Designated Survivor. It’s the title given usually to a cabinet member. The designated survivor is taken to an undisclosed location that a select few know about when the President and the other top leaders of the United States are gathered in one place. This could be during a State of the Union address or during a presidential inauguration. If something were to happen to the President and the other leaders, the designated survivor would take over as the President of the United States and ensure the continuity of the government. That is exactly what happens in the show Designated Survivor.
Meet Tom Kirkman (pictured below). He is the Secretary of Housing and Urban development…or at least he was. He was given the title of Designated Survivor the night the President was giving a State of the Union address. Tom and his wife Alex were taken to a safe place far from the Capitol Building in case something happened and (spoiler!) something did happen. The Capitol Building was blown up in the middle of the State of the Union address. While Tom and his wife were watching the address, the feed from the address went black. The next thing Tom knows he is being whisked into the White House and being sworn in as President of the United States.
Obviously, this isn’t going to be an easy ride for Kirkman. Previously the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary, he faces a lot of criticism from the country for being an unfit person to fill the shoes of President of the United States. He himself believes he isn’t fit to fill the role as President, but he still pushes through because he knows his country needs him. That’s the main thing about him that I love. He has a true passion for serving his country and despite what everyone has said about him not being a right fit for the presidency, he never gives it up. He stays and serves his country as best as he can. But, there is more going on in the country than he is aware of.
This is Hannah Wells (pictured above). She is an FBI agent and is assigned to the investigation looking into who blew up the Capitol Building. She is the only agent that is getting close to finding out who blew up the Capitol Building and as she gets closer to the truth, she is put into more danger. What she uncovers about who blew up the Capitol Building will blow (pun intended) everyone’s minds, including the President’s.
This is an amazing show to watch. The plot is written so well that you are hooked for hours. I spent an entire day binging this show with my roommate and we were glued to our seats from the suspense and drama. I think the main thing that got me hooked to this show was Tom Kirkman himself. He’s been thrown into being President, a position he never thought he would be in. Throughout the show he tries to make decisions based on what he believes is right and he tries to stay true to his beliefs. Watch Designated Survivor and follow Tom Kirkman as he tries to rebuild the country after the devastating bombing to the Capitol Building.