It's a big day for the Hammonds: as T.J. arrives home from the hospital, Elaine faces the moment of truth as she turns in her letter of resignation to President Garcetti. But when she does, the President stuns her by refusing to accept her resignation, and instead asking her to consider running as his Vice President in the next election.
Meanwhile Douglas, unaware of the offer, gives Susan a copy of the resignation letter for her story on Elaine. She wants to hold it to protect both Douglas and Elaine, but unfortunately Georgia has other ideas, and she'll do whatever it takes to make sure she gets her story. With Alex caught in the middle and Susan in hot water after admitting to sleeping with Douglas-a serious breach of journalistic ethics-Susan's story may be slipping away from her.
With no moves left, Douglas realizes that he'll finally have to come clean to his mother about his act of betrayal. After a painful confrontation, Doug and Anne pack their bags and run off while Elaine, forced to examine how her career ambition might be hurting both of her sons, makes a decision about Garcetti's offer.
But before Elaine can tell the President her decision or the Globe can publish a damning story about her, a devastating event changes everyone's priorities and sends shockwaves across a stunned nation.
