Election year is difficult, especially if you're a politician. And for Elizabeth McCord, this election year turns out to be quite a task. In season 3 episode 4 titled The Dissent Memo, the Secretary of State has to speak about football and diplomacy.
[Spoiler Alert]
Fans of the show will know that Bess has handled matters of international conflict and terrorism with ease. However, an interview about sports and politics makes her uncomfortable.
As she tells her staff about what she's expected to do, they sense her uneasiness and are pleasantly amused about her appearance on NFL Tonight with host James Brown. However, they give her talking points and put her at ease.
Bess, who sits down for an interview just ahead of a crucial game, is asked about her support and she vouches for Cleveland. Her support could go a long way since President Dalton has to go on the ballot in Ohio.
Meanwhile, Bess's attention is brought to a debilitating situation in Angola. She receives a letter from the Bureau of African Affairs, which criticises the Dalton administration for its lack of interest in the country's elections.
But why should the U.S. pay attention to Angola's elections? Well, this is mainly because a bomb goes off during a political rally, no doubt harming or posing a threat to U.S. interests.To be sure, this is where Bess's expertise lies and perhaps we will see her travel to the country.
Season 3 episode 4' synopsis reads:
The Dalton administration comes under criticism by the Bureau of African Affairs for their lack of attention to the upcoming Angolan election, and it falls upon Elizabeth to ease their fears over the situation. Elsewhere, Russell needs help getting the president on the ballot in Ohio; Henry and Jose find themselves one step closer to locating the antiquities stolen by Hizb al-Shahid.
Madam Secretary airs at 9 pm EST on Sunday, October 31, on CBS. You can live-stream the episode via CBS All Access.
