'Madam Secretary' season 4 episode 5 spoilers: Problems on all fronts; new character provides help

A promotional poster for the political drama series from CBS, "Madam Secretary." Facebook/MadamSecretary

The problems just continue to pile up in "Madam Secretary" season 4.

The fifth episode, titled "Persona Non Grata," foreshadows more pressing global matters as Elizabeth (Tea Leoni) will be steadfast in proceeding with a conference in Kyrgyzstan that deals with human trafficking. This is despite the inappropriate behavior by a U.S. ambassador.

Elsewhere, Elizabeth and Henry (Tim Daly) begin to worry when their daughter Alison (Katherine Herzer) keeps coming home from her campus.

Meanwhile, the abrupt departure of Bebe Neuwirth's character, Nadine Tolliver, has left a gaping hole in the secretary of state's team. Thankfully, here to step in is Sara Ramirez.

According to Deadline, Ramirez will be joining the cast of the CBS political drama as a series regular. She will be playing the character of Kat Sandoval, a bright political strategist who has made a name for herself on The Hill for her brilliance and for disappearing suddenly — until Elizabeth tracks her down and convinces her to return to the political arena.

CBS revealed that Ramirez's character will be making her first appearance in the show's Nov. 19 episode.

Barbara Hall, creator and executive producer of "Madam Secretary" said, "We're very excited that Sara is joining the cast." She added that the actress brings a new perspective as well as a fun and energetic aura not just to the show but to her character's workplace as well.

Co-executive producer Lori McCreary also expressed excitement about having Ramirez. McCreary added that it was an instant connection as soon as Ramirez walked in on the set, bringing her talent and spirit with her.

This will be Ramirez's first regular TV role after working on the hit ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" which she departed from last year. She played the role of Dr. Callie Torres for more than 10 seasons.

"Madam Secretary" airs every Sunday at 10:30 p.m. EDT on CBS.

News
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales

Hundreds of people gathered at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday for the annual Royal Maundy service, held in Wales for only the second time in the service's 800-year history.

Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service
Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service

Over 150 years since a north Wales church was built with plans for a full ring of bells, the sound long intended for its tower is finally set to be heard at an Easter service.

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre
'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose' is beautifully written, with an unusually nuanced approach to political matters.

MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift
MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift

Alastair Campbell famously declared "We don't do God."