Designated Survivor is a political thriller that aired its first episode on September 21, 2016, on ABC. The show, created by David Guggenheim, takes a unique and dramatic look at American politics through the lens of a crisis that forces a low-ranking government official into the highest office in the land. Episode 1, titled “Pilot,” introduces viewers to Tom Kirkman (played by Kiefer Sutherland), who unexpectedly becomes the President of the United States after a tragic event wipes out the entire line of succession during the State of the Union address.
In this article, we will dive into a detailed analysis of the first episode of Designated Survivor. We will explore the events that unfold, the characters introduced, and the themes that set the tone for the series. As the episode sets the stage for the rest of the series, it offers a glimpse into the personal and political challenges that Tom Kirkman will face as he navigates the complexities of leadership in a tumultuous time.
The Premise of Designated Survivor and Episode 1
The concept of a “designated survivor” is a real-life precautionary measure used during important events like the State of the Union address, where one cabinet member is kept away from the event in case of an attack that kills the President and other key government officials. This is where the show begins. Tom Kirkman is the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, a low-profile government official with little experience in high-level politics. When a terrorist attack occurs during the State of the Union, killing the President, Vice President, and the rest of the cabinet, Kirkman is thrust into the role of President.
The first episode opens with a sense of normalcy for Kirkman, who is preparing for the State of the Union while dealing with personal and professional challenges. His wife, Alex Kirkman (played by Natascha McElhone), is a successful attorney who seems equally caught up in the whirlwind of her career. Their relationship is tested, as both are busy navigating the pressures of their roles in Washington, D.C. Tom’s position as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is rather mundane, and he is not involved in the high-stakes political games played by the President’s closest allies. But all of that changes in a matter of moments.
As the terrorist attack occurs, the episode shifts into high gear. The moment Tom is informed that he is now President of the United States, the gravity of the situation begins to unfold. Kirkman is suddenly thrust into the Oval Office, facing a crisis that he is woefully unprepared for. The episode focuses on his efforts to quickly adjust to the overwhelming responsibilities of the presidency while balancing his personal life and the expectations of the nation.
Tom Kirkman’s Transformation into President
One of the central themes of Designated Survivor is the transformation of Tom Kirkman from a relatively unknown bureaucrat into the President of the United States. In the first episode, Kirkman is shown as someone who is competent but lacks the political acumen or experience to handle such a position. He is thrown into the deep end with very little preparation, and much of the episode revolves around his struggle to find his footing.
Tom’s initial reaction to the news of the attack is one of shock and disbelief. He is not emotionally prepared for the sudden and immense responsibility placed on him. His first few decisions as President are guided by his desire to do what is right rather than by political calculations. This sets him apart from other characters in the show, many of whom are entrenched in the political machinery of Washington. While Tom is still figuring out the basics of governance, his integrity and earnestness shine through.
His interactions with his staff and family reveal much about his character. He is a family man who values his relationships, particularly with his wife, Alex. However, their marriage is tested as both of them must now grapple with the immense pressures of Tom’s new role. The episode does a great job of showing how Tom’s personal and professional lives are intertwined, and how each decision he makes has far-reaching consequences not only for the country but also for those closest to him.
The Terrorist Attack and National Crisis
The terrorist attack that sets off the chain of events in Designated Survivor is a pivotal moment in the show. The attack occurs during the State of the Union address, when a bomb is detonated, killing the President, the Vice President, and nearly every member of the U.S. government. This leaves Tom Kirkman, the designated survivor, as the only person remaining in the line of succession to the presidency. The attack is a calculated and horrifying act of terrorism, which immediately raises questions about the identity and motivations of those responsible.
The political and national security implications of the attack are explored throughout the episode. As Tom assumes the presidency, his first major task is to address the American people and make a statement about the attack. He is guided by his Chief of Staff, Aaron Shore (played by Adan Canto), who is a seasoned political operative. Aaron is initially skeptical of Tom’s ability to lead but quickly becomes one of his most trusted advisers. Aaron represents the political establishment, while Tom represents a more idealistic and outsider perspective, which creates an interesting dynamic between the two characters.
In addition to dealing with the immediate crisis, Tom is also faced with the question of who was responsible for the attack. The investigation begins in earnest, and the episode sets up a major ongoing plot point: the global and domestic ramifications of the attack and the threat of further violence. As the new President, Tom must balance national security concerns with the need to maintain public confidence and stability.
Introducing Key Characters and Dynamics
In addition to Tom Kirkman, several key characters are introduced in Episode 1 of Designated Survivor. These characters play pivotal roles in Tom’s administration and in the overarching story of the series.
Aaron Shore: As mentioned, Aaron is Tom’s Chief of Staff and a key character in the show. He is an ambitious and experienced political operator, and his relationship with Tom is crucial. While Aaron initially doubts Tom’s ability to lead, he becomes an important ally as Tom navigates the complexities of the presidency. Aaron’s political instincts and expertise help guide Tom through the early stages of his presidency.
Alex Kirkman: Tom’s wife, Alex, is a lawyer who is deeply affected by the attack and her husband’s sudden rise to power. Her character is more than just a supportive spouse; she has her own career and ambitions. As the series progresses, Alex becomes an important figure in her own right, and her relationship with Tom will evolve as they both face the challenges of their new reality.
Emily Rhodes: Played by Italia Ricci, Emily is Tom’s speechwriter and an integral member of his team. She is intelligent, dedicated, and fiercely loyal to Tom. Emily plays an important role in shaping Tom’s image and helping him communicate effectively with the public. Her character also has a personal connection to Tom, which is explored in later episodes.
Mike Ritter: Mike, played by LaMonica Garrett, is the head of the Secret Service and is responsible for protecting Tom. In Episode 1, Mike’s character is introduced as someone who takes his job seriously, but he also finds himself in a new and unpredictable situation with the attack on the government. He is one of the few characters who can offer Tom practical guidance in the chaos of the immediate aftermath of the attack.
These characters are critical to Tom’s journey as President and provide a variety of perspectives on the political and personal challenges he faces. The relationships between Tom and his staff, as well as the interpersonal dynamics, will evolve as the series progresses, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.
Themes of Leadership and Power
At the heart of Designated Survivor is the theme of leadership—what it means to lead in times of crisis and how power is wielded. In the first episode, we see Tom Kirkman step into a role that he never sought or imagined, and the episode focuses on his attempts to define his leadership style. Tom is not a traditional politician. He is more of an idealist, someone who wants to do what’s best for the country rather than what’s politically expedient.
As Tom faces the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attack, the episode explores the personal toll that leadership can take. Tom is thrust into the role of President with little time to prepare, and the weight of the decision-making is apparent. He is a man with good intentions but limited experience, and the episode does an excellent job of portraying his internal struggle as he tries to navigate the political landscape.
The theme of power is also explored in the episode. Tom’s sudden rise to the highest office in the land exposes the fragility of power and how quickly it can change. The fact that Tom was a “designated survivor” speaks to the precarious nature of leadership, as one moment he is a relatively unknown government official, and the next, he is responsible for the entire nation.
Conclusion
The first episode of Designated Survivor sets the stage for a gripping political thriller, exploring themes of leadership, crisis management, and personal responsibility. It introduces a compelling protagonist in Tom Kirkman, who is forced into the role of President and must rise to the occasion despite being ill-prepared for the job. The episode balances personal drama with political intrigue, setting up key character dynamics and plot points that will be explored throughout the series.
Designated Survivor is a show that blends high-stakes political drama with personal storytelling, and the first episode does an excellent job of establishing the foundation for both. As viewers, we are left wondering how Tom will handle the challenges of his new position and how his leadership will be tested in the coming episodes. The series promises to be a captivating exploration of power, politics, and the personal toll of public service.
Related topics:
- What Happens in “Designated Survivor” Season 1, Episode 3?
- Is Kimble a Traitor in Designated Survivor?
- Why Did Natasha Leave Designated Survivor?