Ep 9. Winter Garden

Elizabeth McCord, the Secretary of State, returns for another thrilling episode in season 5. In "Winter Garden," Elizabeth is tasked with a daunting task: hosting a holiday party for fellow politicians and dignitaries, including the President himself. Meanwhile, she is also dealing with a national crisis with Russia involving a stranded submarine in the Arctic Circle.

As she steps out of her car on a snowy evening, Elizabeth is immediately met with chaos. A group of protesters is outside the State Department, shouting and holding signs. They are upset with the United States' response to the submarine crisis and are demanding action be taken to save the sailors trapped on board. Elizabeth is visibly shaken, but remains composed as she heads inside to begin preparations for the party.

Throughout the episode, tensions rise as Elizabeth tries to balance the demands of her job and hosting the party. Her staff is swamped with work, and she struggles to keep up with both the urgent matter of the submarine and the trivial requests of her guests. At one point, she is even asked to retrieve a lost dog from her front yard, which she does with ease.

As the night progresses, Elizabeth juggles conversations with politicians, journalists, and foreign dignitaries. Her calming presence and diplomatic skills are on full display, as she smoothly navigates tough conversations and diffuses tense situations. But as the party winds down and guests start to leave, Elizabeth receives devastating news about the submarine. The situation has taken a turn for the worse, and the lives of the sailors are in even greater danger than before.

With the crisis at its peak, Elizabeth puts aside her personal life and works tirelessly to find a solution. She calls on all of her resources and works with her team to put a plan into action. The outcome is uncertain, but Elizabeth's unwavering dedication to the safety of the sailors is clear.

Overall, "Winter Garden" is a riveting and emotional episode that showcases the impeccable acting and writing of Madam Secretary. The episode highlights the pressure and responsibility of being a public servant, as well as the sacrifices that must be made in order to keep our country safe. Fans of the show will not want to miss this powerful episode.