Ep 1. Pilot

When designated survivor and low-level cabinet member Tom Kirkman finds himself in the role of Commander-in-Chief after a devastating attack wipes out most of the U.S. government, he is forced to step up to the plate and lead his country through one of the most challenging times in modern history.

In the pilot episode of Designated Survivor, we are introduced to Kirkman (played by Kiefer Sutherland) as he wraps up a long day at HUD, a federal agency that most people have never even heard of. He's looking forward to heading home to his wife and kids, but everything changes in an instant when news comes in that a bomb has exploded at the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union address.

Kirkman is rushed to a secure bunker along with other Cabinet members, but as events unfold it quickly becomes clear that something is very wrong. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development suddenly finds himself next in line for the presidency, as the rest of the Cabinet has been decimated by the attack and the designated survivor (a Cabinet member who is purposely kept away from events like the State of the Union in case of a catastrophic event) is now the only one left to lead the country.

As Kirkman grapples with the enormity of what has happened and tries to sort out his new responsibilities, he is met with resistance from more experienced politicians who question his ability to lead. His first challenge as President is to address the nation and reassure the American people that their government is still functioning, despite the chaos that has ensued.

But as he steps up to the podium and begins to speak, he is interrupted by another explosion, this time in Dearborn, Michigan. This second attack sets off a chain of events that will define Kirkman's presidency and set the tone for the rest of the series.

The pilot episode of Designated Survivor is a taut, suspenseful hour that sets up the series' premise and introduces us to the show's main characters. As Kirkman and his staff scramble to maintain order in the midst of a national crisis, we are given a glimpse into the inner workings of the White House and the political machinations that are involved in running a country.

At the heart of the show is Sutherland's portrayal of Kirkman, a man who is thrust into a position of power that he never wanted and never expected. As he navigates the treacherous waters of Washington politics, we see a man who is struggling to keep his head above water, but who is also determined to do what is best for his country and its people.

The supporting cast is equally strong, with standout performances from Kal Penn as Seth Wright, the President's speechwriter, and Natascha McElhone as Alex Kirkman, Tom's loyal and supportive wife. We also meet other key players, including FBI agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) and Senator Peter MacLeish (Ashley Zukerman), each of whom will play a significant role in the events to come.

Overall, the pilot episode of Designated Survivor is a strong start to the series, setting up a compelling premise and introducing us to a cast of characters who are sure to keep us glued to our screens in the weeks to come. With gripping action, political intrigue, and a strong sense of patriotism, this is a show that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.