‘Madam Secretary’ Season 6, Episode 3 ‘Killer Robots’ Review: The Great AI Divide

How far does AI have to reach before it starts figuring things out on its own and jeopardizes lives in the process? That’s the exact dilemma that President Elizabeth McCord (Téa Leoni) faced in tonight’s episode of Madam Secretary.

The episode’s logline reads, “In ‘Killer Robots,’ Elizabeth must decide whether to use autonomous unmanned weapons or send U.S. soldiers to bring the mastermind of the UN gas attack to justice. Also, Blake is questioned by Senator Hanson (Wentworth Miller) about potential campaign finance violations related to his love life, and Henry and Elizabeth search for the perfect dog.”

In a whirlwind of ethical proportions, “Killer Robots” packs a serious dilemma for Elizabeth tonight. With smart weapons on the rise, how far are we willing to risk our safety for a momentary boost of power? Here’s everything that went down on tonight’s episode of Madam Secretary.

A Delicate Ethical Dilemma

The action tonight starts with Elizabeth being briefed at the Situation Room by National Security Advisor Admiral Ellen Hill (Johanna Day), Director of National Intelligence Ephraim Ware (Clifton Davis), and Admiral Ed Parker (Tony Plana). Laslow Galassi, the mastermind behind the UN bombing that took the life of US Ambassador Peter Harriman and the entire UN security council, was found hiding in the Caucasus mountains. It’s a tricky spot for infiltration, so the three officers provide Elizabeth with three options—deploying a bunker buster, sending in SEAL Team 9, or an autonomous UGV (an AI-controlled assault vehicle).

It’s in these three choices that lie the problem, though. A bunker buster can rack up to hundreds of collateral damage while sending in the SEAL team could be effective but could take time and will result in military casualties as well. Hill banks on trying out the new autonomous UGVs so they can spare military lives. It’s a crucial dilemma for Elizabeth because she’s not confident in the efficiency of AIs (or killer robots, for that matter).

CBS

They take the conversation to the Oval Office, this time consulting with FGOTUS Henry McCord (Tim Daly) about its moral and ethical implications. The meeting comes to a wedge when Henry insists that deploying killer robots blows right past efforts to regulate it. It’s a three-on-three vote with Elizabeth, Chief of Staff Russell Jackson (Zeljko Ivanek), and Secretary of State Susan Thompson (Tonya Pinkins) against the use of killer robots and the three military officer for it.

Later that night, Elizabeth dreams about Peter fixing a car and asking her to hand him over a tool that Elizabeth doesn’t know of. She wakes Henry up, who then tells her that her dream is sending her a message about the “killer robots” predicament. The next day, Elizabeth decides to stand by her uncertainty towards using autonomous UGVs and goes for the SEAL Team operation. The mission is a success but abruptly turns chaotic as one of the SEAL Team’s choppers was hit by a missile.

Press Secretary Daisy Grant (Patina Miller) briefs the press about the incident and one reporter was somehow able to find out that the use of UGVs was on the table. Why didn’t Elizabeth go for the alternative that would have protected the lives of the soldiers? This concerns Elizabeth even more, so she tasks Russell to find out who leaked the information while she meets with the families of the deceased soldiers. Elizabeth was expecting the families to be a bit apprehensive about her decision to deploy their loved ones, but it turns out that they are proud to have their family members become part of a sacrifice that they pledged themselves to. This gives Elizabeth a clearer perspective on the use of killer robots.

CBS

Elizabeth can’t seem to shake off her diplomatic tendencies and decides to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Chen (Francis Jue) and Russian Foreign Minister Konstantin Avdonin (Yasen Peyankov) personally regarding the smart weapons deal. She encourages them to agree with a comprehensive ban on smart weapons. “The whole point of smart weapons is that we cede control,” Elizabeth says. “And if we cede control, they’re our ticket to oblivion.” She gives both diplomats five hours to decide if they’re in with the deal. If not, Elizabeth will address the nation about the US government plowing in $30 billion in smart weapons investment.

Back at the Oval Office, Rusell is stunned by Elizabeth’s bold and brave decision to deal with the issue. Again, we see Rusell subconsciously expressing his doubts about what Elizabeth can do, so she tells him to treat him like he would with any other President and not as a woman. Russell still thinks Elizabeth’s move will backfire (especially if China and Russia refuse to come on board), but Elizabeth is intent with her plan.

CBS

A few minutes before her Oval Office Address, Russell brings Elizabeth the leaker—Admiral Parker. He felt strongly against using the SEAL Team so he thought getting back at his President with a media leak could even things out. He’s arrested, and Elizabeth faces the music. But in a last-minute effort, China and Russia back the smart weapons deal. Elizabeth then addresses the nation, standing by the negative effects of using smart weapons.

“The one aspect of warfare that safeguards our survival is meaningful human control, reluctance to put troops in harm’s way, and the compassion to suit for peace when enough blood has been spilled, Elizabeth says. “These are considerations alien to robots. Allowing machines to choose to kill us will eliminate these safeguards and will forever erode our freedom and security. That day must never come. We must not consign our fate to algorithms.”

CBS

Senator Hanson Grills Blake To No Effect

Last week, Senator Hanson had a field day assuming Mike B. (Kevin Rahm) was responsible for the death of a Senator during Elizabeth’s campaign trail. This time, his eyes are set on Blake (Erich Bergen). He’s accusing Blake of colluding with Stevie (Wallis Currie Wood) to illegally coordinated with donor Shelton Anderson to have Elizabeth win. But in truth, the circumstances surrounding Blake and Stevie’s “collusion” come from the most trivial of reasons. Blake prefaces his testimony by opening up his relationship with his on-again-off-again boyfriend, Trevor Kingston (Rob Hartrampf). Blake wanted him to move in, but Trevor was looking for marriage already so he asks for some time off. And because Blake is set to meet his parents to introduce his significant other, he asks Stevie to come with instead.

CBS

Blake’s parents believe that he and Stevie are dating, so he sticks with the schtick. During his parent’s party, Stevie repeatedly gets in a heated discussion with Shelton (who doesn’t like the idea of having a woman for president). But as Senator Hanson grills him about Shelton’s dark money, Blake tells Hanson about how the McCord campaign knew that Shelton’s money was illegally funded so they sent it back to him.

In another flashback, Stevie has enough of the situation and argues with Blake. Eventually, Trevor changes his mind and decides to move in with Blake and doesn’t ask for anything else. That’s when Blake introduces him to his parents as his real fiancé. The committee eventually dismisses break after the inquiry turned into a love story-telling session.

CBS

POTUS Gets A FDOTUS (First Dog of the United States)

Elizabeth and Henry realize that they are now an empty nest. Alison and Jason are off to college, and Stevie is busy with her NGO work. Henry suggests getting another dog, which Elizabeth also agrees with, provided that they don’t make a fuss out of it. But since she’s POTUS, Russell and Mike go to great lengths in finding the perfect dog. All of Mike’s puppy recommendations were rejected—who, in his right mind, steals a very young puppy (still unweaned) from its litter? And who brings in a visibly hostile dog as the POTUS’ official mutt?  In the end, Henry finds the perfect dog from an adoption shelter. As Elizabeth and Henry wind down from the day’s events, Elizabeth decides to name their dog Hope.

CBS

‘Madam Secretary: Killer Robots’ Overall Verdict

“Killer Robots” is a well-paced episode that gives plenty of insight from both sides of the smart weapons issue and uses it to its advantage plot-wise. Keith Eisner’s writing provides a deeper form of dialogue that gives a meaningful weight to the issue of the week. Director Rob Greenlea also picks up from Eisner’s script, making the overall flow of the episode exude the quality that Madam Secretary is always known for. Though the show leans more towards progressive politics, it doesn’t feel gratuitous and often tackles things intelligently, especially with this week’s political and ethical dilemma.

Madam Secretary continues Sunday, October 27th, with “Valor” at 10:30/9:30c on CBS.