Ep 3. South China Sea

Elizabeth McCord, who is serving as the Secretary of State for the United States, is called upon to tackle another major crisis in the third episode of Madam Secretary's third season, titled "South China Sea." The episode centers around the ongoing diplomatic spat between China and the United States over the South China Sea. The episode sees Elizabeth being tasked with finding a diplomatic solution to this escalating conflict.

The show kicks off with Elizabeth receiving the news that a Chinese submarine has deliberately gone missing in international waters. It is in the South China Sea, where the Chinese government has been staking its claim over territorial waters claimed by other countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam. This action by the Chinese government is seen as a direct provocation to the United States, which has been calling for the militarization of the region to cease.

Elizabeth orders a preemptive strike against the Chinese submarine, which sets off a chain of events that leads to even greater tensions between the two superpowers. The Chinese government is quick to respond, accusing the United States of aggressive behavior and threatening to up the ante by sending their own warships into the South China Sea. The situation requires diplomatic intervention, and Elizabeth must balance her role as Secretary of State with the pressure of navigating the volatile political climate surrounding the conflict.

As she tries to find a way to defuse the tensions, Elizabeth meets with representatives from the Chinese government, including the Chinese Ambassador to the United States. One of the highlights of the episode is the riveting conversation that takes place between Elizabeth and the Chinese Ambassador. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, showing how diplomacy can be as much a battle of words as an actual war.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth's husband, Henry McCord, a professor of International Relations at Georgetown University, is on a mission of his own. Henry is called upon by the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America (POSA), a right-wing conservative group, to help them get one of their members released from federal prison. This subplot adds a layer of personal drama to the episode, as Henry must navigate the treacherous waters of politics to help his friend.

The episode also delves into the personal lives of the McCord family, including Elizabeth and her husband's relationship and how they balance their personal lives with their professional ones. We also get a glimpse into their son's life as he tries to make a new friend at school.

Ultimately, the episode shows how complex the world of international diplomacy can be. Elizabeth must navigate this complex landscape and find a way to defuse the tensions between the United States and China. While the episode does end on a cliffhanger, it leaves the viewer eagerly anticipating the next installment of this thrilling show.