16. The New Normal

Complete story — includes the ending

The Pacific island nation of Nauru is devastated by a typhoon, and scientists predict that another storm will render it uninhabitable. Elizabeth convinces an actor to donate his private island to the people of Nauru in exchange for forgiveness of his tax debt by the IRS. Henry speaks to an evangelical group about climate change, annoying the influential leader of the group who immediately donates to an opponent of Elizabeth in the next presidential race. The leader's daughter, spokesperson for the group, chooses to give public support to efforts to acknowledge and confront climate change. Mike B., furious at Henry's speech, quits Elizabeth's campaign. Later, Elizabeth comforts him as he says goodbye to Gordon, his dog. A second typhoon hits Nauru and the population is rescued before the island disappears.