Designated Survivor Review: The Mission (Season 1 Episode 5)
Does the President of the United States ever sleep?
The answer, according to “The Mission,” Designated Survivor’s Season 1, Episode 5, might as well be no.
But he functions nonetheless. And way better than I did while watching this episode.
Was I the only one on the edge of my seat? Was I the only one contemplating how much I would never want to do this job? Was I?
I really, really wouldn’t want this job. But hey, I still feel like I’d be very lucky if I got to cast a vote for Tom Kirkman.
This episode, the “good guys” – and I use the quotes because as good as Designated Survivor is, it does present a rather black and white picture of the “bad guys” in this case – win. They get the guy they wanted, casualties are minimal and everyone is happy.
Everyone, of course, except the one fallen soldier. But guilt does him no good, one of the other operatives tells the President at the end of the episode. Guilt is not the way to honor him.
I concur. It really isn’t. The men and women of the military put their lives at risk every day, and we should all respect their choices and honor them accordingly.
But – as a leader, it’s hard for Tom Kirkman not to question himself. Should he have waited? Was he wrong?
Thing is, as Alex points out to her husband, “that’s the job,” and, sadly “there won’t be any easy days here.”
You signed up for this.
Oh, wait. You didn’t. Though luck.
There’s no getting out now.
And – believe it or not – it can still get worse. If Hannah’s right (and does anyone believe Maggie Q can be wrong about anything?), it can get much, much worse.
That’s without even getting into the emotional turmoil that’s about to come to the Kirkman family as soon as the government is established enough/there’s enough separation from the war for people to go digging.
Joy of Joys.
We’ve seen Tom Kirkman deal with some pretty adverse circumstances already. We’ve seen him prove he’s a steady, honest and caring man. Question is, will he remain the same person when the challenges affect his family?
My money’s on yes. But you can bet Designated Survivor is going to answer that question soon.
The three story-lines – family/thriller/politics have touched but not fully intermingled yet. But I get a feeling that’s about to change.
And hey – as long as this show can continue to deliver such outstanding hours of television – I’m pretty much going to buy what they’re selling.
There’s still time for you to join us on this journey. Five episodes in, Designated Survivor is already one of the best shows on television. Are you going to miss out?
Other thoughts:
- When I grow up, I want Italia Ricci’s wardrobe. Or, better yet, I want to be Italia Ricci. She’s the coolest.
- I want to like you, MacLeash. It’s just that the circumstances are making it very, very difficult.
- Because, between trusting you and trusting Maggie Q, I’m gonna pick Maggie Q every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
- Seth, Emily and Aaron bonding was the badly needed moment of levity of th episode. I can dig this OT3.
- Perspective is a funny thing – I don’t like Congresswoman Hookstraten- and yet, if we were seeing this show from her POV, we’d probably agree with her.
- The soap-operaish “Who’s the Daddy?” subplot hasn’t even started and I’m already tired of it. Can we fast-forward through Leo’s inevitable angst and just get to the point where he gets that Tom Kirkman is his dad either way? Please?
What did you think of this episode of Designated Survivor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Designated Survivor airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC.
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz
Lawyer. Writer. Columnist. Geek. Falls in madly in love with fictional characters. Hates the color yellow, misogyny, and people who are late. Can always be found with a book. Watches an absurd amount of TV every week, often, while eating coffee ice cream. She has no regrets. You can check out her blog here: Absurday. Lissete is a senior writer for Tell-Tale TV. Follow @lizziethat