A lot happened in “South China Sea,” and yet in the end, nothing happened at all. In the world of international politics, I’m assuming that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. There’s a “flight of the bumblebee” taking place behind the scenes in hopes of keeping world peace status quo for the general public.
Another episode, another group of activists arrested for doing something ridiculous and righteous. This week centers on China and a don’t-call-it-an-island in the South China Sea. Some young American environmental warriors stepped foot where they shouldn’t and were captured. Elizabeth has to be tired of constantly bailing out fools. She’s done it in Syria, Chile, China. The list goes on. At a certain point, I’d just leave them. This is precisely why I’m not Secretary of State.
While the activists are getting themselves arrested, Elizabeth and Henry are starring in their own horror show. The stalking is not only continuing, it’s ramping up. The worst part is, no one is any closer to figuring out who’s responsible. It’s a bit of a sticking point for Elizabeth and Henry. Henry has convinced himself that Ray Merchant is behind the stalking. Merchant is a former student of Elizabeth’s who liked her (like with the big “L”), possibly a little too much. Elizabeth dismisses Henry’s thoughts that Ray is the one causing their family trauma, rattling off a list of terror organizations that would happily kill her and her family. Again, this is why I’m not Secretary of State. Henry, however, is insistent Ray should be looked at. Basically, Henry is now obsessing about Ray being obsessed with Elizabeth. Ironic.
Ray’s existence was first mentioned while the McCords made their bed. Is there anything more realistic than a couple fighting while doing typical household chores? These scenes give Elizabeth and Henry humanity and make them relatable. Even more typical: bargaining over the chores. Elizabeth said Henry could talk to the FBI if he put the shams on the big pillows. “That’s the worst job in the whole house,” Henry laments. No, Henry. Unloading the dishwasher is. If money was no object, I’d hire someone to unload the dishwasher and put my clean laundry away.
The Merry McCords fighting isn’t always so cordial this episode. The two had their moments. Henry is questioning the capability of the FBI and Diplomatic Security, a thought Elizabeth doesn’t even want to entertain. He’s angry. She’s short. “Don’t talk to me like I’m crazy,” Henry demands. “Then stop acting like it,” Elizabeth retorts. A few more terse words later and Elizabeth hangs up the phone. That’s how a couple should fight. It’s actually commendable how this married couple does disagree. I enjoy seeing how they resolve conflicts within their marriage because it’s typically very civil. They don’t hit below the belt, call each other names, or (generally) lash out verbally in anger. Even last season when Henry was irate at Elizabeth for leaving Dmitri behind, he was adult and left the room, admitting he didn’t want to say anything he would regret. How often do we all lash out in the heat of the moment? One thing about words: you can’t take them back.
As if the pictures and random notes aren’t enough to terrify the McCords, in walks a clip from Poltergeist. Lights flash, the TV comes on, the oven heats up, ice is launched from the refrigerator. Basically the entire house becomes possessed. No, thank you. Someone managed to hack into virtually everything inside the McCord home and take over. It’s a legitimate concern these days. The new terror threat. A scarier threat, considering anyone can virtually get inside your home without stepping foot nearby. Henry tries to stay calm. If that happened to my house, a “For Sale” sign would be up in 10 minutes.
Random question I had while watching this scene: did they tell the kids about the stalking? 3.02 ended with them saying they should let the kids in on what was going on, but I couldn’t determine if they did. Clearly, Alison and Jason were freaked out, because of course, but later while Henry was raging against the FBI agent, Jason asked, “Dad, is everything OK?” He was probably just trying to snap Henry out of his rage and bring him back to reality, but it did make me wonder if the kids now know.
In an attempt to sway China to release the activists, Elizabeth formulates a plan that involves Vietnam. She and President Dalton travel to Ho Chi Minh City, someplace the President hasn’t been since he served in the war. On a rooftop with the gleaming skyline behind them, Dalton opens up about his experiences as a young Marine. He reveals a touching memory when he almost shot a woman and her baby, a story he probably rarely shares. It's a conversation between old friends Elizabeth and Conrad, not Secretary of State and POTUS. They also bond over their experiences abroad, not all of them good. Little moments like this remind viewers that these two have a long history, a history that connects them. (We’ll just forget how Conrad abandoned that for a good part of last season.) Her slight nod to Dalton as she left was a cordial way of acknowledging his openness and showing her appreciation.
A moment of realism came when Conrad was talking with the President of Vietnam. “If you had told me that all these years later, this is where I’d be, I’d have told you you’re crazy,” Dalton said. “If you had told me that I would even survive the war, I would have told you you were crazy,” admitted the Vietnamese President. This short exchange got me. It’s a moment of realism, showing how far the countries have come over the last few decades. What was once a war zone is now a tourist destination. It’s on my short list of places to visit. The transformation kind of gives you hope for the future, both on the show and in real life. I’m not packing my bags for Iraq or Afghanistan anytime soon, but it does make you wonder what life will look like in 50 years.
Despite what is seen as a very aggressive move by China, Elizabeth convinces Dalton to stand down on military action. Everyone in the Situation Room wants the United States to retaliate with force, yet Elizabeth manages to talk them off a ledge. She wants to discuss the situation with China, using words over military strength, a move that eventually works. The same thing happened last year when the U.S. held off on attacking Russia due to a submarine getting a little too close to U.S. waters. Elizabeth isn’t a career politician, so she relies more on things like intuition and feelings. It also comes from her background as CIA. It’s situations like this why I’m happy Elizabeth didn’t take the Vice Presidency. Sure she could’ve done great things as VP, but diplomacy is her true strength, and she’s desperately needed as Secretary of State. Her voice and her ability to see things from a different perspective can help keep the world turning for another day.
Other Things:
-Welcome, Ronnie. I like her and I like her with Elizabeth. I think Elizabeth sees part of herself in Ronnie, young and idealistic. Ronnie is sweet and competent, but kind of kooky. She reminds me a bit of Elsbeth on “The Good Wife.” More of them, please.
-Admiral Hill and Minister Chen keep coming back. I enjoy that the show repeatedly uses the recurring characters. It’s also nice that Elizabeth now refers to them as Ellen and Ming, a nod to how close their working relationships have become. It also shows the progress Elizabeth has made in her position.
-“Ming, Out." Thanks, Blake.
-Elizabeth and her love of pastries. I’m not sure when it officially became “a thing,” but I hope it continues.
-Baggy sweatpants, untucked shirts and hair in a ponytail. It’s nice to see one of the most powerful women in the world appreciates the same look as I do when we get home from work.
How did you like the episode? What was your favorite part?
