There are some things that a magic wand, or a magic rake rather, cannot fix. In this week’s episode of Madam Secretary, Elizabeth jets off to Milan to discuss with China about the Fair Work and Trade Agreement. Shame it’s for political reasons and not partake in the grandeur of Fashion Week. Daisy also becomes an inspiring figure for a group of deserving kids.
The contrast between Foreign Minister Chen and Elizabeth’s political careers was interesting. I did not know that the former was planning to run for president until later in the episode. I’m sure that he would have been a good one had not the current fictional president re-appoint himself as such for another five years. At least it’s years and not life like the real President of China is doing. Could the Secretary of State’s political future turn out like Chen’s? Maybe, maybe not. Time will tell as it always has.
In other news, Daisy’s monologue to Sister Anne was on point. It’s quite saddening to see people of color die for something they didn’t do simply because of who they are. I understand that racism is not something that can be fixed in a short amount of time, but perhaps we should start taking the necessary steps and prevent this kind of thing from happening. We are all living on the same planet. There’s no need for one group of people to feel like they’re superior over another. Daisy’s speech to the kids from Houston was inspiring as well. I half-expected Elizabeth to be in her office waiting for the kids, but President Dalton is an excellent substitute. I mean, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to meet the President of the United States? Although an exception can be made for the current one.
Back to the issue at hand, I applaud Elizabeth for calling out China during the group press conference scene. Her little stunt, as Minister Chen phrased it, got the tariffs that China enforced on the U.S rescinded and the Fair Work and Trade Agreement was signed. This means that the U.S won’t need to enforce tariffs of their own in return. Another potential crisis averted.
On a side note, why is it so difficult for Henry to leave his job at the War College? They could just figure all the minor details out after Henry finds a suitable replacement. The parking space can go to someone who needs it and the rest can be dealt with in a timely fashion so the transition can be made smoothly. There are times where I wish that Henry could just be the supportive husband who gives his wife meaningful advice and takes care of things at home while Elizabeth is busy making the world a better place as it were. Yes, I know it sounds like the whole stay-at-home-spouse kind of thing, but women have been there long enough, it’s time for the tables to turn.
As the episode ended, we know that Elizabeth has decided to run for president. Her campaign platform is going to be the criminal justice reform after what happened with Katelyn. Mike B, obviously, is all excited, but we’ll see how all this plays out when it’s time to go on the campaign trail. Guess Keith Carradine’s days on the show are numbered should Téa Leoni’s character be elected POTUS.
Ending Notes:
I liked the ending scene with Chen paying his respects to the victims of the factory fire with his daughter Ai. Despite the orders from his president, he chose to listen to his heart rather than his brain. He was a bit annoying at first, but now I see that he has a good heart. Kudos to you Minister Chen.
Speaking of the Foreign Minister, it’s heartwarming to see him as a loving father as well as a government official. It’s also an interesting surprise to hear him speak Italian. I’m assuming that either his wife is of Italian descent or maybe his job requires him to reside in other countries. Maybe it’s both, we don’t know for sure.
The jury duty scene at the beginning was nothing short of hilarious. When the woman sitting next to a DSS agent thought that Elizabeth was a Real Housewife, I chuckled a little.
I felt sorry for Blake as he had to re-do the Secretary’s entire schedule again. I know it must have taken him hours to move everything around.
When Mike B forgot who Katelyn was when Elizabeth thanked him for defending the woman in court, my eyes rolled. In an semi-amused way, of course. Though I rather enjoyed watching him tear the other prosecutor to pieces. If he ever wants to get back in the game, I know a certain law firm that would love to have him. Though I doubt Harvey Specter would want to share his title of Best Closer in New York with the DC hack/avenging angel of justice.
Photo via CBS
