Designated Survivor is a political thriller that captured the attention of viewers with its intriguing plot, unexpected twists, and complex characters. The series, which aired from 2016 to 2019, tells the story of Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who becomes the President of the United States after an attack wipes out the government. The show explored various themes, including political intrigue, personal struggles, and national security. This article delves into the ending of Designated Survivor, examining the final season’s key events, character resolutions, and the overall message the series left behind.
Overview of Designated Survivor’s Plot
Before diving into the ending, it is essential to understand the overall plot of Designated Survivor. The show begins with Tom Kirkman, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, being thrust into the presidency after a terrorist attack during the State of the Union address kills everyone in the line of succession. Kirkman, an independent and politically inexperienced leader, must navigate the complexities of governing while dealing with the aftermath of the attack.
The Initial Challenges
Kirkman’s presidency is immediately met with challenges. He has to stabilize a grieving nation, identify the perpetrators behind the attack, and deal with various political adversaries who doubt his ability to lead. Throughout the first season, Kirkman faces numerous obstacles, from political conspiracies to personal betrayals, all while trying to maintain his integrity and fulfill his duties as President.
Evolving Political Landscape
As the series progresses, Kirkman’s administration evolves, and so does the political landscape. New characters are introduced, alliances are formed, and old enemies resurface. The show also delves into Kirkman’s personal life, exploring the impact of his sudden rise to power on his family and relationships. The series maintains a balance between political drama and personal stories, keeping viewers engaged with its dynamic plot.
The Final Season: Setting the Stage for the End
The third season of Designated Survivor marked the show’s final chapter. Released on Netflix after being canceled by ABC, this season had a different tone and approach. It was grittier, more focused on contemporary issues, and had a darker atmosphere compared to the previous seasons. The final season primarily revolves around Kirkman’s re-election campaign, the challenges he faces on the campaign trail, and the moral dilemmas that arise as he strives to secure another term in office.
Campaign Challenges
Kirkman’s re-election campaign is fraught with difficulties. He faces opposition from traditional political parties, skepticism from the public, and internal conflicts within his team. The campaign brings out the complexities of modern politics, with themes such as fake news, cyber threats, and voter manipulation taking center stage. Kirkman also grapples with his own principles, as he is forced to make tough decisions that test his moral compass.
Personal Struggles
While the campaign is a significant focus of the final season, Kirkman’s personal life is also in turmoil. He deals with the fallout of his wife’s death, the strain on his relationship with his children, and the loneliness that comes with his position. These personal struggles add depth to Kirkman’s character and highlight the emotional toll of being the leader of a nation.
Key Events Leading to the Finale
Several key events shape the final season and set the stage for the series’ conclusion. These include a bioterrorism threat, revelations about Kirkman’s family history, and a controversial decision regarding his running mate. Each of these events adds tension and urgency to the narrative, pushing Kirkman to his limits as he tries to balance his responsibilities as President and as a father.
The Ending: Tom Kirkman’s Decision
The final episode of Designated Survivor brings the series to a climactic conclusion. The episode, titled “#truthorconsequences,” centers on the results of the election and the decisions that Kirkman must make in its aftermath. The ending is a culmination of the themes explored throughout the series, including the nature of leadership, the cost of power, and the importance of truth.
Election Results
As the episode begins, the results of the presidential election are still uncertain. Kirkman is locked in a tight race with his opponent, Cornelius Moss, a former President who has returned to challenge Kirkman for the office. The tension is palpable as the nation waits to see who will emerge victorious. Ultimately, Kirkman wins the election, securing another term as President of the United States.
Moral Dilemma
However, the victory is not without complications. Throughout the final season, Kirkman has been grappling with the moral implications of his decisions. He has had to make compromises and sacrifices that have made him question his own integrity. In the final episode, this internal conflict comes to a head when Kirkman discovers that his campaign has engaged in unethical behavior, including manipulating public opinion through fake news and cyber attacks.
Kirkman’s Confession
Faced with the truth about his campaign’s actions, Kirkman must decide whether to come clean or cover up the wrongdoing. This decision is the crux of the series’ conclusion. In a powerful moment, Kirkman records a video confession, acknowledging the mistakes made during the campaign and taking responsibility for the actions of his team. This confession is a testament to Kirkman’s character, showing that he values truth and integrity above all else.
The Final Speech
In his final speech as the re-elected President, Kirkman addresses the nation with honesty and humility. He speaks about the challenges of leadership, the importance of transparency, and the need for unity in a divided country. The speech is a poignant reminder of the series’ central themes, emphasizing the idea that leadership is not about power, but about service to the people.
Character Resolutions
The ending of Designated Survivor also provides resolutions for several key characters. Each character’s journey is tied to the central theme of truth and the cost of power.
Emily Rhodes
Emily Rhodes, Kirkman’s Chief of Staff, has been a central figure throughout the series. Her dedication to her job and her loyalty to Kirkman are unquestionable, but the final season sees her grappling with her own moral dilemmas. In the end, Emily decides to step down from her position, realizing that the compromises she has had to make have taken a toll on her integrity. Her departure is a bittersweet moment, marking the end of her journey in the White House but also symbolizing her reclaiming of her own values.
Seth Wright
Seth Wright, the White House Press Secretary, also has a significant resolution in the finale. Throughout the series, Seth has been the voice of the administration, often caught between the public’s demands and the reality of political life. In the final episode, Seth decides to leave his role as Press Secretary, choosing to pursue a career in journalism where he can continue to speak truth to power without the constraints of political loyalty. His decision reflects his commitment to truth and the role of the media in holding leaders accountable.
Aaron Shore
Aaron Shore, Kirkman’s Vice President, has had one of the most complex character arcs in the series. From being a trusted advisor to becoming embroiled in political scandals, Aaron’s journey has been marked by loyalty, ambition, and personal growth. In the finale, Aaron is confronted with the consequences of his actions during the campaign. However, instead of shying away from responsibility, he owns up to his mistakes and chooses to remain in his role as Vice President, determined to do better in the future. His character’s resolution is one of redemption, showing that even flawed individuals can strive for integrity.
Hannah Wells
Hannah Wells, the dedicated FBI agent, meets a tragic end in the final season. Her death is one of the most shocking moments in the series, underscoring the high stakes of the political world. Hannah’s relentless pursuit of truth and justice was a defining aspect of her character, and her death serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who challenge powerful forces. While her journey ends in tragedy, her legacy lives on through the impact she had on uncovering the truth behind the various conspiracies that plagued Kirkman’s administration.
See also: What Is Designated Survivor About?
Themes and Messages in the Ending
The ending of Designated Survivor is rich with themes and messages that resonate with contemporary political and social issues. The series explores the complexities of leadership, the ethical challenges of governance, and the personal costs of holding power.
The Nature of Leadership
One of the central themes of the series is the nature of leadership. Throughout his presidency, Kirkman is portrayed as a reluctant leader, someone who never sought power but was thrust into it by circumstance. His journey is a study in the evolution of a leader, from a novice politician to a seasoned President. The ending reinforces the idea that true leadership is not about wielding power for personal gain, but about serving the people with honesty and integrity.
The Cost of Power
Another significant theme is the cost of power. Kirkman’s presidency comes at a great personal cost, both to himself and those around him. The series does not shy away from showing the toll that power takes on personal relationships, mental health, and moral integrity. The ending underscores this theme by showing the sacrifices Kirkman and his team have had to make, and the ethical compromises they have faced.
Truth and Integrity
The final season, and particularly the ending, places a strong emphasis on the importance of truth and integrity in leadership. In a world where misinformation and political manipulation are rampant, Kirkman’s decision to confess his campaign’s wrongdoing is a powerful statement about the value of honesty. The series ultimately suggests that integrity is the most crucial quality in a leader, even if it comes at the cost of political success.
Reception and Legacy of the Ending
The ending of Designated Survivor received mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Some praised the series for its bold choices and its focus on contemporary issues, while others felt that the conclusion was rushed or lacked the closure they had hoped for.
Critical Reception
Critics were divided on the final season. Some appreciated the darker tone and the focus on real-world issues, seeing it as a reflection of the complexities of modern politics. Others, however, felt that the season’s pacing was uneven, and that certain storylines were not given the attention they deserved. The ending, in particular, was seen as polarizing, with some critics applauding Kirkman’s moral stand, while others felt that it was an unsatisfying resolution to the series’ many plot threads.
Fan Reactions
Fans of the show also had mixed feelings about the ending. Many viewers appreciated the show’s exploration of ethical dilemmas and the emphasis on truth and integrity. However, some fans were disappointed by the lack of closure for certain characters and storylines. The death of Hannah Wells, in particular, was a point of contention, with many fans feeling that her character deserved a better resolution.
Legacy of the Series
Despite the mixed reception of the ending, Designated Survivor has left a lasting legacy as a thought-provoking political drama. The series tackled timely and relevant issues, from national security to political ethics, and provided viewers with a compelling portrayal of the challenges faced by those in power. The ending, with its focus on truth and integrity, serves as a fitting conclusion to a series that consistently explored the complexities of leadership in a modern democracy.
Conclusion
The ending of Designated Survivor is a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to a series that captivated audiences with its blend of political intrigue and personal drama. Tom Kirkman’s journey from a low-level cabinet member to the President of the United States is a testament to the complexities of leadership and the importance of staying true to one’s values. While the ending may have been polarizing, it ultimately reinforces the series’ central themes of truth, integrity, and the cost of power. Designated Survivor will be remembered as a series that dared to explore the moral and ethical challenges of leadership in a world where the line between right and wrong is often blurred.
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