The more I watch this show the more I like it. And this episode, "Invasive Species," although unusual in that its focus was not really so much on foreign affairs, but on Henry (husband of the Secretary), was one of the best. It was all about the dynamics in Henry's family home in Pittsburgh after they gathered to grieve his father's death. Considering that these characters were completely new to us viewers, the writers did a marvelous job of quickly introducing us to them and portraying how such a gathering exposed long-buried grievances and alliances. The dialogue was quite realistic, and touching.
Although the foreign crisis episodes--the show's usual fare--sometimes seem a bit too "ripped from the headlines" and too quickly resolved in order to meet the one-hour time frame, this one seemed just right, and it gave Tim Daly, who is one of the most likable actors on TV, a chance to shine. Tea Leoni as Madam Secretary is always likable, wise, and sympathetic and her home and office families are also made up of excellent ensemble actors--particularly the estimable Bebe Neuwirth.