Designated Survivor Review: One Year In (Season 2 Episode 1)
On Designated Survivor, Season 2 Episode 1, “One Year In,” there’s a different tone to the show. It has more of a West Wing vibe (a show everyone should watch. It’s on Netflix, btw).
Instead of delivering a suspenseful show that centers around this massive conspiracy with twists and turns at every corner, the Season 2 premiere is more about the inner workings of the White House. The focus is more about the different staff members, and how their job helps the President do his.
The conspiracy isn’t forgotten, though. It looms in the background, serving as a reminder that at some point, there will be another attack. Hannah’s storyline is a reminder of what we’re up against, as is the press asking if Lloyd is responsible for everything bad to happen.
In the mean time, President Kirkman and his staff will tackle the daily troubles and duties of running a country. While it is a welcome shift, admittedly the premiere lacks a little oomph.
There’s nothing really exciting about “One Year In.” It’s a good episode of television, but it’s not particularly thrilling. Granted, it is hard to top our introduction to Tom Kirkman and his new job as President of the United States on Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1.
The hijacking takes an unexpectedly emotional turn when we discover that Kirkman knows one of the passengers on the plane. Honestly, this connection is a little unnecessary.
When the Russian ambassador brings up how they all have friends on the plane, it’s hard not to think that maybe Kirkman is pulling out extra stops, so to speak, because his friend’s life is on the line.
KIEFER SUTHERLAND
While the death of Russell (the friend) does pull at the heartstrings and leads to a great speech by Kirkman, the benefits don’t outweigh the negative effects that Russell’s presence has. Kirkman does not have to have a personal stake in a terrorist act to be a good president, so why don’t we stop making everything personal for him.
Let’s focus on the newbies, shall we?
Lyor Boone’s unique name matches his unique personality. He’s definitely a breath of fresh air in the White House. Lyor and his quirks add some levity to what could have been a very serious hour of television.
It will be fun watching him make space for himself on Kirkman’s staff, and I’m looking forward to seeing him working alongside of everyone. Aaron and Lyor butting heads is bound to be entertaining.
MI6 agent Damien Rennett helps make spending time with Hannah Wells while she chase after Lloyd more entertaining and worthwhile. Look, it’s not that Maggie Q can’t hold her own or anything, but it would be a little boring if it was just her running around in foreign countries, only communicating with people we know on the phone.
Damien gives Hannah someone to bounce ideas off of. He gives us a new face to care about and a new dynamic to grow to (hopefully) love.
Hannah: Why are you British all of a sudden?
Damien: Why do Americans ask so many questions?
Plus, Damien’s presence also highlights the fact that it isn’t just the Americans who are interested in Lloyd. He’s wanted internationally.
It will be interesting to see how this joint task force that Hannah has sort of created will work. If you notice, she doesn’t tell Aaron about how she’s working with Damien. I’m betting not everyone will be happy to discover that Hannah has given herself a partner.
Overall, the premiere does a great job of setting the tone for the new season, but it could have benefitted from a touch more excitement.
What did you think of this episode of Designated Survivor? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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Designated Survivor airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC.
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Allison Nichols
Allison is in a love affair with television that doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. Slightly damaged fictional characters are her weakness. She loves to spend her free time curled up with a cat and a show to binge-watch. Allison is a Tomatometer-approved critic (Rotten Tomatoes).