'Designated Survivor' Recap: 'The Enemy'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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

There seems to be a certain expectation that surrounds our fictional Presidents in television and film. We want them to be bold men and women, ones that are willing to make the tough decisions and keep our nation safe. But while it is awesome to see a President that kicks butt while waving the American flag, there's a downside to that style of storytelling since it makes our Commander In Chief look like some kind of a superhero that can instantly solve any problem at any time and well...that's just simply not the case.

The office of the President of the United States of America is hands down, the toughest job on the planet. It ages leaders prematurely, and these civil servants are faced with incredibly tough decisions that weigh on their souls and that's one reason I supremely appreciate Designated Survivor. This is a show that takes us inside those ugly decisions, and also bothers to take the time to show what kind of lasting effects these decisions have upon a man and when it comes to President Tom Kirkman, he dealt with some of his greatest challenges to date on last night's episode 'The Enemy' where he faced threats domestic and abroad...and finally came to realize in the process that the 'nice guy' and 'goody two shoes' approach he has been taking to his own administration, is no longer a viable option.

His first incredible challenge came by way of Governor Royce in Michigan. After getting him to stand down a few episodes ago, the charming Governor saw a fresh opportunity to challenge the Kirkman Administration by citing the interview that Tom gave, where the question was posed as to whether or not he was fired by President Richmond, as a fine example as to why Tom's Presidency is as illegitimate as they come shortly after reactivating the policies and procedures of his police state. It's a bold move that required a bold answer, forcing Tom to declare a state of emergency and federalize the National Guard but Royce was ready for that too, and Kirman's order is ignored since the Guard is still in Royce's back pocket. But before Tom could put and end to this insurrection, another one began to brew in the situation room.

Because in the midst of that ugly mess, the search for Al-Sakar's leader, Majid Nassar, finally came to a close. He was discovered to be in Algeria, thanks to the work of an Agent who went dark after revealing Nassar's location and providing evidence that unequivocally linked the terror organization to the attack. That meant General Cochrane was ready to strike, but Tom pressed for patience, in the hopes of one, getting a diplomatic solution with an ally and also that their agent would eventually check in. That call for patience was the final straw for Cochrane, who ordered an air strike without the approval of an ally or from the President himself and that's when Kirkman finally realized that a more straightforward approach was going to be necessary to put an end to these constant challenges, forcing Tom to relieve the General of his command...and that decision, was just the warm up act since he still had Royce to deal with. 

To solve that matter though, took a touch more finesse, and Tom made use of Emily's plan to get Royce on a plane to Washington to speak with Kirkman in the hopes of finding a peaceful resolution, to go all out to make sure the people of the nation clearly understood he was indeed their President...by arresting Royce for treason upon his arrival. It was a decision that didn't sit well with Emily, but let's be honest, Kirkman is in the right. It's been one attack after another on his Presidency and these two bold moves are establishing he is not a man to mess with, and a leader that is now looking at the bigger picture over always doing the right thing and while these two issues are finally put to bed, a bigger one awaits, since Tom also gave the order to attack Al-Sakar. It looks like war is brewing on the horizon, and it will escalate for certain, if the Administration finds out Alergia is harboring Nassar. Either way, what a wonderful episode of this show, and it's heartbreaking yet satisfying to see Kirkman shed his nice guy persona...to keep America united. Until next time.

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