As Elizabeth digs deeper, aided by her trusted inner circle, she uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of the U.S. government, including the CIA and the White House. This serialized plotline injects a sense of urgency and genuine danger into the back half of the season, culminating in a tense, high-stakes finale that redefines Elizabeth's relationship with the President. The McCord Household: The Antidote to Political Cynicism

Elizabeth’s loyal, highly organized personal assistant whom she brought with her from academia.

Airdate: January 18, 2015 A female political candidate is kidnapped by a drug cartel in Mexico. Elizabeth and her team must work quickly to secure her safe release while dealing with the cartel's violent demands.

The policy advisor whose pragmatic, sometimes cynical approach to foreign relations acts as the perfect sounding board for Elizabeth's idealistic maneuvers.