I have to write this review, and I really don’t know what to say about what happened. Because, what happened? I mean – things, happened, obviously, but nothing actually happened. Nothing ever happens in this show anymore. Nothing at all.
There’s no emotional resonance. There’s no actual plot, just a list of political situations Kirkman handles the way we’d want an actual President to handle. No one ever learns anything, because everyone is already perfect. No one ever feels anything either.
I’m including me on this list.
What happened to this show? Was it the changes behind the scenes? Was it that, once they resolved the conspiracy issue, they had no idea where to go? I’m not even going to get excited about the possibility of bringing a new character into the mix – and another woman at that, because I’m sure that given a few episodes around these people she’s going to become as boring as they are.
So, what can I do but, once again, try to break down what worked, what didn’t want what this show needs to do next – with a heavy emphasis on the last part.
WHAT WORKED
- As much as it pains me to say it, Kirkman’s brother at least brings a different dynamic.
- A black woman as Vice President of the United States. As if Tom Kirkman wasn’t enough to remind us this is fantasy.
- Adan Canto is hot. What? I take what I can get these days.
- The Lyor/Emily conversation as they were trapped was maybe, perhaps, sorta nice.
WHAT DIDN’T
- This stupid love triangle thing going on with Hannah/Damian and Russian lady. WHO CARES?
- The romance between Seth and Emily. Can someone just explain to me what in the world is going on there? I know I asked for a romance, but I wanted one that sort of made sense.
- And why doesn’t Aaron care? Didn’t he have feelings for this woman?
WHAT THIS SHOW NEEDS TO DO NEXT
- Blow up something else. Or, hey, kill someone. I don’t care, just make me feel like there are actual stakes.
- Have Tom Kirkman make the wrong choice, once. Have him fail at something. Not small failures, either, I want him to screw up big time. He’s way too perfect and that makes for a boring character.
- Bring back the kids. They make Kirkman more relatable.
- Remember when Aaron, Emily and Seth used to be friends? I do, and I miss it.
Designated Survivor airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC.
