Episode 3 of "Whiskey on the Rocks" kicks off with Lagercrantz deciding to seize the initiative, driven by his conviction that the submarine holds nuclear material. He summons an expert to ascertain whether the Soviet vessel harbors nuclear weaponry. Recognizing that the expert requires a full 30 minutes of uninterrupted access to the submarine, they devise a plan to approach it via a rowing boat, adhering strictly to "sound discipline" to evade Soviet detection. Despite their utmost efforts to maintain stealth, fate has other plans; they inadvertently bump the boat against the submarine, alerting the Soviet naval officers and necessitating an abrupt withdrawal.
In retaliation for this "surprise rowboat assault," Brezhnev instructs the Soviet ambassador to demand Sweden's unconditional surrender. The foreign minister relays this unauthorized ultimatum to Fälldin, who swiftly rebukes Lagercrantz and stresses the importance of refraining from any further imprudent actions.
Later, as Fälldin confronts the Soviet ambassador, he discovers that she was once trained to infiltrate the Swedish government, explaining her fluent Swedish. As tensions rise, an unexpected camaraderie forms between the two over their shared background as sheep farmers. They find common ground in discussing the diverse breeds of sheep in their respective countries, amidst the escalating conflict.
Elsewhere, Lagercrantz remains undeterred in devising his personal schemes with unwavering determination. He ponders whether to present the Soviets with some pizza aboard the submarine, contemplating the addition of a cameraperson to document the encounter, reasoning that, as he puts it, "a touch of quality television can hardly be deemed inappropriate. After all, the Bolsheviks champion a free press."
Concurrently, Fälldin and the Soviet ambassador reach a consensus; the ambassador will formally seek authorization for the Soviet vessel to erect a radio mast, adhering to Brezhnev's directives.
On a parallel front, Lagercrantz's junior commander, empowered by Fälldin's sanction, formulates his unique approach to engage with the Soviets. He suggests enticing them with sustenance, beverages, and pornographic magazines for their "diversion and amusement." However, Submarine Captain Peskin resolutely rejects this proposition and flatly denies anyone boarding his vessel.
The episode concludes on a dramatic cliffhanger as Peskin makes a desperate attempt to scuttle the submarine, only to be halted by younger officers who frantically strive to avert the impending disaster.
