7. Tectonic Shift — Episode — Madam Secretary

7. Tectonic Shift

After Venezuela's president and his immediate successors are killed in a devastating earthquake, Elizabeth works to stop a power grab by the late president's son, as well as secure the release of the international aid team he arrested. Also, Elizabeth's brother, Will, is torn between saving his marriage by settling down and taking a job at Walter Reed Medical Center or going to Venezuela to assist in the relief effort.

Plot summary and ending

Spoilers ahead. Coverage follows the scope labeled below.

Complete story — includes the ending

A major earthquake devastates Venezuela. The president and the others in line for the presidency are all killed. An international non-profit group of medical personnel fly into Venezuela to render aid and are taken prisoner by a gang. The dead president's son contacts the US, claiming the presidency and offering to free the hostages if the US will recognize his claim. Conrad and his presidential opponents record a fake news broadcast of Conrad recognizing the son's claim and his opponents criticizing his action, which is then played for the son. After the hostages are freed, the son discovers that the recognition was a hoax. Elizabeth's brother and his family visit while he interviews for a job at Walter Reed Hospital.

Sources and content license

Source and revision history · Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, Madam Secretary season 3. HTML formatting and reference markers removed. · Content license