What happens if a catastrophic event cripples the U.S. government and the president does not survive? This is the premise of the new ABC show “Designated Survivor.”
“Designated Survivor” stars Kiefer Sutherland (“24”) as a low-level cabinet member who is tasked with being the “designated survivor.” If something terrible happened to the government and the president, with whoever is takes his place, doesn’t make it out, that person then becomes the next president of the United States.
The show starts out immediately with the U.S. under attack during the State of the Union. The president and other officials who would take his place ultimately perish leaving Sutherland’s character, Tom Kirkman, as the next President of the United States.
What is appealing to viewers is the fact that a person who is just normal U.S. citizens with no background experience can become the leader of the free world. It makes the audience wonder how they would handle a similar situation. What would happen if they became the next president with no experience?
“Designated Survivor” is an ultimate thrill ride from beginning to end of the pilot episode. Keifer Sutherland puts on a great performance as someone who knows nothing about being president and is suddenly catapulted into the position. The viewer starts to feel empathy for Tom Kirkman and his new role.
Later in the show, he starts to develop his own presidential voice after it settles in he that is president.
What is great about this show is that it makes the viewer wonder how Kirkman is going to do as president, but also leaves a mystery as to who attacked the capitol and what for.
“Designated Survivor” is a show that gets the viewer immediately hooked and never wanting to turn the channel. The show has excellent writing.
What is lacking is the acting. While the show has a powerhouse actor in Sutherland, the show doesn’t have an A-list cast and they give bland performances. All of that is made up with Sutherland and his parts as acting president.
“Designated Survivor” is the perfect fall show for fans of “The West Wing” and “24,” utilizing different elements of drama and action and melding them beautifully. As far as the supporting cast’s acting, hopefully as the show starts to progress they will be moments where some of these characters have a moment to shine and give stunning performances.
The show ends with a hook of sorts with the viewer wondering how Kirkman will serve as president.
Will he give up? And why was America attacked in the first place? Is there something more to the situation?
These are questions that leave the audience interested and leave the viewer wanting more. It is a perfect substitute for audiences of political shows like “House of Cards” or “Scandal” that are not on the air.
