J Jake
Hey, can I talk to you about my thesis?
Uh, sure. During office hours.
J Jake
Yeah, your office hours don't really work for me.
laughs Sorry to hear that.
J Jake
Thing is, I don't really want to write about the Cold War.
You're aware that the class is called "Postwar Politics and the Cold War."
J Jake
Yeah, but I feel like it's been done.
That's why they call it history, Jake.
J Jake
Thing is, my theory is that we are living through a new cold war.
All right, compare and contrast to the original and convince me.
J Jake
Great. Also, I'll need an extension. My parents are coming to town and they're very needy
Oh. My husband bought tickets to the opera this weekend. I mean, normally, I love the opera, but I got to tell you, it's been a hell of a week and the thought of sitting in a dimly lit room with a bunch of people singing at me in Italian... It's just going to make me fall asleep. I'm so sorry. I thought we were telling each other our problems. No extension.
Honey? Their eyes are glazing over. They're just listening to you because you're so cute.
G Girl
No way. I hated religion before I took his class. Now I'm totally caught up. He's brilliant.
Wow. Well, do you mind if I just steal his brilliance for a minute?
So, how am I supposed to develop a cult following?
Oh, I think you'll figure it out. Hey, listen. Did you remember you got to cook tonight? 'Cause I'm going into DC.
Yes. And since I'm the only one who can talk about work, I get to be the center of attention.
You're always the center of attention with me.
Really? Tell that to your cult following.
Why don't you call our former boss and complain to him about your desk job?
George! You called POTUS about your desk job!
It's a bad time to be without diplomatic representation.
Because of the peace talks with Iran and President Shiraz's upcoming visit to the U.S.?
So you understand why I can't waste any time on this decision. I want you to step in.
You're joking. Um, I don't mean you're joking, but you can't be serious. Obviously, you're serious, I just... Why?
I recruited you for the CIA. I trained you as an analyst. I know how you think, how you work. I trust you. I wanted to nominate you right after I was elected. I was talked out of my choice by... well-meaning advisers. Vincent Marsh was always running for office. You have no such ambition. You quit a profession you love for ethical reasons. That makes you the least political person I know. You don't just think outside the box. You don't even know there is a box. I believe I can effect real change in the world. I want you to help me do that. I know you won't let me down.
I've charted out all ten of his wives by their names and ranks. Basically, it's a seniority system. You look like you have a question.
Um... Yes. Why are we doing this?
The press loves stuff like this. The guy's flamboyant, exotic.
We're not using that word.
We're not? What are we calling it?
It falls under cultural diversity.
I see. Well, is it important to have all the wives? You think maybe we could cut it off at say three?
Hey Blake, on a scale of one to ten how much does Nadine hate me?
I think that one goes to eleven.
Do they all hate me that much?
Because you hired me. And you’re awesome… I might have inadvertently reversed those.
Meeting with the chief of staff and the secretary of defense in half an hour. Oh, that's Russell Jackson and Gordan Becker, respectively.
Blake? I know their names.
We got you the name of a stylist, right?
You're going to find it useful. It's a tough transition.
We used to have sex more often.
But we used to have weeknight sex.
Stop overthinking things.
Is it my masculine energy? I've got too much of it? Because I know some men, they're turned off by women in positions of power.
I totally love women in power positions.
I'm completely attracted to your masculine energy... Tell me what to say.
I’m not at liberty to say.
Well I got it straight from security that it’s the director of the CIA.
Just so you know, there’s a tradition of sharing information in the outer office.
Oh well, in that case I heard you guys tongued in the supply closet at the Christmas party and it’s been a little awkward ever since, because you’re both with other people.
This is Roxanne Majidi, the newest addition to our staff.
R Roxanne
I was sent by the chief of staff. Mr. Jackson says I'm to be your personal appearance specialist.
Okay, I have no idea what that means.
Oh. Well, I'm sure that you're very good at what you do. But, um, I don't need a stylist.
R Roxanne
Madam Secretary, I just do as I'm told. But I was sent by the chief of staff. He was pretty insistent. The way he conveyed it to me, you don't have a choice in the matter.
See, here's the problem. I've never met a situation where I don't have a choice in the matter.
Madam Secretary, we need to review your statement about the King of Swaziland visit.
Yeah, I have a rough first draft. I’m still working on the adjectives, right now you’re happy and excited.
You need to work on the adjectives.
Well I have to get something to the press by tomorrow.
Can I be resigned and conflicted?
You can never be either of those things.
You can be eager and optimistic.
No she can’t be eager, that’s too Jimmy Carter.
Can I be cautiously optimistic?
Well that’s for more serious world events.
You can be forward thinking.
You know what, I’ll do the writing, thanks!
What if I’m grateful for the opportunity to expose the world to a variety of cultural differences as we move toward a more global thinking society?
Should I write it down for you?
No, I’m the writer, I can do it.
Just as long as our roles are clear.
The intel on the prison location was bad and when the special forces made their way inside the structure they found goats.
Is that code for something?
The good news is that there were no casualties, and no goats were harmed.
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