Ep 2. The First Day

When a bombing at the Capitol during the State of the Union address kills the president and everyone else in the line of succession, Tom Kirkman, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is named the Designated Survivor. In the second episode of the series titled The First Day, Tom struggles to come to terms with his new role as the President of the United States. With the help of his staff, he tries to pick up the pieces and make sense of the situation while committing to uphold the beliefs and values that he and his family hold.

The episode begins with Tom and his family being escorted to a secured location where they will remain for the duration of Tom's presidency. Meanwhile, in D.C, the FBI is conducting a thorough investigation of the bombing and exploring all possible leads. They come across an online manifesto that suggests that a group named the 'True Believers' is behind the attack, but it could be a red herring.

Tom's staff is in crisis mode, trying to figure out how to handle the situation and keep the country running smoothly. Aaron, the Chief of Staff, tries to coordinate with various heads of state and political leaders while Emily, the communications director, works on crafting a speech that will reassure the nation. Seth, the press secretary, is tasked with managing press inquiries amidst the chaos.

As the investigation progresses, the FBI begins to narrow in on a suspect, who was involved in a previous terror plot thwarted by the FBI. However, the suspect is not cooperating, and the FBI must resort to unconventional methods to extract information.

Throughout the episode, Tom is grappling with the weight of his new role and the immense responsibility that comes with it. He is focused on maintaining transparency and upholding the values of the country, but that proves to be difficult as his advisers urge him to be more aggressive in his response to the attack. He struggles to balance his personal feelings with his duties as the President, and his inexperience shows as he second-guesses his decisions.

Overall, The First Day is a gripping episode that adds depth to the characters and takes the storyline in a new direction. The episode builds on the premise established in the first episode and expands the scope of the show, showcasing the challenges that come with being thrust into a position of power and influence. It is a well-acted and well-written episode that is sure to keep audiences coming back for more.