Election day is upon us, and the entire team is at the ready. Tom's nerves are on a tightrope, as this is his first election since Logan's departure, and the proverbial wolves are howling at the door. In contrast, Greg exudes a sense of confidence. Kendall's inquiry into Tom's state only serves to amplify his anxiety. Pam finds it odd that Tom is wearing dress shoes on such a pivotal night, even wondering if Darwin, their beloved pet, indulges in any particular rituals, such as adult diapers. She reassures Tom that bathroom breaks are always permissible.
Amidst the cacophony of their team's advice, Tom and Greg indulge in their trademark escapism — swapping outrageous tales about the previous evening. Greg wonders if Tom is aware of Shiv's secret pact, and the two engage in a cryptic exchange.
Exit polls point towards Jimenez's victory, sparking whispers and whispers behind the scenes. Shiv and Roman discuss various voting strategies, but Roman dismisses Shiv's revelations as a false flag. Shiv seeks clarity from Matsson regarding the anomalous numbers, and he reveals that he was engaging in a normalist conversation with Oscar and, surprisingly, Greg. Perhaps they're all keeping Matsson's sordid secrets under wraps.
Nate calls Shiv, inquiring about who's watching the watchmen. Shiv desires an open line of communication, encompassing Matsson, herself, and the fledgling ATN. Mencken requests a tête-à-tête with Roman, while Kendall receives a call from Rava. They're all safe, but a tad unnerved as an SUV trails them relentlessly. Kendall confesses that he's having her tailed, leaving Rava bewildered and enraged.
Ken dials Nate, desiring a conversation with Jimenez. Jimenez takes the call, and they agree to discuss technological advancements once the election is over. Jimenez sounds slightly embarrassed.
Mencken remains optimistic about victory, but he wishes for his loss to be framed as a triumphant overperformance. He harbors ambitions of becoming president and forming a partnership with Roman. It may not be today, but someday.
Greg approaches Tom, eager to discuss the current situation. He feels betrayed by Matsson's treatment yet strangely trusted. Tom demands his coffee, and Greg refuses, only to relent when Tom insists. Greg then offers Tom a snort of cocaine, and when Tom bullies him into doing the same, Greg concedes, albeit reluctantly. "With Matsson, no, but with you, Tom, I'll make an exception," Tom declares.
The table is laden with bodega sushi, and Greg jokes that it's from Sampson. Tom screams, correcting him, demanding that Greg "Gregg" for him tonight. Connor calls, seeking a favor from ATN, reminding Tom that until the results are announced, he's just as much a president as any of them.
Tom's detachment from the situation is bound to backfire. Pam suggests that the grid failure could be blamed on the Menckenists, but everyone's attention is diverted by the malfunctioning touchscreen on the set. Ken calls, emphasizing the urgency of the issue. They can't zoom in! They simply can't zoom in!
As Tom darts about in a race against time, Shiv and Kendall exchange puzzled glances, wondering why the focus isn't entirely on the looming fire. The Jimenez and Mencken teams have diametrically opposing perspectives on the inferno. Tom's endurance is being stretched to its breaking point.
Amidst the chatter about the flames, Roman raises suspicions of a false flag operation. Meanwhile, Mencken's team contacts Roman, verifying voter records and seeking assistance with narrative strategy. Nate, meanwhile, engages Shiv in a separate discussion, leaving Greg frustrated as he struggles to operate the last touchscreen, desperate to relocate VIPs to a more serene environment.
Shiv pulls Tom aside, her voice laden with sincerity. She apologizes for her harsh words the night before and offers him a chance to reciprocate. But Tom remains silent, his thoughts turning instead to Shiv's words. Could it be true? Did she really hate Logan so much that she contributed to his demise? Shiv, her emotions raw, confesses the unthinkable—she's pregnant. Tom stares at her, disbelief etched on his face, and Shiv can't believe he's even questioning her. This is how far their relationship has plummeted.
Roman and Kendall rally around Shiv, their support unwavering. Greg persists with his attempts to orchestrate a smooth relocation, while Connor ponders if the ambassadorship is still within his grasp. Roman informs him that his role in Mencken's defeat disqualifies him; it was an offer from a bygone era.
A flurry of arguments erupt over the missing absentee ballots in Wisconsin. No official declaration can be made until all votes are accounted for, but they're nowhere to be found. Shiv panics, fearing the implications if Mencken prevails. Jimenez, appearing on-screen, insists that without all votes, no conclusion can be drawn. Darwin argues that they know how the missing votes would have swayed, but Roman counters that they can't predict the future. Shiv calls it absurd, Tom labels her unhinged, and Kendall rushes to her sister's defense, the tension mounting with each passing moment.
Roman hastily dispatched talking points to a colleague going live on air, who seemed to be losing his grip. Shiv emphasized the dire need for a counterargument. As the anchor claimed on-screen that the Democrats' votes were merely scorched by a selective fire, Matsson contacted Shiv, inquiring if he must brace himself for the intimidating Mr. Scary.
Mencken threatened to sabotage the deal in exchange for their support that evening. Roman relayed this to Tom, who questioned the influence of such a figure. They hesitated, but Roman, as CEO, insisted it was his call. Arguments flared, and a potential compromise was proposed, even involving Darwin's on-camera explanation. Suddenly, Roman suffered a wasabi-induced eye irritation, prompting Greg to pour lemon water for relief. The scene was nothing short of chaotic.
As Mencken took the stage on ATN, Kendall felt a sense of disgrace. Roman emphasized Mencken's desire to maintain momentum. Connor emerged to proclaim Mencken as the likely next president, mocking his betrayal and wealth, suggesting they'd have to find another "poor mook" to exploit. He saluted his supporters and warned America of their imminent arrival.
ATN declared the race a dead heat, while Tom heard whispers of Arizona shifting red. Roman pressed for an Arizona victory call, but Kendall insisted on revisiting Wisconsin. Connor stirred up memories of chicken and steak, leaving Kendall concerned for his children and the nation. Kendall pondered what Logan would do, and in that moment, he shined with nobility. He desired to do the right thing.
Just before Kendall checked in with Shiv about the GoJo deal, PGN declared Arizona for Mencken. Kendall confessed his fears, revealing his desire to be the sole decision-maker. He longed for the freedom to voice his true feelings openly. Kendall sensed Roman's alliance with Mencken as a threat, perhaps causing him to distance himself.
Shiv praised Kendall as a good man, words he longed to hear but knew were far from her genuine sentiment. However, they shared a common goal: to stop Matsson. Shiv warned that Mencken posed a long-term problem for a short-term solution, emphasizing the importance of their endorsement. Kendall confessed his doubts about being a good father, perhaps feeling the poison creeping in.
He asked Shiv to check on Nate, but she faked the call. Shiv revealed Jimenez's willingness to consider other options, while Connor confidently declared "game over" with Mencken on their side. Shiv insisted Logan wanted stability, but Roman dismissed her claim as mere rhetoric. Kendall, realizing Shiv wasn't on his side, decided to confront Greg, inquiring if he knew of any developments between Shiv and Matsson.
