Fresh off successful campaign appearances for midterm elections, Selina sees an opportunity to expand her role, but must first curry favor with Kent Davison, the president's icy senior strategist. Meanwhile, there are new developments in the staff's personal lives.

Selina attends a pig roast in North Carolina as part of the president's "Listen to Rural America" initiative. Dan takes up Pilates to get face time.

Selina is rankled when the White House releases an unflattering photo of her. Mike and Kent bond over sailing; Jonah gets an executive parking space; Sue has a job interview. Selina takes steps to keep her staff happy as they prepare for her appearance at the Vic Allen dinner.

Selina and her staff head to Helsinki to finalize a trade agreement, but are worried whether Selina will be received warmly in Europe. Dan call Mike for advice on charming the press and Mike leans on Jonah for help. Ken and Ben argue over how to deal with new intel.

Catherine's 21st birthday party becomes a forum for Selina's budget negotiation with the majority leader, but Amy and Gary are more worried how Selina will handle seeing her ex-husband. Meanwhile, Mike discusses Selina's role in the Uzbek hostage crisis with the press.

With D.C. in the midst of a government shutdown, Selina is forced to furlough some of her staff. A damaging story leaks about Selina’s ex-husband, Andrew; Danny Chung takes advantage of the shutdown; Gary Jonah go on a run to retrieve Selina’s trash.

After being prepped for a “puff piece” interview at the VP residence, Selina is thrown by Janet Ryland’s “gotcha” questions.

Despite being told to limit public appearances, Selina continues her plans; Dan tries to play both sides of a rivalry.

Selina and her staff try to cope when the administration goes into full crisis mode.