Ep 13. Proxy War

Elizabeth McCord (Téa Leoni) is back in the thick of things as the Secretary of State in Season 5 of Madam Secretary. In Episode 13, entitled Proxy War, Elizabeth finds herself in the crosshairs of Russian operatives, while also dealing with a coup in Moldova and a possible assassination plot. The tension is high and the stakes are even higher as Elizabeth works to keep the U.S. and its interests on track.

The episode begins with Elizabeth meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister, Andrei Petrov, to discuss the ongoing conflict in Syria. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when Elizabeth discovers that Petrov has been spying on her, and that his government is planning to launch a cyberattack against the U.S. government. Elizabeth must now find a way to prevent the attack while also ensuring that the U.S. and Russia remain on talking terms.

Meanwhile, back in Moldova, the country is in the midst of a full-blown coup. Elizabeth's team, led by her Chief of Staff Jay Whitman (Sebastian Arcelus) and Director of Policy Planning Kat Sandoval (Sara Ramirez), is watching events unfold closely and working to ensure that the U.S. does not get drawn into the conflict. However, things take a dangerous turn when it is revealed that the coup leaders are being funded by a wealthy Russian oligarch with ties to the Kremlin.

As if that wasn't enough to deal with, Elizabeth also discovers that there is a possible assassination plot against her. She must navigate the delicate balance of ensuring her own safety while also keeping the country moving forward.

All of these plot threads intertwine and escalate as the episode progresses. Elizabeth is forced to make difficult decisions, weighing the risks and benefits of each action she takes. The tension is palpable as the situation becomes more and more dangerous, and the outcome seems uncertain.

As always, the strength of Madam Secretary lies in its ensemble cast. Téa Leoni is, of course, the star of the show, bringing Elizabeth's intelligence, determination, and heart to life. However, the supporting cast is just as strong, with standout performances from Arcelus, Ramirez, and the rest of the team. The writing is also top-notch, weaving together various political threads into a coherent and compelling narrative.

Overall, Madam Secretary Season 5 Episode 13, Proxy War, is an intense and gripping installment that serves as a testament to the show's ongoing strength. It is a reminder of why Madam Secretary has been a critical and commercial success, and why it continues to be a must-watch for fans of political dramas.