The sub crisis escalates rapidly once the North Koreans learn that the disabled U.S. craft has drifted into their waters, and the Koreans immediately threaten war. Templeton urges that Mac not "back down," but she's more concerned about the sub's stranded crew, who are quickly running out of oxygen. Meanwhile, Sarah Templeton delivers a message from her husband to Jayne; and upstairs at the White House, Kate tries to calm Amy. She's baking cookies.

Rod finds himself in a compromising position with an intern, compromising Mac's standing as her first State of the Union address nears. And Templeton's up to his usual tricks with Mac's homeless bill, and once again the gloves are off.