Many times during “Snap Back,” I had to remind myself that I was watching a scripted TV drama and not a CNN update. From the Iran nuclear pact to an Airbus/Boeing deal to empty promises by a presidential candidate, it’s sometimes difficult to remember the McCord world is fake.. mainly because what often happens in the McCord world is a direct parallel to what’s going on in the real one. I swear the writers live in the future. If only they could hook me up with some winning lottery numbers.
For the third season in a row, Iran is being, well, Iran. Or so it seems. Questions about the country’s nuclear practices are again coming into play and it’s having a ripple effect around the world. Basically, Iran is the solo foundation in a house of cards. If that card is yanked, the other cards, or countries, come toppling down and Elizabeth’s nuclear deal that she worked so hard for becomes paper to line a litter box. Worse yet, it could be the start of another world war. Some countries want sanctions to be implemented. Others don’t. Elizabeth is basically like a parent, trying to appease multiple kids at once.. except instead of who gets what toy, the stakes are a little higher here. I assume this is why she drinks.
With the House vote not scheduled until next month, the game of “Who Wants to Be a President” continues. The possibility of the Iran deal disintegrating into a pile of ash is less than ideal for Conrad, as he's pleading for his political life. Sam Evans seems to be running on the “Set Fire to Everything” platform, which includes dismantling the Iran nuclear agreement no matter what. It’s something his supporters seem to agree with. Elizabeth visits Evans before his talk show appearance and gets him to admit his claims are just rhetoric. He doesn’t plan on actually voiding the deal for no reason. He’s just making promises during the campaign because that's what his supporters like to hear, and doesn’t intend to follow through with them. Sound familiar, US and UK voters? I know. Too soon. All of these admissions are captured on his microphone. Now this is where I have to suspend reality a bit, much like medical professionals turn their heads while watching a scripted hospital drama. His microphone would not have been on yet. It’s a battery pack that’s only turned on minutes before a segment so the charge lasts the entire appearance.. and Evans was still in Hair and Makeup. Even more implausible, his mic would’ve had to be podded up and routed somewhere for his comments to be recorded. That said, Evans should have realized the golden rule of TV: always assume your mic is hot. Reality suspended, Elizabeth nails it and Evans is sent spiraling. Does this scandal mean he’s out of the running for POTUS? Given the Donald Trump/Billy Bush video and how the US election turned out, I’d say no.
While Elizabeth gets Sam Evans to hang himself, Henry visits his old-friend-turned-Congressman, Jeff Pearson, in hopes of swaying another vote into Conrad’s column. Pearson is cordial at first, until he puts on his liquid suit of armor. Turns out, the dude has been holding onto a grudge against Henry since Moses walked the Earth. I never want to hear another comment about how women can’t let things go. Henry has a drink or 16 with Pearson, but it doesn’t sway the Congressman’s mind.. until the next morning when he learns Pearson is now a card-carrying member of Team Dalton. “Could something as insignificant as one congressman’s old baggage sway the presidency,” Henry wonders? Yes. Yes it can, apparently. That’s a terrifying thought, isn’t it? The most powerful leader in the free world is put in or kept from that position because little Billy had his feelings hurt on the playground back in middle school. In the end, I’m not sure what swayed Pearson. He carried around hard feelings for Henry for decades and seems jealous of the McCord marriage, even offering the snide “Not for old Hank McCord” when Henry mentions marriage is tough. Whatever the reason, count that as a check mark for Dalton. I appreciated this entire interaction and Henry’s role in it. It was something Henry could do to help the administration, but it wasn’t messy. No real emotions. No intense investment in time. Sure it wasn’t without a few bumps.. and a wicked hangover.. but we’re not in Dmitri or Let’s-Almost-Die-In-Pakistan trip territory.
Speaking of Hangover Henry, that may be my favorite part. I love the reaction from the kids and Elizabeth. It’s nice for them to playfully torture him. As for the harness discussion between Elizabeth and Henry, I’m expecting that to play out in the special section of fanfic within a few days. I know you people.
I found Stevie visiting Russell for a law school recommendation a bit odd. Sure, he works closely with her mother, but she’s well aware of his less-than-sparkling personality. It’s not like he goes out of his way to help someone if he’s getting nothing in return. I can only assume it was to set up a McCord being present for Russell’s heart attack. From the promo, it looks to be a life-changing moment for her. I mean, wouldn’t it be for anyone in that position? Maybe she’ll switch majors and become a doctor like her Uncle Will. Kidding.
Speaking of Stevie, did anyone else see Elizabeth in her this week? Dressed in her “ModPro” suit, she goes to the coffee pot to pour a cup, just like a mini-Elizabeth. She looked like an adult instead of one of the kids during the morning chaotic routine. Even Russell commented, “I’ve never met a McCord who couldn’t rise to a challenge,” putting her on par with Elizabeth and Henry. It’s comments like this that allow me to understand why Jason is such the rebel. He’s being raised in a house of superiority. I don’t say that as a bad thing. It’s just a lot of pressure on a kid to live up to the almost unattainbly high successes of both parents and, now, and older sister. Bill and Hillary are just lucky Chelsea turned out so poised, articulate and, well, normal.
Other Things:
--While watching Elizabeth confidently and adeptly negotiate with foreign powers and stop potential wars, I couldn’t help but think I’ve never wanted a fake person to be real as much as I do with Elizabeth right now. The real world could use some Elizabeth McCord.
--Let’s talk about Jeff’s snide remark regarding the McCord marriage being easy. Dude, where were you last year? Everything about their marriage was tough. Even if they hadn’t been through the Dmitri Hell, they’re both active participants in their marriage. Being an active participant in ANYTHING is difficult. It’s much easier to sit on the sidelines and passively watch things happen around you. The fact that they make their marriage look so easy is a testament to how hard they actually work at it.
--Javani mention. Everyone cry and sing Jon McLaughlin.
--“Alls I’m sayin,” followed by a fake mic drop. Gold.
--“It’s a moral compass, not a disease.”
--Another “nascent” mention. It’s the new drinking game. I’m assuming I’ll have to retire the old one of drinking whenever Russell is ticked off. Doctor’s orders.
--More Walter, please.
What was your favorite part? What ripple effects do you think Russell’s heart attack will have? Do you think Conrad will win?
