When it comes to staking a claim on a piece of land, everyone wants in on the action. In this week’s episode of Madam Secretary, Elizabeth heads to Montreal to attend a summit. The topic of discussion is, of course, global warming and who gets to own the Arctic Circle.
I agree with Jason when he says that it’s all about shipping lanes, mineral rights, and drilling. Though Chip Harding, the natural gas sponsor, got right to the point. It all comes down to money like it always does. Saving the planet we love is one thing, but with Big Oil and Gas corporations at the reigns, it’s going to be an uphill battle. However, I applaud the secretary’s refusal to publically endorse Arctic drilling when she gave Harding a piece of her mind. I all but cheered when she later told her staff that she informed Harding of his company’s history of hiding data and denying climate change.
Blake’s vehement support for fighting global warming also brought a smile to my face. I rolled my eyes in amusement when he ranted to Kat about renewable energy. That and how these major oil and gas corporations are not doing a single thing about it. He knows that she agrees with him, it’s quite amusing to listen to him go on and on about it.
The part where the bomb went off at the summit, my mind immediately thought of the protestors outside the building. It didn’t seem like they’re a violent bunch, but you never know when it comes to fighting for what one believes in. When it revealed that the Russians were behind the bombing, it didn’t shock me the way that it would. I mean, almost everything to do with either politics or warfare on the show, there’s always some involvement from the Russians.
In the end, Elizabeth convinced China to help stop Russia from staking their claim on the Arctic at a price. China gets a seat at the table on the Arctic Council and full voting power. I’m hoping that this newly acquired position won’t go to China’s head, but we all know that’s not going to happen anytime soon. The quote “with great power comes great responsibility” doesn’t apply to the Chinese.
Closing Thoughts:
I can’t believe that Jason and Piper were planning to have sex at the summit. They’re part of a diplomatic mission, not a vacation! At least Jason was able to take responsibility for his actions when his parents sat him down to further reprimand him. I also feel sorry for his breakup with Piper towards the end of the episode. Heartbreak truly sucks the big one, but it’s true what they say: time heals all wounds.
The subplot of Henry helping a student through a difficult decision was a bit confusing. First off, there’s no mention of Admiral Hill having a child until now. Why suddenly mention that she has a son enlisted in the Air Force? Second, while I understand Andrew Hill’s decision to plagiarize his ethics essay rather than tell his mother that he doesn’t want to be a fighter pilot anymore, it’s still wrong to do what he did. If anything, he should’ve quoted the essay he ripped off of or something and not pass it off as his own.
Photo via CBS
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