Ep 19. Carrying the Gold

After four successful seasons, this political drama television series has come to its fifth season and episode 19 named "Carrying the Gold." The show follows the journey of Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA agent who becomes the U.S. Secretary of State after her predecessor dies in a plane crash.

In this episode, Elizabeth McCord tackles one of the most pressing issues of international diplomacy: the Olympics. The Russian delegation threatens to boycott the upcoming games in Tokyo unless their athletes are allowed to participate under the Russian flag, despite being banned from international competition due to the country's widespread doping scheme.

McCord is a fierce advocate for clean sports and is not willing to compromise ethics in exchange for political gains. She believes that allowing the Russians to compete under their flag would undermine the values and principles of the Olympic Games, which are meant to promote peace, friendship, and fair play.

However, she also recognizes that the boycott could have severe consequences for countries - especially the host nation - that have invested significant resources in the preparation and organization of the games. Furthermore, the Russians could retaliate against the United States for their stance, potentially escalating the tensions between the two nations.

McCord's solution is to find a middle ground that would respect both the rules of the International Olympic Committee and the interests of all parties involved. She proposes that the Russian athletes can participate as "Olympic Athletes from Russia," without officially representing their country. They would wear neutral uniforms and compete under the Olympic flag, not the Russian one.

This compromise is not universally welcomed, neither at home nor abroad. The U.S. president is concerned about the political fallout of the decision, while the Japanese prime minister fears that the lack of Russian fans would hurt the ticket sales and tourism revenue. The Russian officials are outraged by what they see as a humiliation and a violation of their sovereignty.

As the clock ticks closer to the opening ceremony, McCord faces increasing pressure and opposition from all sides. She must navigate the treacherous waters of international diplomacy, media scrutiny, and public opinion while staying true to her values and principles. She must also deal with personal issues, including family conflicts and health concerns.

"Carrying the Gold" is a tense and thought-provoking episode that examines the intersection of politics, sports, and morality. It raises important questions about the role of sports in promoting international relations, the responsibility of athletes, and the integrity of institutions. It also showcases the talents of the show's cast, led by Téa Leoni as Elizabeth McCord.