The designated survivor

Designated Survivor is an American political drama television series created by David Guggenheim that aired on ABC. Kiefer Sutherland stars as Thomas Kirkman, an American politician named the designated survivor for the State of the Union, who suddenly ascends to the position of President after an explosion kills everyone in the line of succession. Kirkman deals with his inexperience as President while looking to uncover the truth behind the attack.

The project skipped the pilot stage and was ordered straight to series on December 14, 2015, followed by a formal announcement on May 6, 2016. The first episode premiered on September 21, 2016, with a full season order coming eight days later. The series was renewed for a second season on May 11, 2017, which premiered on September 27, 2017. On May 11, 2018, ABC canceled the series after two seasons, ostensibly due to a decline in ratings, though other reasons have been mentioned.

I have been following the series for the past two months and I wish our political leaders were like Tom Kirkman. He plays the lead character as an honest and incorruptible leader, putting his constituents’ lives and safety as a priority before his own. Today, this is total fiction in the real world. However, it provides a glimmer of hope for people that, indeed, love conquers all. What is non-fiction is the impact of politicking and bureaucratic red tape which results in more setbacks, delays and unwanted losses.

I follow the series because it is a powerful example of what genuine service and governance should be, leaving a trail of “to dos” that we can pick up bits and pieces of and apply in our individual dealings with everyone around us, particularly with family. For example, I can no longer count the number of times Tom Kirkman says thank you in the series, which proves that being honestly thankful and having an attitude of gratitude in everything, will reap countless and unexpected benefits.

I cannot understand why the series was cancelled. It had great casting and a superb story line. Following its title, I sincerely hope it survives and returns.