Ep 21. Protocol

Madam Secretary season 4 episode 21 titled "Protocol" follows the story of Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord, who must navigate through a difficult situation as tension between the United States and Russia mount.

The episode opens with Elizabeth meeting with President Dalton and Chief of Staff, Russell Jackson, to discuss the upcoming negotiations for a critical disarmament treaty with Russia. They stress the importance of the negotiation process and the need for Elizabeth to maintain protocol at all times. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's brother, Will, who is a surgeon, has come to visit her at the State Department. They catch up briefly before Elizabeth receives an urgent call from the Russian ambassador requesting a meeting.

Elizabeth and her team, including her Chief of Staff, Nadine, and her policy advisor, Jay, prepare for the meeting. They agree that Elizabeth should meet with the ambassador alone and follow strict protocol. However, during the meeting, the ambassador proposes an unexpected and controversial solution to the disarmament treaty that Elizabeth does not feel comfortable with. She decides to consult her team before making a decision, which goes against protocol.

Elizabeth meets with her team to discuss the proposal. Jay and Nadine feel that the proposal is too risky, while Elizabeth's husband, Henry, a former intelligence operative, offers a military perspective, leading to a heated debate among the team. Elizabeth ultimately decides to present a counteroffer to the ambassador, which goes against the protocol set by the President and Chief of Staff.

Back at the State Department, Elizabeth's decision causes tension among her colleagues, and the Russian ambassador warns her that the consequences of her actions could be disastrous. Elizabeth begins to doubt her decision, but Henry encourages her to stay true to herself and follow her instincts.

As negotiations continue, Elizabeth learns of new information that causes her to question the trustworthiness of the Russian delegation. This new knowledge jeopardizes the treaty and Elizabeth must scramble to salvage the situation, while also avoiding a potential international crisis.

In the end, Elizabeth's decision to follow her instincts and go against protocol proves to be successful, and the disarmament treaty is signed. However, the episode ends on a cliffhanger as Elizabeth receives an unexpected phone call that leaves her and the entire State Department shaken.

"Protocol" is an intense and suspenseful episode that highlights the importance of diplomacy and the consequences of making difficult decisions in high-stakes situations. The complex relationships between characters also add depth to the episode, as Elizabeth juggles her job as Secretary of State, while also navigating her personal relationships and family dynamics. The episode sets the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season finale, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.