Charlie Crawford is the new, charismatic deputy mayor of New York City. His past political success has been marred by several incidents that bumped him off the editorial pages and into the gossip columns. Charlie is looking at his new job as a second chance for success. Upon Charlie's arrival, the Mayor Randall Winston makes Caitlin director of special projects, an undefined position that makes Caitlin question her role at City Hall. Also this season, Paul and his wife Claudia experience marital difficulties; Stuart has actual human feelings; and Carter's dog, Rags, is arrested.