If you would like to read my review of last week’s episode, click here.
Synopsis: As more leaks surface from President Kirkman’s confidential therapy sessions, Vice President Darby meets secretly with the Cabinet, leading to attorney Ethan West looking into the president’s past. (IMDB)
Writers: Pierluigi Cothran and Patrick Cunnane
Director: Leslie Libman
Rating: TV-14
Running Time: 45mins
Airs: Wednesdays at 10pm on CTV (Canada)/ABC (United States)
The episode started with the administration being briefed about the latest leak. The neurotic Lyor was hesitant to participate. The task now was to spin it. Unfortunately, the news was ruining several items on the president’s agenda. Lyor wanted Dr. Louden to make a statement on Tom’s behalf but he was hesitant as it may hurt his reputation. Rennett got intel on the hacker from his former Russian handler. And to top things off, another tape got leaked.
Seth tried to defend Tom from the press but that would prove to be difficult. The administration was cleared from the leak. They were looking to any member of the cabinet to offer their support, however, they all seemed to be busy. This was because they were all meeting with Darby about removing Tom as president. Although he was reasonably upset, he was given the opportunity to present a case against his removal to man named Ethan West (Michael J. Fox) who would lead this inquiry. This was an unusual situation where the rules weren’t exactly clear.
Emily revealed to Seth about what she did to Simon Day but Chuck found a non-illegal way to get the information. Chuck also offered more help if needed. Tom did a quick interview to defend himself. Looking for guidance, Lyor advised that walking away may have the best outcome for him and he was actually considering it. Seth couldn’t take the press hounding him about Tom and lashed out accordingly.
Tom went against his staff and attended a science fair with Dr. Frost. She had been a great friend to him (at least so far) and she considered him to be a great friend as well. He appreciated her for letting him open up to her and also made it clear that they were just friends even though the tapes may seem like he considered them to be more.
Wells and Rennett pursued the lead on the hacker and found a potential address. They also learned that Frost may have been the one to leak the tapes. They came under attack but Rennett took a barrage of bullets for Wells. He did not survive. Meanwhile, Tom was proud to work with his staff and apologized to Darby. He had no demands for West’s inquiry because that was the kind of man he was.
Overall, this was a good episode that helped to set up the final stretch of the season where Tom and his staff will have to take on the crafty West. Michael J. Fox was great here and it will be exciting to see where West will go. Seth’s outburst was great to watch as was Emily’s internal conflict. This episode didn’t offer much answers while creating more questions. The hacking subplot broke up the main plot nicely and revealed that Frost may have leaked the tapes but also killed off Rennett which could be something completely unrelated. It will definitely be exciting to see how it will all end and if it will match last season’s final stretch.
Score: 8.5/10
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The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.
