Ep 1. Pilot

As the first female Vice President of the United States, Mackenzie Allen (portrayed by Geena Davis) finds herself in a position she never expected to be in when the President suddenly dies. She is thrust into the role of Commander in Chief, facing multiple challenges and critics as she tries to settle into her new role.

In the pilot episode, Mackenzie is still adjusting to her new position when she is faced with a crisis in Haiti. A group of Americans, including a senator and her husband, have been taken hostage by rebels. The president's top advisers are split on whether to negotiate with the rebels or use military force to rescue the hostages.

Mackenzie finds herself caught between a rock and a hard place as she tries to weigh the options presented to her. She seeks advice from the Chief of Staff, who is not happy with her being in charge. He suggests that she focus on being a figurehead, leaving the tough decisions to him. Mackenzie is not willing to do that, and instead seeks her own sources of advice, including her husband and children, who all have different opinions on what she should do.

As the episode progresses, Mackenzie learns that the situation in Haiti is more complicated than she initially thought. The rebels have an agenda beyond their demands for money and release of prisoners. They also want the United States to stop supporting the current Haitian government, which they consider oppressive and corrupt.

Mackenzie must navigate these complex factors while also dealing with internal politics and opposition from her own party. She faces pressure from both sides of the aisle, as some members of her party see her as an obstacle to their goals.

Despite the challenges, Mackenzie remains determined to do what she believes is right and ultimately makes a decision that puts her in opposition to her own party. Along the way, she also learns more about the power and responsibility of her new position and the impact her decisions have on people's lives.

Overall, the pilot episode of Commander in Chief sets the stage for a tense political drama that explores the challenges faced by a woman in a historically male-dominated position of power. It showcases Geena Davis's strong performance as Mackenzie Allen, a character who is both relatable and inspiring in her determination to do the right thing. The episode also sets the precedent for the series as a whole, with complex storylines and nuanced characters that keep viewers engaged and invested.