Ep 3. Protect Them From the Truth

As a high stake negotiation between President Martinez (Blair Underwood) and the Chinese premier seeps into dangerous territory, Leila (Sarah Roemer) has a chance encounter with Sean (Jason Ritter) in a hotel after being on the run as accused terrorists.

Meanwhile, FBI agent Collier (Heather McComb) is tasked with taking care of the young Martinez children after a shocking revelation comes to light that may endanger their safety. As the negotiation between the US and China heats up, the President and his advisor Sterling (Zeljko Ivanek) hide the truth from the public, but a reporter discovers them.

The episode begins with the Martinez family and FBI agent Collier celebrating Simon's (Ian Anthony Dale) homecoming after being released from the hospital following his abduction. President Martinez and Blake Sterling have to leave the celebration as negotiations with China have reached a critical point, and a deal must be reached as soon as possible.

At the same time, Sophie Maguire (Laura Innes), the mysterious leader of the group that abducted Simon, is plotting something big. On the other hand, Sean and Vicky (Taylor Cole) are lifting weights in a hotel gym, and Sean spots Leila on a monitor. Sean breaks into her hotel room and confronts her. They talk, and Sean fills Leila in on the larger picture and how he is being targeted by some unknown group that wants him dead.

Back in Washington, DC, President Martinez is trying to negotiate an amnesty deal with the Chinese government for their human rights record. However, the Chinese Premier demands that the US government hand over Tomas (Clifton Collins Jr.), the messenger who delivered the message from the extraterrestrial beings who are a central part of the show. Martinez understandably refuses, and the Chinese walk out of the negotiations.

As the episode progresses, we see several subplots. Sophia and her team kidnap the fire inspector who failed the safety inspection on the facility she wants to use to utilize a vault beneath. She and her team plan to use the vault to rescue about 2,000 people from offshore detention. At the same time, Agent Collier is taking care of Martinez's children after the President receives a warning that there might be a threat to their safety.

Back in the negotiations room, Martinez orders media blackout on the Chinese walk out. But investigative reporter Shelly (Necar Zadegan) learns of the incident, and she confronts Sterling. Meanwhile, Sean and Leila meet again in the hallway, but the reunion is short-lived when Vicky sees them and confronts Sean.

As the episode comes to a close, the Chinese government grows increasingly adamant that it will harm the US economy unless they hand over Tomas. They even go so far as to launch a cyber-attack against the US financial system. The President orders the National Security Adviser to do whatever it takes to take down the attack before it irreparably damages the economy. The episode ends with an unwelcomed visitor surprising Sophia in her office.

Protect Them From the Truth is a suspenseful episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The tension between the US and China is palpable, and the weight of protecting the President's family from a perceived threat is felt throughout the episode. The mysteries of the show remain intact, and the character arcs of Sean and Leila continue to develop. Overall, it is an episode worth watching for fans of suspenseful and political thrillers.