‘Designated Survivor’ Recap: ‘#thesystemisbroken’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

Make no mistake about it, the spring/summer of 2018 was a brutal time for television shows. Because there were so many fan favorites that found themselves on the chopping block for various reasons, and of the many shows that I saw disappear from the airwaves, there was one that I felt was axed from the lineup well ahead of its time, and that’s Designated Survivor. For a story about a good man thrust in the midst of chaos, and forced to hold a nation together isn’t a story that finds its voice overnight, it takes time to learn what a guy like President Tom Kirkman stands for when the dust has finally settled and that’s why I’m so happy that Netflix took the time to give this show new life by giving it a well-deserved third season.
​
Because now, we can see Tom Kirkman’s journey come to its logical conclusion and see it unfold in realistic fashion and really, that’s the first thing that I noticed is different when it comes to this series; the fact that it is trying to tie into our everyday world for a change. Which is a wonderful thing to say the least. Because this series has always flirted with social commentary by presenting the Kirkman Administration with situations that served as allegories for issues that we seem to be dealing with right now. But it would often keep the commentary in vague territory, instead opting to quickly shift the story to how Tom and his staff will meet the challenge before them in the noblest and classiest way imaginable because that’s how Tom rolls.

But with rhetoric and showmanship and selfishness at an all-time high in Washington right now, the show is clearly ready to push its commentary to the next level by taking the right kinds of shots at politics in general, since this premiere took the time to remind its audience that the President and Congress serve the American people over anything else and that Washington has lost its way by becoming so self-serving and isolated from the nation it works for. If anything, the realism and the message here were brilliant to say the say the least, because it immediately draws the viewer in, since you’re instantly curious to see how a show that often takes the high road with issues is going to maintain that positive veneer when criticizing modern politics and well, it handles that just fine by not insulting anyone or any party, it just sticks to the facts and that’s refreshing to say the least.

But, beyond all that, what Tom did in this tale to reinforce the message was powerful and inspiring to say the least. Because I simply cannot get the impromptu rally at the mall out of my head since it said so much about where we are as a country right now and what we need to do to get out of the rhetoric rut we are in, and hearing someone talk about unity and brotherhood and turning our anger into something useful for a change definitely gave me pause because, Kirkman is 100% correct and it’s wonderful to see a story declare ‘enough’ when it comes to rhetoric and it was equally as impressive to see Tom Kirkman take the time to really listen to the people and ponder upon how the office can truly make a difference for others over the individual…

If anything, this premiere was a wonderful way to reintroduce the world to Tom Kirkman, all while continuing his wonderful story and I am so happy to see this series back on the air. Because it really is a different kind of political show, one that truly works to highlight the best parts of our nation and the human condition when we are faced with adversity, and I am so looking forward to seeing Tom campaign in the days ahead as he pushes toward a second term and of course, I’m also curious where this bioterrorism plotline is headed as well. Because commentary or no, this series has presented us with some fascinating crises for the Kirkman Administration to tackle and this may be its most interesting one to date, and it should be intriguing to see what Hannah uncovers in regard to the problem brewing in Florida. But, that’s just me getting ahead of myself, because I’m simply filled with joy to be enjoying this show once again, and if this season premiere is any indication, we are going to be in for one powerful and moving ride, and I am going to relish every single second of it. Until next time.

---