this family is just the tip of the iceberg.
There are hundreds of American families being torn apart.
Then we should treat Salnikov's behavior like the tantrum it is.
Agreed.
Obviously, we can condemn this.
The question is, what next? We retaliate.
Russia has repeatedly attacked us.
Supporting the Taliban, and recruiting and coercing the Senate majority leader, hacking our embassies.
Now this? You want sanctions.
My team is working on proposals as we speak.
Will we have support in the Senate? Absolutely.
I'll reach out to my former colleagues, lay the groundwork for a floor vote.
Just make sure your office coordinates with Bess at State.
Yes, Mr.
President.
Teresa.
I'm glad you're aboard.
Now let's bring those kids home.
I love that this has somehow, like, become our place.
It's not exactly Paris, is it? (BOTH LAUGH) "We'll always have the Potomac Lodge.
" (BOTH LAUGH) Doesn't quite have the same ring to it.
(PHONE CHIMES) (SIGHS) I have to go.
- I have to go.
- (GROANS, LAUGHS) I can't be late.
(SIGHS) (CHUCKLES) What if we went away somewhere? For a weekend.
(LAUGHS) I'm serious.
I don't know.
I found a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
(LAUGHS) We could build a fire, and maybe (BOTH LAUGH) build a snowman.
Put a put a turnip on his nose.
I usually use a carrot.
It's more nose-shaped.
(SPEAKING RUSSIAN) (BEEPING) (BEEPING STOPS) JAY: We have a range of options to retaliate for the Russian adoption ban.
Go ahead.
Uh, in the short-term we can revoke travel visas for Salnikov's inner circle.
Treasury will freeze their bank accounts and block their real estate deals.
- And if Salnikov still won't back down? - (PHONE CHIMES) We sanction their chief exports, timber, aluminum, gas.
Cut off their access - to the global market.
- (PHONE RINGING) - (PHONE RINGING) - ELIZABETH: Write it up.
I want to get something to POTUS within the hour what is happening? Madam Secretary.
We have a slight situation on our hands.
(PHONES CONTINUE RINGING) This is from an interview the vice president gave ten minutes ago.
HURST (ON TV): legislative agenda.
REPORTERS: Madam Vice President.
Yes? Any comment on the adoption ban? HURST: The White House will be putting out a statement shortly.
- Madam Vice President.
- Yes, Sofia.
What about the parents who'd already met their children? Do you have a message for them? I do.
I want them to know the United States government will do whatever it takes to bring them back.
Whatever it takes.
SOFIA: Are you open to dialogue? - What is she thinking? - She's way out of bounds.
Is it me, or did the VP just commit us to negotiate over adoptees? ELIZABETH: It's worse.
She just implied that we are going to make major concessions to get them back.
Can't we disavow her? And admit that the president and the vice president aren't on the same page? Russell won't go for it.
I-I'm gonna confer with POTUS.
Meanwhile, let's stick a pin in sanctions and start work on an inducement strategy.
DAISY: Teresa Hurst has been working with the press for decades.
You really think a veteran politician makes a gaffe like that? It happens every day, but feel free to ask one of your contacts.
Well, actually, I was thinking we could ask one of yours.
Sofia Martinez.
She's the reporter who asked the question.
We do have a history - (CHUCKLES) - of contact.
Yeah, and how long has she been back from Buenos Aires? A few months, I guess.
I I'll see what she knows.
Thanks.
My advice? Bring flowers.
Hola.
(SPEAKS SPANISH) (SNEEZES) (SNIFFLES) Oh, I'm allergic.
I know I told you.
I was probably lost in your eyes.
Are you free for dinner tonight? Against my better judgment, yes.
(CHUCKLES) Okay.
Where are we going? Anywhere you like.
But, uh Hey.
It's yours.
I have a couple questions first.
Come on.
NEWSWOMAN: I'm joined now by Rhonda and Peter Gunderson, two parents directly affected by this ban.
Please, tell us about your son.
Nikolai was born with Leber congenital amaurosis, a genetic defect that causes retinal degeneration and eventual blindness.
PETER: There's an experimental gene therapy that could cure him, but it's only available in the United States, so the fact that we can't take care of him It it breaks our hearts.
NEWSWOMAN: Were you encouraged - by the vice president's remarks today? - PETER: We were.
It's nice to hear common sense coming out of a politician.
Her office has been in touch - with us throughout the process.
- (PHONE RINGS) - I'll bet they have.
- STEVIE: Hello? Can't Conrad tell her to stay in her lane? He thought it would be better to close ranks.
We'll see how Russia reacts.
- STEVIE: Mom? - Yeah.
Jay is here to see you.
Thank you.
(SIGHS) Shouldn't you be passed out with a kid's book over your face right now? Sorry for the intrusion, ma'am.
But this is sensitive.
I just spoke to Sofia Martinez, that reporter at the Chronicle.
I've had contact with her in the past.
Oh, I remember.
Anyway, Teresa Hurst is trying to raise her profile for a presidential campaign.
Sofia got a tip from her chief of staff that it would be worth her while to ask that question about the adoptees.
The whole thing was staged? Including the follow-up.
They fed her the exact wording.
The VP is playing us.
And going rogue on foreign policy.
Why? Because she sees you as a rival.
And ma'am, she's trying to take you out.
- Could you go get Marcus for me, please? - Mm-hmm.
Madam Secretary, if you'll just wait a minute - We need to talk.
- Sounds good.
All right.
I'll have my office contact you.
Thank you.
Do you have an appointment? I know you staged that Q and A - on the Hill.
- Those families are suffering.
Someone needed to have their back.
You subverted policy to serve a personal agenda.
I did you a favor.
We're already on edge with Russia.
Sanctions will only make it worse.
Teresa, if you disagree, debate us.
But you cannot contradict the president behind his back.
And you have no right to lecture me on loyalty after the stunt you pulled over the holidays.
This is about my party? I have zero interest in running for president.
Really? Your actions say otherwise.
I only hosted that thing to whip votes for the land mine treaty.
Well, that's not what Jacob Barker thinks.
Or half a dozen other key bundlers who will not return my calls.
When I signed on as VP, when I abandoned the party I spent a lifetime working for, I was made certain promises promises that apparently mean nothing.
What promises? (SCOFFS) Oh, come on.
Please.
Russell Jackson pledged Dalton's explicit support if I ever ran for president.
I'm not responsible for that.
But I am responsible for the foreign policy of the United States, and you need to let me do my job.
Let me tell you a story.
I started out as a PTA mom who just wanted the school to remove asbestos from the gym.
I've won a lot of tough elections since, mostly against smug, entitled men who I had to work twice as hard as.
But that was all right.
I expected it.
But you know what I really couldn't stand? There was always this one influential woman who just wasn't sure about me.
Of course, what she was really struggling with was her own ambition.
This little game that you're playing, Elizabeth? I have played it a hundred times and I've always won.
So, if you'll excuse me Okay, so, in response to the VP's novel approach to the adoption issue, we've compiled some potential inducements for Salnikov.
The most promising idea might be in the area of public health.
Russia is suffering from a severe HIV and hep C outbreak.
JAY: The CDC could implement a clean needle exchange program and smart data analysis - to help contain the outbreak.
- Good.
Blake.
Get Salnikov on SVTC.
- See if he bites.
Thank you.
- Yes, ma'am.
May want to hold off on that.
Kremlin just released this.
SALNIKOV: I was profoundly touched by the vice president's commitment to these beautiful children.
It gives me hope that we can find common ground.
Accordingly, I would like to formally invite Vice President Hurst to Moscow to resolve - this adoption issue.
- Sly bastard.
He's milking this.
Well, you can bet Teresa will, too.
Your office.
Please.
Russell Jackson, ma'am.
It might be time to pull the plug.
Is that a question or a statement? This is all her fault.
Now Salnikov can look like a gallant peacemaker, all for a crisis of his own making.
(SIGHS) No way his offer's sincere.
That was a question.
Yes, he's insincere.
But it's also an opportunity.
What, you think she should go? Is that really how we want to conduct diplomacy? Throw a tantrum, get a cookie? I don't disagree.
But if we have a chance to reunite those families, yes.
We have to take it.
(SIGHS) Fine.
But I want you babysitting her every step of the way.
If we face-plant, that's on you.
Did you tell Teresa Hurst that you would support her campaign - if she ran for president? - (SIGHS) Teresa Hurst is a fine public servant.
We just happen to like you better.
Just answer the question, Russell.
Hurst was the only person who could deliver us Pennsylvania.
I'd have sold my own mother to get those electoral votes.
Does Conrad know? I make promises so that he doesn't have to.
- We done here? - (KNOCKING ON DOOR) Sorry to interrupt.
Ephraim Ware called.
You're needed at Liberty Crossing ASAP.
Well, tell him I'll be right there.
I meant the secretary.
Did he say what it was about? Just that it's urgent.
Okay, this Afghan deal.
We got to figure out a way to decrease our footprint in-country and be more creative and-and flexible with our mission.
Where's Alexander? We thought he was with you.
Dr.
McCord.
Director Ware just called.
You're wanted at the ODNI.
That's Igor Zhukov, a GRU agent and noted assassin.
Facial recognition caught him at a tollbooth on I-95 near the Beltway.
We have reason to believe his target is Dmitri Petrov.
Seems your instincts were right.
Based on what? NSA intercepted a communiqué sharing his personnel file with unknown Russian assets in the United States.
Tell me you've secured Petrov.
I had CIA Security place both Mr.
Petrov and his sister in protective custody an hour ago.
Well, I see how this is relevant to Henry, but why am I at this meeting? This matter pertains to your daughter, as well.
It appears that Stephanie is in a romantic relationship with Mr.
Petrov.
- Oh, my God.
- What? Uh, I'm sorry you're only learning of this now.
The information was highly compartmentalized How did they even know each other? How did they meet? - Henry? At the house? - They met at the house once.
Months ago.
- Why would he What is he thinking? - ELIZABETH: Wait a second.
If you know about this, then there is a very good likelihood that the Russians know about this, too.
Stevie could end up as collateral damage.
That's right.
Where is she? She's still at the White House? A Secret Service team is with her as we speak.
But until Zhukov is captured, she'll have to stay on total lockdown at your home, in the White House and nowhere in between.
(SIGHS) (DOOR OPENS) (DOOR CLOSES) Did you reveal any information that could put my daughter in danger? That is, any more danger than you already put her in? Look, I-I wanted Just answer the question.
What did you tell her? Nothing.
No names.
No operational details.
I insisted "Alexander Mehranov.
" I worked at the War College.
She had other suspicions, but I never confirmed them.
I maintained situational awareness.
Except you kept going back to the same hotel.
She kept the relationship a secret.
Was that your idea, too? I-I didn't want trouble.
Yeah, and how's that working out for you? She doesn't know anything, Henry.
I guess we're just gonna have to trust your judgment.
(SIGHS) So why her? We bumped into each other a few times, and we just connected.
Of all the women in Washington, you chose my daughter to connect with.
Which you shouldn't even be doing, anyway, because you just got sober.
- Remember how we got you sober? - Well, remember what I went through to become addicted in the first place? Yes, very well.
And I think this is revenge for that.
It-it it wasn't.
Please.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH) My-my whole life as a kid in Russia, and then as a soldier, then a spy, there was always so much that you weren't allowed to think, you know, to-to feel.
Not if you wanted to survive.
And so so I-I didn't.
And then I met Stevie, and I thought can't I feel what I feel just once? And it was selfish of me, and I apologize.
And I'm sorry for what you went through, and any part my wife and I might have played in that.
But this is the end of the line.
You're suspended from Special Activities Division.
What do you mean I can't see him again? We're consenting adults.
It's not about that.
He's a national security risk.
Well, okay, well, how? I mean, specifically.
I-I'm not saying I was shocked to learn that Alexander works with you For starters, Alexander isn't even his real name.
Okay.
Wow.
(SIGHS) Well, what is it, then? It's classified.
Well, I work at the White House, okay? I have pretty high - security clearance, too!, - Not high enough, okay? Does that give you some indication of how serious it is? It is dangerous for you to be near him.
Is he safe? Is he gonna be okay? We don't know yet.
(PANTING QUIETLY) We want you to know that this isn't your fault.
- He put you in a situation, Stevie - Actually, he didn't.
Okay, Mom? If anything, I pushed him.
- (PHONE RINGING) - I totally did, Mom, okay? - He tried to warn me.
- He didn't try hard enough.
HENRY: Yeah? Okay.
I'm so sorry.
Your motorcade is here.
(SIGHS) TERESA: It's nine hours to Moscow that's a long way for the silent treatment.
You went the whole car ride - without speaking.
- Sorry.
There's something else on my mind.
You know, I was going to adopt once.
But I was in the middle of a reelection - (PLANE RUMBLING OVERHEAD) - in the state assembly and I lost the nerve.
I've always regretted that.
You know, I know you don't like the way this went down, but you and I both want the same thing: to bring those orphans home as quickly as possible.
Yes.
But only one of us is cutting a campaign ad.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO PLAYING) ELIZABETH: This is Salnikov.
He'll drown you in pomp, but it's just a stalling technique.
TERESA: I'm familiar with the practice.
ELIZABETH: The key is not to indulge him.
We need to maintain firm pressure to keep these talks on track.
I appreciate the tip.
Madam Vice President.
Madam Secretary.
- Welcome to Moscow.
- Our pleasure.
We're delighted to be here and to seek redress for our citizens.
What a coincidence.
I'm here to do the same.
Maxim, I understand that you are an avid collector of antique weaponry.
Mainly guns, it's true.
I've heard that you have the most exclusive collection in Europe.
Perhaps you would like to take a tour.
Madam Vice President? That would be wonderful.
Lead on, Mr.
President.
Tell me this is part of a strategy.
I-I wish I could.
FBI's been unable to find any leads in the search for GRU Agent Igor Zhukov.
HENRY: Not even a glimmer? No sightings on metro cameras and crickets from our local informants.
He's a trained assassin.
Conventional methods were always gonna be a long shot.
I think we should read in the local PD, - get more eyeballs on the street.
- If we go wide, - he'll go to ground.
- And what's the alternative? I don't know.
We use Alexander as bait.
Alex has avoided predictable behavior with one exception he had regular meetings at the Potomac Lodge in the Hay-Adams district.
How regular are we talking? Enough to establish a pattern.
All right.
So if we have Alexander show up like it's any other day Zhukov will make his move.
And then we can move in and take him.
Are we sure about this? Well, we can't have a GRU killer loose in the United States.
Zhukov's the kind of guy who likes to make a statement.
Whatever he's planning won't be simple, or clean.
Is he ready to put his life on the line? He's been through worse.
I'll explain the risk to him.
But I have a feeling he'll say yes.
(FUSE HISSING) - (GASPS) - (LAUGHS) Brava! TERESA: My father was an artilleryman.
I went to bed with stories of Howitzers.
(CHUCKLES) Mr.
President, due respect, there are hundreds of children just ready to go home.
And now for the pièce de résistance.
According to legend, this flintlock pistol belonged to Pyotr Pervy, whom you call Peter the Great.
- May I? - (CHUCKLES) Oh.
This could be in The Hermitage.
It was until I bought it.
That's the beauty of new Russia everything is for sale.
You know, I, too, admire Peter.
Who doesn't? He was a military genius.
He was also a diplomat and-and a reformer and a man who didn't care where a good idea came from, as long as it was good.
And you have such an idea.
Our CDC is running a highly effective program to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C, two diseases which, unfortunately, are spreading rapidly through your country.
These are merely rumors.
We have the situation well in hand.
Yeah, well, no doubt.
But this isn't a problem you can shoot your way out of.
(CHUCKLES) She's right, Maxim.
Let us help you.
Discreetly, of course, so your government can take credit.
(SIGHS) Very well.
I am listening.
So, where are we? All units, report in.
SNIPER (OVER RADIO): Alpha Team in position.
Beta Team standing by.
Bishop ready in pursuit.
DMITRI (OVER RADIO): This is Cardinal.
I'm en route.
ETA ten minutes.
All units nominal.
What about civilians? DDOT has road crews restricting traffic within a six-block radius of the hotel.
The area is well contained.
There are no blind spots.
OTD folks know what they're doing.
And clear fields of fire.
That's generally a good thing.
Nope.
No, it's too exposed.
I was wrong Zhukov would never do it here.
Why would he risk it? There.
Do you see that? Alexander, bail out.
What? Get out of the car.
Now.
(BEEPING) Oh, God.
Was that a rocket launcher? Looks like an IED.
What's the status of Cardinal? What's the status of Cardinal? Hey, you okay? - Okay, roll him - Careful, careful.
(SIREN APPROACHING) - (OVER RADIO): Bishop, report.
- You okay? This is Bishop.
We got Cardinal.
He's fine.
But we lost Zhukov.
Okay, take the CIRG team off standby.
We need rapid deployment.
Come on, let's go, let's go! ELIZABETH: Please tell me you have a lead on Zhukov.
HENRY: I wish I could.
The FBI set up a cordon, but apparently, he slipped through.
How's Dmitri? He's banged up, but he'll be okay.
How's the VP? Useful, actually.
Kind of a Lacey to my Cagney.
(CHUCKLES): So you're playing bad cop for a change, huh? Yeah.
Well, it suits me.
Especially dealing with a sinister windbag like Salnikov.
(SIGHS HEAVILY) Knowing that he sent an assassin to U.
S.
soil made we want to stuff him in his stupid little cannon and fire it.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) So, what happens to Dmitri? Uh, Director Haymond approved his transfer to Alaska Station.
That way he'll be able to monitor Russian activity in relative safety.
And his sister? Talia's gonna stay in D.
C.
and finish school.
After that, it's up to her.
What are we gonna tell Stevie? (FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING) Wasting electricity.
I know.
Sorry, I'm a little, um, stir-crazy.
Let me fix you something.
Like eggs or eggs.
Our options are kind of limited.
Dad, you don't have to babysit me.
Uh, I don't have a choice.
I'm kind of cursed that way.
You know, you don't remember this, but when you were about three, you fell out of a tree.
And you hit the ground.
You didn't move.
I was I was pretty cool.
I checked your pulse, made sure you were breathing.
When we got home and I knew you were safe, I just lost it.
The thou (EXHALES) I'm sorry I scared you.
You didn't know.
Yeah, but (SIGHS) Another damaged, unavailable guy.
(SCOFFS) I mean, Jareth was an exception, but I don't know, it just keeps happening.
It's, like, becoming a pattern or something.
Look, Alexander was no Harrison or Armon.
You Do you mean Arthur? Arthur.
Arthur.
He was twice your age and so pedantic.
Peda Dad, look who's talking.
Look, it's completely normal to question yourself.
I do it all the time these days, especially.
Just the idea that I would be involved in something that put you in danger A-Alexander did heroic things for this country, at im-immense personal cost.
He's a courageous young man.
I am very pleased with this deal.
Your people send me this memo about our joint statement.
It's wonderful.
But? There is one small detail I would like to add.
A pledge to discuss the presence of American troops in Bulgaria.
The country you invaded.
Otherwise, the adoptees stay in Russia.
Where they belong.
Why don't you send us the language you have in mind? (SPEAKING RUSSIAN) We need to talk, alone.
Please.
- (QUIETLY): We need to walk.
- Why? It's not like he declared war.
Our NATO deployment is off-limits.
It is a glowing red line, and he just crossed it.
We are inches from the finish line.
What is the harm in negotiating? Negotiating is the harm.
If he walks out there and says that we have opened the door to pulling out of Europe, our allies will panic.
So reassure them.
By saying what? That we're being duplicitous but not with you? We can refuse the joint statement - and come up with new incentives.
- No.
Groveling will only make things worse.
I cannot abandon those children.
I made a promise to the American people, to their parents, to bring them home.
Your promises are not my problem.
National security is.
Blake.
I'm leaving, Madam Vice President.
So are you.
That is great news.
And, again, we're ready to assist the FBI in any way you need.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Bye.
(EXHALES) We got Zhukov.
Oh, thank God.
Where? Uh, at the FBI checkpoint at Lake Champlain, - near the Canadian border.
- Oh, my God.
Then-then that means Stevie's safe, right? Yes? - Oh, God.
- Yeah, yeah, I mean, we should keep the detail on her for a couple more days, but threat is over.
- Mm.
- (SIGHS) Oh, that just about takes the sting out - of my face-plant in Moscow.
- No, come on.
That's on the VP, not you.
(SIGHS) Russell was right.
This was a fool's errand from the beginning, - you know? - Here.
I shouldn't have let guilt cloud my judgment.
But the thing is, honestly, I wanted to support a woman who felt betrayed.
You know? And those kids.
(BOTH SIGH) I reached out to the Gundersons.
You know, the-the parents of the boy in the video? Yeah.
Who could forget? Yeah.
They wouldn't take my call.
We would file a claim in the European Court of Human Rights.
There's a chance Russia will respect their ruling.
Mm Okay.
That chance is zero.
(CHUCKLES) (GROANS) Ow.
Mm.
(CHUCKLES) Mm.
Wait a second.
Wait, wait, wait.
Where is Zhukov now? Uh, he's being transported to FBI Headquarters.
No, no.
They'll probably just throw him in some deep, dark hole.
They can't do that.
Not yet, not yet.
We got to we got to try one thing.
SALNIKOV: We categorically deny any involvement.
Such an attack would be against our principles.
This isn't your call-in show, Maxim.
Platitudes won't help you.
What more is there to say? Our government denies any knowledge of Mr.
Zhukov.
Well, Zhukov categorically admitted to working for the GRU.
That's right.
He's in custody.
And he was all too happy to name names, including that of his handler, Yaroslav Ryback.
Who is the linchpin of your entire spy network in the United States.
Ryback has been operating under nonofficial cover.
So, no diplomatic immunity.
Which means, under federal law, he can be executed.
ELIZABETH: However, might consider clemency, maybe even a future exchange, under one condition.
And that would be? Honor the original terms of the deal we struck in Moscow.
Those orphans come home.
They'll be on a plane tomorrow.
Thank you for your time.
I have to ask.
This man you accuse of being GRU, he could resist any form of interrogation.
How did you get him to crack? Don't you know? Everything in new Russia's for sale.
TERESA: Offering cash to a GRU assassin.
- I got to say, that took guts.
- (CHUCKLES) Credit lies with Conrad.
He had to approve it.
Still, this was a guy who might have murdered your own daughter.
Trying to forget that.
I'm sorry I doubted you.
We make strong allies, Elizabeth.
Can we bury the hatchet? Of course.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS) Madam Vice President.
- Madam Secretary.
- (CHUCKLES) I just need one thing from you.
Rule yourself out.
Pardon? Announce you won't run for president in public.
Shouldn't be difficult.
You've already said you have zero interest in the job.
I can't do that.
Well, that's disappointing.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER) (LAUGHING): Hey There you are.
PETER (CHUCKLES): Hey! Welcome home.
Thanks for coming.
It was the least I can do.
This country owes you a great debt.
(SIGHS) But not you.
Uh, I've given you more than enough trouble.
That's fair to say.
I'll look in on your sister from time to time.
That's very kind of you.
Thank you, Henry, for all you've done for us.
There's someone else that wants to say good-bye to you.
(DOOR CLOSES) Hey, you.
- I thought I was never gonna see you again.
- I didn't think I'd see you.
Listen, I I knew it was all wrong.
Every time I saw you, I told myself I was going to end it.
And then I saw you and I couldn't.
(CHUCKLES) So much for a fling, right? (CHUCKLES) I'm so sorry, Stevie.
No, I am.
I-I didn't mean to get you - exiled or whatever.
- (CHUCKLES) It's okay.
Exile is a very Russian thing.
- It's like a rite of passage.
- (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES) MAN: Mehranov, Alexander.
It's time to go.
That cabin in the mountains was really beautiful.
We'll always have the Potomac Lodge.
(CHUCKLES) (SNIFFLES) Good-bye, Stephanie McCord.
So long.
(SIGHS) Hey.
What's your real name? Dmitri.
Mitya.
Good-bye, Mitya.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) (CHUCKLES)