Political Animals

Secretary of State Elaine Barries agrees to allow a journalist to follow her for a week; a hostage crisis prompts a momentous decision.

With the clock ticking, Elaine sends Bud to diffuse the Iranian hostage situation, throwing him back in the spotlight, but also putting Douglas and Anne's engagement party in peril. Douglas discovers Elaine's intention to run again, propelling him on a mission of his own. Meanwhile, with his secret exposed, T.J. resorts to old habits and, scrambling to find money for the nightclub, stoops to a new low.

Elaine announces her plan to run; Bud, Douglas and T.J. take a fishing trip; Garcetti hatches a plan; Susan lets Alex in on her story.Season 1

After a grueling overseas tour, Elaine returns to D.C. to find the country in a diplomatic crisis, which leaves her sparring with the Garcetti administration and drives her to make an important decision. On the night of his club opening, T.J. struggles to find support from his family and recalls events that led to his suicide attempt the previous December. Meanwhile, Anne accidentally reveals Elaine's political intentions, and Douglas, strong-armed by Susan, continues to grapple with his betrayal.

In the aftermath of T.J.'s overdose, Elaine finds herself torn between staying by her son's side and handling the rescue of a Chinese submarine. Bud discovers the truth behind T.J.'s suicide attempt the previous December, and takes matters into his own hands. In exchange for keeping Susan quiet on T.J.'s overdose, Elaine grants her unlimited access to the submarine rescue mission, placing her at the front of the action, and leaving Douglas to cross a boundary that could jeopardize his future.

In the Season 1 finale, Elaine's plan to resign hits a snag and her resignation letter leaks to the press. Elsewhere, Douglas confesses his betrayal and makes a rash decision; and a surprising event leaves everyone at a crossroads.