Ep 17. Phase Two

In Madam Secretary season 4 episode 17 titled "Phase Two", Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord (Téa Leoni) continues to grapple with the aftermath of her husband's decision to run for president. Elizabeth is also still dealing with the loss of her old friend and mentor, Senator Morejon (José Zúñiga), who was assassinated in the previous episode.

As the episode begins, Elizabeth and her team are busy negotiating a deal with Mexico to prevent a potential border crisis. However, they soon learn that a terrorist group has kidnapped an American aid worker in Niger. Elizabeth immediately shifts her focus to the crisis in Africa, knowing that rescuing the aid worker could have broader implications for national security.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth's husband, Henry (Tim Daly), is facing his own challenges as he prepares for the first Democratic debate. Despite his polling numbers, Henry is struggling to find his footing as a candidate. In an attempt to boost his campaign, he agrees to a controversial interview with a conservative media outlet, which puts him in hot water with his progressive supporters.

Back in the State Department, Elizabeth and her team work tirelessly to negotiate with the kidnappers and secure the release of the aid worker. However, they soon discover that the terrorists are part of a larger network and have access to dangerous weapons. As the situation intensifies, Elizabeth and her team must reassess their strategies and consider more aggressive options to save the hostage.

Throughout the episode, Elizabeth relies on her trusted advisors, including Chief of Staff Russell Jackson (Željko Ivanek) and National Security Advisor Kat Sandoval (Sara Ramirez), to help her navigate these complex and far-reaching issues. Despite the numerous challenges they face, Elizabeth and her team remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting American interests and upholding their values.

In the end, "Phase Two" is a gripping and suspenseful episode that highlights the many pressures and challenges faced by those in positions of power. As always, Madam Secretary delivers a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of contemporary political issues, while also providing plenty of action and drama. Fans of the series won't want to miss this exciting installment.