Ep 7. Baby Steps

Madam Secretary season 5 episode 7, titled "Baby Steps," follows Secretary of State Elizabeth McCord as she navigates a crisis in Venezuela. The country is in turmoil, and a group of American journalists has been taken hostage by the Venezuelan government. Elizabeth and her team must work to negotiate their release while also trying to prevent a larger conflict from breaking out.

As Elizabeth works on the crisis, she also struggles with personal issues. Her son is starting college, and she is having trouble adjusting to him being away from home. She is also dealing with a health scare and must decide whether or not to speak with her husband about it.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth's husband Henry is working to help a friend who is dealing with a family emergency. Henry must balance his own professional responsibilities with helping his friend, which proves to be a challenge.

Throughout the episode, tensions escalate in Venezuela, and Elizabeth's team must make difficult decisions in order to prevent a violent conflict from erupting. As she navigates the crisis, Elizabeth must also confront the challenges in her personal life, reflecting on the sacrifices she has made for her career and her family.

"Baby Steps" is a gripping episode that highlights the complex and often difficult work of diplomacy. It shows the challenges faced by those in positions of power as they work to balance their personal lives and responsibilities with their professional duties. The episode is a testament to the strength and resilience of Secretary McCord and her team as they confront one of their toughest challenges yet.