Oh wait, this is all illegal?
We start at Gladiator HQ, where Jake has let go of Olivia's throat so she can complain about being accused of treason. Technically, though, she knows what B-613 did, and what threats it tracked. So, yes, she could be accused of aiding America's enemies. But she also knows that B-613, and specifically, Jake, killed to cover up crimes for both VP Sally and Cyrus. Is putting up with the occasional murderous cover-up the price of keeping shadowy threats at bay? Jake sure thinks so.
Showing up without any known reason to, Fitz and Cy are almost as non-pleased. Their big concern isn't about the President's safety- whatever Mama Pope is planning, they're sure the Secret Service can deal with. No, they're more concerned with Fitz's plane shoot-out years ago becoming public knowledge. So, no FBI, no CIA, no Homeland Security Department of any kind. Fitz's second big concern is when Jake announces to the entire group, that Olivia slept with him to somehow get access to his phone and, therefore, B-613. Yes, Fitz, the woman you cheat on your wife with cheated on you. Oh well. And yes, maybe it is disturbing that our nation's most trusted spy and security network can be infiltrated by a pretty woman acting needy. Maybe the next Command should be a robot.
Hey, I know, let's get the whole cast together!
Once again, Olivia has aided and abetted her terrorist mother. Which means that the Gladiators have to help B-613, aka Jake, find Maya Pope and disrupt whatever big boom she's planning. From the security footage Jake could save, Fitz, Cy and Jake recognize Flowers Guy, aka Dominic Bell. And they also realize who they'll have to call in to catch him. Old school R&B plays while Old School Spymaster Rowan Pope enters Gladiator HQ, offering the President his services. Fitz and Cy leave, but there are two ground rules to this whole set up: Rowan is not getting his old job back. Rowan says he just wants Dominic and Mama Pope. And Fitz is not to leave the White House, where everyone feels he'll be safe. Fitz and Cy don't like it, but no one is going to like the next couple days.
Quinn and Charlie make pancakes, as they're on furlough. Quinn is complaining that she doesn't know the code Charlie is listening for as Charlie keeps repeating that Quinn just wants to betray B-613 for Olivia. Quinn is trying to convince Charlie that Gladiator HQ is the last place she ever wants to go when the code on the radio starts telling Charlie where B-613 is meeting. Where? Where are they meeting?
At Gladiator HQ, Quinn and Charlie walk in just as Jake is venting that they've gone to his old boss and predecessor to find Mama Pope. Abby turns the awkwardness up by asking if Quinn and Charlie are now an item. The gang's all here.
Not for long, though. With Jake disparaging Rowan, who managed to keep Mama Pope locked up for twenty-some years, Rowan insists that Olivia throw Jake out. Which she does, with a spoonful of sugar. However, the medicine still goes down badly, and Jake and Olivia have it out at the elevator. Olivia tells Jake that she helped him, that now he's free of B-613. Jake reminds her that no one is ever really free of B-613. Jake is 100% sure that Rowan is playing her somehow, which Huck has already told her. Olivia is 100% sure that he'll stay loyal until Mama Pope is back in custody. Jake tells her that that will be when Rowan hurts her. Badly. Jake reminds Olivia that he's free now, and leaves, and warns her to run when Papa Pope transforms back into Command.
Leo's day starts off as all productive days of honest work do: under the bleachers of some high school field. His ally today is one canny high school girl, who's been promised a guaranteed spot at Harvard for something. He walks away from this meeting and gets a call from VP Sally, who wants the new biggest speech in town: eulogy for the surprisingly-late Senator Hightower.
Hightower achieved what no real-life legislator has managed: he wrote and got passed immigration reform that made everyone, everyone, happy. So, he's some sort of hero and Cy and Fitz are determined to get that eulogy. Fitz is a little hesitant to break his deal with Olivia, but Cy is all for it and Mellie doesn't care either way. Mellie is drunk today, six days before the election, and making veiled threats. After pointing out that Fitz will definitely do whatever Olivia told him, she sashays out, cocktail in hand. I can't wait for drunk Mellie to yell at someone.
Ivan the Terrible and Mama Pope are setting up the bomb at a safe house. Adnan is poking around in the back, and manages to not be bothered by Ivan's rousing speech of revenge over EU Sanctions and nation building. Maya stops him with a finger. She's not here for politics. Ivan manages to impress her with the information that she can remotely set the bomb timer from a cell phone. Everything's coming together.
Dude, life isn't fair. Get over it.
Back at Gladiator HQ, the team must figure out where Dominic is hiding. Charlie has seen the bomb, and wants to trace the parts; Huck wants to watch known associates so they'll lead him to Dominic. Quinn thinks they're both really good ideas, and she'd give both of them gold stars, if only Huck wouldn't storm off like a whiny bitch, and Charlie wouldn't complain about her loyalty.
Olivia tries to figure out just why Rowan is so interested in finding Dominic. But her phone rings, and she and Fitz have a heart to heart, about why he really really needs to stay in the White House. Fitz says not making public appearances right before an election will cause them to lose; Olivia's not worried about VP Sally's new support, and is pretty sure only white people will dig Sally anyway. Olivia reminds Fitz that while the people can vote for a dead guy, one will never actually be President.
Remembering what day it is, she lets Fitz know that she knows that Big Jerry died four years ago today. She reminds Fitz that she's well aware of how insecure about his accomplishments he is, partly because of his dad, and partly because he didn't really win before. So, Olivia tells Fitz that Big Jerry was wrong. He can win. He doesn't need his dad to do anything for him. Fitz, after getting his Daddy issues dealt with, wants to tell Olivia that he hates her having sex with Jake. Olivia counters by saying that she needs Fitz safe so she can do her job. When Fitz tells her he misses her, Olivia gets all professional and tells Fitz that she'll bring the campaign to him.
And she does. Fitz, seemingly carefree and schmoozing until the end, is doing appearances on shows across the nation, Olivia by his side to tell him to show some passion. He loves it, he loves greasing palms over the camera, he loves being advised and encouraged and coddled by Olivia in between interviews. Mellie, Andrew, and Cy have the not-so-awesome job of working phone banks like prostitutes. Mellie literally will see if she can get someone into the Lincoln Bedroom. Andrew is fellating some voters group. Cy is dealmaking as if his life depended on it.
Back at Gladiator HQ, Harrison finds out that no, you can't call him Papa Pope. So, Harrison sheepishly admits that he's waiting to hear back from financial guru-friends about any unusual trades or shorts, anyone betting in the markets on something related to a Presidential assassination. Rowan is about to find out just how Harrison has this kind of friend, when Quinn and Charlie announce they've come up bust on the bomb parts. The good news: Huck drags a duct-taped Dominic into the conference room. Quinn tries to squelch looking like a kid on Christmas Morning. Dominic is pretty blasé, not yet realizing how bad it's going to get. He greets Olivia, and tells her he's seen her before.
Turns out that Leo's new Girl Friday is Jerry Jr.'s girlfriend, and like a woman on this show for the last two episodes, is using sex to get something she wants. Okay, we get that plot device. At least it was safe sex. When will a guy prostitute himself like this? Oh wait, that's kind of Leo and Cy's jobs. Anyway, Girl Friday reappears with Jerry's semen. In a really big lunch bag. Leo, realizing just how the DNA is packaged, is off his guard when he also promises acceptance to Yale. I don't think this girl needs college. I think she'll be just fine with or without a college degree. Actually, I think this kid needs a show of her own: B-613 Jr.
Just as Rowan leaves questioning Dominic to Huck and Olivia has basically begged Huck not to kill the guy, Leo calls Rowan asking for Fitz's DNA. Turns out that Sally got wind of a potential paternity test that the First Lady requested of the Surgeon General. For Jerry Jr. 'Cause that's what the Surgeon General's office should really be occupied with. Don't smoke, use condoms and try not to have your father-in-law's baby conceived by rape. Rowan gets off the phone with Leo after promising Fitz's DNA to him, and spills the beans to Olivia. Olivia is shocked that her dad is dabbling in politics, but not as shocked as the rumor of the paternity test.
Which she races back to the White House to confront Mellie over. At first, Olivia is worried that Andrew is father to a kid. Or two. As they talk it through, Olivia realizes that Mellie set Fitz up; she knew the rumors would fly, she wants this information to destroy her husband, and she can't live a lie any longer. Fitz should have the burden of knowing the truth, a burden she could have given him weeks ago when he asked for it. A burden he could have helped her with fifteen years ago. But back then, it seemed worth it to trade Big Jerry's support for her silence. Drunk and screaming, she declares that it's her turn. Because a drunk President consumed with self-loathing and regret is just what this country needs. I suppose, Jerry Jr.'s finding out he's really his dad's brother won't be at all damaging to the kid. If he can handle reality TV, he can handle reality. After she lets it slip that the father could be Big Jerry, Mellie switches gears, telling Olivia to bury the paternity test, handle it. Because now, Fitz can never know the truth.
Harrison and Abby gripe about sharing office space with B-613 when Quinn comes in for free coffee and bitchiness. Reminding them that she's worked for both without really changing job descriptions, she thanks them for the coffee.
David is leaving Abby a voicemail as he walks into his office. Or rather, Jake's office. He's made himself comfy while waiting, and David placates him until Jake tells David what he wants. Apparently, the DOJ just installed facial-recognition software that will track a person using the city's security cameras. Unfortunately, the training for said software was yesterday, while David was bringing down B-613. Darn, that means David will have to train on the job. 'Cause Jake is using his this-shit's-getting-real voice.
Ivan and his assistant Plinko plant the bomb in some mechanical room, under a floor box covered with a steel plate. Since they've killed the janitor, Plinko inherits his job of clean up. Of the janitor's body. Isn't someone going to realize the janitor is missing?
Harrison gets his lead and his on his way to track some weird market bets. Abby asks Rowan what he's playing at from Olivia. Huck is bloody, but came up empty. So, Rowan decides to get all 24 on the guy and threatens to play Russian Roulette with Dominic unless he calls Maya. He tells Olivia it will work, Maya will talk, because Dominic was her mother's lover. Dominic, scared now that there's a gun on him, calls. Maya, not missing a beat, greets Rowan. As Eli. Notice how only she calls him that. Rowan starts threatening Dominic over the phone, and Maya is all business as she chides Rowan for hoping that Maya had cared about him once, carelessly tells Dominic goodbye, and hangs up before Huck can trace the call. Rowan is furious.
Dominic is officially useless to him now. So there's no reason to not go through the rest of the revolver's chambers. Huck drags Olivia out of the room, and the office is dead quiet after there's a shot. Olivia is reminded, once again, of just how far her father will go. So, when David calls Abby and fearfully tells her what's going on, her only reassurance is to tell David to stay useful. But she gets in a good one when she hands Dominic's hair to Rowan. When Rowan asks how is daughter is, Abby just responds by telling him....
Abby both drops off the fake President's DNA, and then later buys the lab's agreement that they're a match. Oh well, Leo, at least you know that somewhere, a very deserving young woman got into both Yale and Harvard. And the Gladiators now have a reproduction of Dominic's DNA.
It's night. Olivia has packed it in for the day. It's that time when someone's going to have a heart to heart. With Jake, who's called just to tell her that he knows they had something special last night. Because he reads people. It's his special skill, besides head shots. Olivia is a little more bothered by the fact that her mother is heartless enough to sacrifice her long-time lover without a second thought. Maya doesn't love anyone. Jake tells Olivia she's not her mother. Olivia insists she knows that, because she loves Fitz. She tells Jake that she feels she betrayed Fitz, who is already married to someone else. Jake thinks that's a good sign.
The next day, the poll numbers are getting bad for Fitz, so Fitz tells Cy they're going to Defiance, OH. To the very high school where they rigged the voting machine to give Fitz his fake election victory four years ago. A victory that the high school's principal is glad to remind everyone of. Cy is overjoyed to be out on the road again. Ever since James has died, Cy has no conflict pulling him away from the dirty work he has to do; he can revel in the joy of winning however he has to again.
When Olivia tries to tell her dad that she can't handle the B-613 act in her own office, Rowan unleashes all the fury he felt for Dominic. He was Mama Pope's lover before even meeting Rowan. He encouraged the marriage, so Mama Pope could betray Rowan and make a mockery of their marriage. Dominic made the lie happen, benefitted from the lie, and got a life with Mama Pope that Rowan felt was his. So, Rowan isn't sorry. But he has made sure the whole thing was cleaned up. Olivia tells her dad that Dominic didn't ruin their family, that only Mama Pope can answer for that. But won't, because she doesn't love anybody. That's almost true.
Huck and Charlie fight, again, this time over disposing of Dominic's body. Quinn has had it, and drives off alone with Dominic's remains. Harrison discovers the safe house through an IP address, and sees plans for the high school Fitz is going to. But Adnan discovers him. So now, Harrison must sit tight with Adnan while it plays out.
I'll just go into this terrorist safe house all alone...
When Olivia finds out that Fitz is going to Ohio, Rowan encourages her to head out there too. Because there is someone who Maya Pope won't kill. Someone she's threatened to kill, but is still alive. Which leads to an absolutely charming scene with Mellie sitting between Fitz and Olivia. Everyone's all smiles as they tell each other terrible things. Mellie is dead drunk, but that's okay, because her job can be done drunk. While Fitz nails his speech, Olivia lets Mellie know that the paternity question is handled, but Mellie can still get one done. Privately and for real, this time. Mellie has no response.
Sure, Mellie, you first
Quinn returns from dumping the body to a suspicious Huck. She toys with him by not telling Huck what she did with the body, telling him that she knows why he's really waiting for her. Alone. In a dark place. They kiss, but Quinn wants the words. When he tries to grab her again, she slaps him. And again. And again, until he tells her he wants her. And then they have animal sex in the parking garage. Totally discrete.
Are they French kissing, or trying to swallow each other's heads?
And totally engrossing, because they miss someone in striking high heel shoes stride into Gladiator HQ. It's Maya, and she's pissed. Rowan, watching Fitz speak, isn't terribly surprised to see her, and not terribly scared when she tells Rowan to bring her baby home. But Maya's pissed that Rowan could play her so well.
Word gets to Fitz, through Olivia, that the bomb is here, at Defiance. So Fitz improvises with a fake story about sprinklers going off, and he offers to continue talking outside on the football field. Threat averted, and Fitz may still get Ohio. Not bad for a day's work.
David learns well, because the facial recognition software finds Maya. Jake is thrilled, but frustrated when he can't reach Olivia.
Who he can't reach because she's reached Gladiator HQ, after returning from Ohio, to find Papa Pope bleeding out on the floor of the conference room. Huck and Quinn, returning from sex that somehow Olivia didn't see on her way in, rush to help as Olivia tells them, in panicky voice, that she's called for an ambulance.
Harrison starts feeling smug, asks Adnan how it feels to fail. Poor Harrison, Mama Pope and Adnan changed their plans when they realized Claire was working with you. Your quality time with Adnan is just beginning, Harrison.
Jake can't reach Olivia, but he can reach Cyrus. Turns out that the funeral of the year is a set up. By Mama Pope. Hightower didn't die in a surprise heart attack. He was killed. What's better than the target-rich setting of some successful Senator's funeral for Maya's Mona Lisa of Boom? Cy thanks Jake, and verifies with good ol' Ethan that VP Sally has already left for the funeral. He really was about to make the call alerting all and sundry to the threat. He had the receiver in his hand. But, maybe he decided that Fitz just needed that extra push in the polls from being alive when Sally isn't.
Mellie gets the paternity test results. She doesn't look relieved.
The janitor killed before still hasn't been missed. Seriously.
Cy strolls down a corridor in the White House as "Smiling Faces" that don't tell the truth plays. VP Sally, Leo Bergen, and Andrew Nichols arrive at Senator Hightower's funeral. But where is Fitz? He's still in the Oval Office, finishing the eulogy he'll give today. Cy waltzes in for a friendly chat, letting Fitz know that the Widow Hightower is pushing back the ceremony. For about thirty minutes. So, Fitz can take it easy and go over his speech, and Cy can have some quality time with his real husband.
Three birds. One stone.
No comments:
Post a Comment