Lou is on the outs, until her after-hours overachieving yields fruitful results; an anticipated power transfer doesn't go as planned; as Lou's star rises, things don't go as well for her co-workers.

Facing personal losses, a vulnerable Joyce relies on Lou's care; they escape to Malibu, and Lou incites Joyce's sexual explorations; back at the office, Lou's schemes make her even more indispensable.