New fall television is always a mixed bag. Some shows earn a 10 out of 10. Some fall into the negative range. Then there are those that are strictly average, like ABC’s new brainchild, Designated Survivor. Starring Kiefer Sutherland, an actor near and dear to my heart for his incredible performance in 24, Designated Survivor, displays standard acting and a cut and dry plot. Despite high ratings, I remain unconvinced. Frankly, I was expecting more. Although, I am partial because of my tendency to stick with government drama/conspiracy shows, I would have to say that this show is good, not great. Yet, I see room for improvement and success on the horizon.
Let’s start with the shortcomings. A combination of Quantico, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder, Designated Survivor fails to break from the pack. In the two episodes that have aired so far , Capitol Hill and all prominent Washington politicians are destroyed in what seems to be a terrorist attack. We aren’t sure yet. Our designated survivor, Tom Kirkman (Sutherland) has to assume the role of president which puts his life and the country into a full-scale tumult while the attack on the Hill is investigated. The show seems to hint at a possible conspiracy, or a reason that this attack may not be a status-quo terrorist plot. The show has the mystery and conspiracy of Quantico, the same kind of portrayal of Washington and infusion of current events as Scandal, and character relationships that resemble How To Get Away With Murder. That together with the fact that all of these shows are in the ABC network and I see Designated Survivor as a washed up reincarnation of all of the A-List shows. It lacks originality.
However, I will continue to watch. For starters, it warms my heart to see shots of D.C., the city that we call home. I am also a bit curious. While the familial relationship in the show irks me with its cookie-cutter mother-daughter relationship, and the children in general are irritatingly fictitious, I see a major conspiracy brewing. I like a good conspiracy. Most of the main characters, aside from the designated survivor, come in under mark in terms of acting, but there are a few promising anomalies. I will not give up on Kiefer’s on-screen wife turned first lady, nor will I give on on his speechwriter, played by Kal Penn. The president’s two main advisors are also promising, dynamic characters that add a romantic edge to the plot. The relationship draws similarities to How to Get Away with Murder and I am interested. I also have faith in good ole’ Kiefer. The backdrops may scream green screen and the textbook plot,thus far, may strike a nerve, but the show is worth sticking with. I see a promising future ahead for Designated Survivor.
