Designated Survivor: Season 1

| SEASON VERDICT | 

Great writing. Terrific acting. Fast moving. Designated Survivor was that unexpected series I didn't think I'd like, but I did. It was a bit uneven throughout the season though with the abrupt direction the story went after Peter McLeish died. It was a shocking twist, but a polarizing decision nonetheless. That said, a strong debut season for the series.

- Episode Guide and Ratings -

Episode 1: Pilot
A low-level Cabinet member becomes President of the United States after a catastrophic attack kills everyone above him in the Presidential line of succession.

Episode 2: The First Day
Hours after the attack on the Capitol, President Kirkman steps into his role as Commander-in-Chief in the midst of chaos and confusion.

Episode 3: The Confession
Tom juggles dealing with a security breach and preparing for his first television interview as the FBI continues to investigate the Capitol bombing.

Episode 4: The Enemy
Kirkman learns who is behind the attack and needs to grapple not only with the prospect of war, but brewing domestic troubles as well. Kirkman taps Emily to monitor the domestic situation, while Alex may be in for more than she bargains for when she seeks out help from Hookstraten.

Episode 5: The Mission
After realizing that diplomacy isn't going to work with Algeria, President Kirkman decides the send the Navy SEALs on a mission; the probe into the Capitol bombing continues.

Episode 6: The Interrogation
A shooting at the White House during a Governors Summit throws President Kirkman's plans to elect a new Congress into turmoil; Agent Hannah makes a shocking discovery in her investigation of the capitol bombing.

Episode 7: The Traitor
An American track-and-field coach's trip to Russia forces Kirkman into a hostage exchange involving the CIA and the Russian government; Agent Wells and Deputy Director Atwood's investigation uncovers dangerous information.

Episode 8: The Results
On the eve of the country voting to elect a new House of Representatives, an unexpected development forces Kirkman to consider cancelling the elections entirely. Meanwhile, news has leaked about Majid Nassar's death, and Kirkman has to handle the fallout.

Episode 9: The Blueprint
When classified government documents are leaked online, President Kirkman searches for the party responsible only to find that they have taken refuge inside a foreign embassy and are beyond even his reach. Meanwhile, Agent Hannah Wells races furiously to gather evidence of MacLeish's involvement in the conspiracy before he can be confirmed as the country's next Vice President.

Episode 10: The Oath
President Kirkman fears there could be a traitor in the White House when he discovers shocking information connected to the Capitol Bombing. Confiding in Emily, Kirkman puts her in charge of quietly investigating.

Episode 11: Warriors
The nation reels from the aftermath of the shooting; Emily struggles with the knowledge there may be a traitor in the White House; Wells wrestles with her decision to reveal what she knows about the conspiracy.

Episode 12: The End of the Beginning
Circles must tighten as a new discovery within the conspiracy emerges. Meanwhile, tension rises between Aaron and Emily as suspicions loom in the White House. Finally, a new lead places Agent Wells closer than before to the truth.

Episode 13: Backfire
An investigative journalist shocks the White House when he reveals classified information during a press briefing; Hannah discovers a connection between MacLeish and the conspiracy.

Episode 14: Commander-in-Chief
Turmoil in an African country forces President Kirkman to rely on an unlikely ally for help, as Hannah's investigation into the Capitol bombing takes an unexpected turn. Meanwhile, Emily settles into her new role as chief of staff while Aaron has to make a difficult choice.

Episode 15: One Hundred Days
As President Kirkman releases an agenda to reset his presidency, Alex makes a controversial public statement that threatens to derail it. Meanwhile, FBI agent Hannah Wells unknowingly finds herself in the center of a dangerous trap while getting closer to the truth. While the country still mourns the loss of their Vice President.

Episode 16: Party Lines
President Kirkman forms an unlikely alliance in the hopes of passing his first bill while Agent Ritter is briefed by FBI Agent Hannah Wells about a new alarming threat to the nation.

Episode 17: The Ninth Seat
As President Kirkman struggles to put together a new Supreme Court, FBI Agent Hannah Wells goes undercover and discovers much more than she ever could have imagined. Meanwhile, Seth Wright has to contend with journalist Abe Leonard, who returns from the Middle East with an explosive story.

Episode 18: Lazarus
As President Kirkman considers candidates for Vice President, Kimble Hookstraten finds herself embroiled in scandal. Agent Wells and Jason Atwood return from North Dakota with a critical new lead while journalist Abe Leonard's investigation takes an unexpected turn.

Episode 19: Misalliance
As the White House gears up for President Kirkman's first international summit, Kimble Hookstraten faces her toughest political battle yet when her speakership is challenged. Meanwhile, Alex wrestles with whether or not to bring the kids back to Washington.

Episode 20: Bombshell
President Kirkman's first international summit is derailed when journalist Abe Leonard publishes an explosive article. Meanwhile, Hannah Wells uncovers the conspiracy's next target.

Episode 21: Brace For Impact
Hannah Wells must stop the conspiracy from carrying out a final attack while President Kirkman authorizes a nationwide manhunt for the mastermind behind it all.

SEASON AVERAGE

(3.31)

*Episode synopses are from IMDB.