The nationwide teachers' strike has persisted for weeks, drawing attention and sparking debate across society. At this critical juncture, the President decides to compromise and revoke the performance evaluation amendment in an attempt to control the situation. However, this move fails to fully quell the strike—instead, it creates an opportunity for some to exploit.
Frank, a influential political figure, seizes this chance. He requests one week to resolve the strike, aiming to restore the President's confidence in him. Throughout this process, Frank demonstrates his cunning and strategic mind, employing various means to advance his agenda.
One morning, Claire invites Ed Meechum, the bodyguard stationed outside, in for coffee. This seemingly ordinary scene sets the stage for what follows. When a brick suddenly shatters the window and flies into the house, Meechum immediately rushes outside and fires at a fleeing figure, though he misses. The incident leads to increased police protection and prompts Frank to consider how to use it to his advantage.
At this pivotal moment, Frank learns that his former bodyguard, Steve, is in the late stages of pancreatic cancer and has only weeks to live. This news leads Frank to contemplate how to leverage the situation further. He promptly instructs Zoe to write an article directly targeting Marty and the teachers' union, attempting to pin the blame for the strike on them and pave the way for his own plans.
Marty remains defiant, believing he has nothing to apologize for and refusing to waste time explaining himself. But Frank has no intention of backing down. He escalates the pressure by orchestrating a group of parents opposed to the strike to throw foam bricks at Marty. The incident, broadcast live by the media, forces Marty to agree to a televised debate with Frank.
During the debate, Frank tries to pressure Marty into apologizing to Claire, aiming to garner sympathy and cement the accusation that the teachers' union perpetrated the violent attack. However, Marty’s counterattack disrupts Frank’s plans—he accuses Frank of shamelessly using his wife to win the debate. This rebuttal leaves Frank flustered; his rushed responses are full of inconsistencies, nearly causing him to lose composure.
Yet Frank does not give up. He continues to seek opportunities to push his agenda. He requires Peter to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings while promoting a redevelopment project near the shipyard along the river—all aimed at boosting Peter’s votes and influence to further his own goals.
Ultimately, a sudden event provides Frank with a turning point. The death of a young boy struck by a stray bullet in a gang shootout presents an opportunity. Frank immediately has Zoe publish a tweet blaming Marty for the incident. Later, in a television interview, Frank calls for teachers to end the strike and allow children to return to school, inviting Marty to his congressional office to discuss ending the strike.
Under public pressure, Marty has no choice but to meet with Frank. However, Frank has no intention of negotiating—instead, he aims to provoke Marty. He reveals that the entire brick incident was a setup designed to frame Marty. Enraged, Marty punches Frank, only then realizing he has fallen into another trap. To avoid being charged with the felony of assaulting a member of Congress, Marty has no choice but to call off the strike.