In the political drama Designated Survivor, viewers are thrust into a world of intrigue, suspense, and moral dilemmas. One of the most compelling characters in the series is Kimble Hookstraten, played by Virginia Madsen. From the moment she is introduced, Kimble exudes confidence, ambition, and a strong political acumen. However, her actions throughout the series raise questions about her loyalty. Is Kimble Hookstraten a traitor in Designated Survivor, or is she merely a shrewd politician navigating the treacherous waters of Washington, D.C.?
In this article, we will explore Kimble’s character, her motivations, and her actions to determine whether she can be considered a traitor. We will examine her relationships with other characters, her political moves, and the impact of her decisions on the storyline. By the end, we hope to provide a comprehensive answer to the question: Is Kimble a traitor in Designated Survivor?
Who is Kimble Hookstraten?
Kimble Hookstraten is a Republican congresswoman who becomes the Speaker of the House after the devastating attack on the Capitol that kills most of the government. As one of the few remaining high-ranking officials, she quickly becomes a central figure in the new administration led by Tom Kirkman, the designated survivor who unexpectedly becomes President of the United States.
From the outset, Kimble is portrayed as a formidable politician. She is intelligent, experienced, and ambitious. Unlike President Kirkman, who is thrust into power unexpectedly, Kimble has spent years climbing the political ladder. Her ambition is evident in her calculated moves, and she often seems to be several steps ahead of everyone else. However, her ambition also raises suspicions. As the series progresses, viewers are left wondering whether Kimble’s actions are driven by a genuine desire to help the country or by a selfish pursuit of power.
Kimble’s Relationship with President Kirkman
One of the most significant aspects of Kimble’s character is her relationship with President Kirkman. From the beginning, there is a tension between the two. Kirkman, a former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development with little political experience, is suddenly the most powerful person in the world. Kimble, on the other hand, is a seasoned politician with a deep understanding of Washington’s inner workings.
At first, Kimble appears to be an ally to Kirkman. She offers her support and advice, and she seems genuinely interested in helping him succeed. However, there are moments when her loyalty is called into question. Kimble often challenges Kirkman’s decisions, sometimes publicly, and she is not afraid to assert her own authority. Her actions suggest that she may have her own agenda, one that does not always align with Kirkman’s.
Kimble’s Political Ambitions
Kimble’s ambition is one of the defining characteristics of her character. From the moment she is introduced, it is clear that she has her sights set on the highest office in the land. She is intelligent, capable, and determined, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.
Throughout the series, Kimble makes several moves that suggest she is positioning herself for a future run for the presidency. She is careful to maintain a public image of strength and competence, and she often uses her influence to sway public opinion in her favor. She also forms alliances with other powerful figures, furthering her own political ambitions.
However, Kimble’s ambition also makes her a target of suspicion. Her actions often seem calculated, and there are moments when it appears that she is more interested in advancing her own career than in helping the country. This raises the question: is Kimble’s ambition a sign of disloyalty, or is it simply a natural part of being a politician?
Kimble’s Relationship with the Other Characters
Kimble’s interactions with other characters in Designated Survivor provide further insight into her character and motivations. One of her most significant relationships is with Aaron Shore, President Kirkman’s Chief of Staff. Aaron is initially wary of Kimble, but the two eventually form a close working relationship. However, their relationship is not without its complications. There are moments when Kimble appears to be using Aaron to further her own agenda, and their interactions often leave viewers questioning her true intentions.
Another important relationship is with Seth Wright, the White House Press Secretary. Seth is one of the few characters who consistently supports President Kirkman, and he is often suspicious of Kimble’s motives. Their interactions are often tense, and Seth’s distrust of Kimble adds to the overall sense of unease surrounding her character.
Kimble also has a complicated relationship with Emily Rhodes, President Kirkman’s Special Advisor. Emily is a loyal supporter of Kirkman, and she is often at odds with Kimble. The two women have several confrontations throughout the series, and their interactions further highlight the tension between Kimble and the rest of the administration.
See also: Is Maggie Q Leaving Designated Survivor? [Revealed]
Key Moments that Raise Suspicion
There are several key moments in Designated Survivor that raise suspicion about Kimble’s loyalty. One of the most significant is her decision to challenge President Kirkman’s authority by publicly questioning his decisions. This occurs early in the series, when Kimble gives a press conference in which she criticizes Kirkman’s handling of a crisis. This move is seen by many as an attempt to undermine Kirkman’s authority and position herself as a potential alternative to his leadership.
Another moment that raises suspicion is Kimble’s decision to meet privately with powerful figures outside of the administration. These meetings often take place behind closed doors, and their content is not always made clear to the audience. However, the secrecy surrounding these meetings adds to the overall sense of distrust surrounding Kimble’s character.
Kimble’s relationship with the media also raises questions. Throughout the series, she is shown to have a close relationship with several journalists, and she often uses this relationship to her advantage. There are moments when it appears that she is leaking information to the press in order to further her own agenda. This raises the question: is Kimble using the media to manipulate public opinion, or is she simply trying to hold the administration accountable?
Is Kimble a Traitor?
The question of whether Kimble is a traitor in Designated Survivor is a complex one. On the one hand, her actions often seem to be motivated by a desire to advance her own career. She is ambitious, calculating, and not afraid to challenge the president. Her relationships with other characters are often fraught with tension, and her interactions with the media raise questions about her loyalty.
However, it is also important to consider the context in which Kimble operates. Designated Survivor is a show about politics, and in politics, ambition is not necessarily a sign of disloyalty. Kimble’s actions, while sometimes questionable, can also be seen as the actions of a skilled politician who is simply trying to navigate a difficult and complex situation.
There is also the fact that Kimble, despite her ambition, does not always act in a way that undermines the administration. There are moments when she genuinely seems to be working in the best interest of the country, even if her methods are unconventional. For example, she often provides valuable advice to President Kirkman, and she is willing to make difficult decisions in order to protect the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether Kimble is a traitor in Designated Survivor is not a straightforward one. While her ambition and calculated moves often raise suspicion, there is also evidence to suggest that she is simply a skilled politician trying to do what she believes is best for the country. Her character is complex and multifaceted, and her actions can be interpreted in different ways depending on the viewer’s perspective.
Ultimately, whether Kimble is a traitor or not is a question that is left open to interpretation. Designated Survivor is a show that thrives on moral ambiguity, and Kimble’s character is a prime example of this. She is neither a hero nor a villain, but rather a nuanced character whose actions reflect the complexities of politics and power.
Kimble Hookstraten remains one of the most intriguing characters in Designated Survivor, and her actions continue to be a source of debate among fans. Whether she is a traitor or simply a politician with her own agenda, one thing is clear: Kimble is a character who leaves a lasting impression.
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