Designated Survivor – television review

Although we’re aware the Brits have some fairly arcane rules around their royals, it might come as a surprise to learn that the Americans follow similar rules for their political leaders. There’s a clearly defined line of succession in the event of a mishap befalling the President, and it stretches well beyond the Vice-President. Indeed, on big state occasions – like the State of the Union address or presidential inaugurations – one Cabinet member does not attend just in case some calamity should occur. These individuals are known as “designated survivors” and they form the premise behind David Guggenheim’s new series titled (obviously enough) Designated Survivor; now available on Netflix in Australia.

In the pilot, the titular “survivor” is Tom Kirkman (Keifer Sutherland). He’s the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (yawn!) and while he seems affable enough, he’s not exactly setting the pace in his portfolio. So much so, that he’s advised on the day of the State of the Union address, that he’s to be shuffled off to a cushy – but dull – ambassadorship. He’s also a husband to Alex (Natasha McElhone) and doting dad to two kids. So on the night of the big address, it comes as no surprise that Tom is tapped to miss the speech. But while he and Alex watch the broadcast, the unthinkable happens — a massive explosion rips through the Capitol Building, killing – or at least incapacitating – all the VIPs inside. Unassuming ol’ Tom Kirkman is whisked off to a secure location, given a hastily arranged oath and assumes the mantle of the most powerful person on the planet.

So that’s the set-up; but from there the series branches out into three main strands. First off, there’s the hunt for the bombers responsible for the Capitol outrage. This actually a goes in a pretty interesting direction and certainly isn’t as straightforward as you might think (though frankly if this series had been made say 10 years ago, the predictable option would almost certainly have been the one chosen). That overlays the second strand – Kirkman’s attempts to come to grips with the power that’s been thrust upon him. And finally, the series explores the dynamic of the Kirkman family amidst all this.

I have to admit the premise, while intriguing, is pretty far-fetched. And some of the scenarios that follow are in a similar vein (a situation not helped by some clunky dialogue). That doesn’t mean the show should be dismissed out-of-hand; but it’s something to get past. The other main difficulty it has is that it’s competing – even within its own framework – with other (arguably better) shows. The political side of this lacks the edge of a House of Cards — or even Veep — while the spy-thriller aspects don’t really stack up next to something like Homeland. In other words, the show is similar to all of those, but just “dialled back” on its intensity. That’s fine if it’s what your audience wants, but I suspect a Netflix audience raised on the likes of Better Call Saul and Orange is the New Black might be expecting something a bit edgier (note though that in the US, it aired on the ABC network – its Netflix distribution is only outside the US and Canada).

This is the first television series for creator David Guggenheim who – despite his storied surname – is probably best known to date as the writer of the Denzel Washington actioner Safe House.

Kudos though has to go to Keifer Sutherland who skilfully jettisons his Jack Bauer persona from 24 to transform into the well-meaning but bewildered Kirkman. I think it does the series a lot of favours that he’s not portrayed as a “strong” leader because – let’s face it – no one expects that from an urban planning boffin. Natasha McElhone (Californication) is good too as the supportive Alex, though her part could have been beefed up. Italia Ricci (Supergirl) does well in a supporting role as Emily Rhodes, Kirkman’s political adviser; while Kal Penn (fun fact – a White House staffer in real life) re-unites with his 24 co-star as a presidential speech-writer.

While I wouldn’t tune into Designated Survivor every week if it were on network TV, I find the ability to check back in on it via Netflix appealing (note: this show isn’t released as a full season in one go – new episodes are currently being released weekly until the first season is complete). This show isn’t going to win a lot of Emmys, but it’s a more than serviceable political drama/thriller.

David Edwards