Designated Survivor stately in its premiere

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One of the most anticipated premieres of the fall TV season, ABC’s Designated Survivor tells the story of Tom Kirkman, the Housing Secretary in the President’s cabinet who quickly finds himself in the Oval Office following an attack on the Capitol during the State of the Union.

Designated Survivor’s premise is plausible if unimaginable—whenever the President and other high-ranking members of the executive branch are all gathered in one place, one member of the President’s cabinet is kept behind in an undisclosed location to be inaugurated in the case of tragedy—and Kiefer Sutherland’s character is rightfully shocked at the twist of fate that befalls him.

Quickly, the newly-anointed President takes up his position with gusto. Unwilling to be manipulated by the military and governmental officials who remain, President Kirkman quickly becomes a metaphorical representation of all that a President should be—uncorrupt and uncomplicated. His earnestness in dealing with both his own advisors and foreign ministers—which earns him, already, the ire of high-ranking generals and White House officials—sets up a storyline detailing a battle between shady politics and honest governance.

Especially in light of the Presidential election occurring this fall—and the allegations of dishonesty and corruption surrounding both candidates—Designated Survivor provides a fresh take on what government could be like if only we had a President who wouldn’t do anything to take the job. For anyone looking for something to do on Wednesday nights at 10 o’clock—or for a political drama off to perhaps a slow start but full of potential—Designated Survivor is a must-see.