This episode had a little bit too much of the "support the troops" vibe - I mean, it was already a bit annoying last episode where Kirkman refused to bomb the compound until the CIA man had made contact, because killing a couple dozen enemy combatants (and a few stray civilians for good measure) is fine, but not if it involves killing one of your own, well, combatants. But then all of this whining about the poor men being sent into battle and telling them they should rather kill the target instead of risking their lives to take him alive? Of course, it's the job of every soldier to risk and perhaps give their life to protect others and serve their country (whatever that might mean), but who does he think these soldiers are? They're not 18-year-olds fresh out of basic training, they're Navy SEALs! They are more aware than anyone of the risks they're taking and the sacrifices they might have to make, and it seems over the top to ask someone who voluntarily went through grueling training to be able to do things like this to potentially compromise the safety of the entire country (they wanted the guy alive for information, after all) just so they might live. And that speech at the end with the draped coffin? Guess they needed to pull in the Republicans again after all that "liberal propaganda" in the last episodes.
Also, I just don't get why the FBI agents are so concerned about keeping this massive revelation a secret - it makes them much bigger targets than if they told as many people as possible. Even if they think this is too sensitive to release to the press (which I disagree with, I think the public always has a right to know) they could at least let the President and the other Senator know.
It may be coincidence, but I caught two possible Deus Ex (video game, 2000) references. The first is in the first scene, with the alarm clock showing the time as 0451. It's such a random time, but it's also the first code you learn, and it's referenced in the game's reboot, Human Revolution, as well, so it is a 'thing.' Also the soldier named John Denton. The first name of the main character is never revealed in canon (you can actually set it to whatever) but your code name is JC, itself a direct reference to Jesus Christ, but it also implies it's your first and middle initial. Deus Ex is a game about a counter-terrorism operator who unravels a global conspiracy after terrorists blew the head off of the Statue of Liberty (among other transgressions). The writers of Designated Survivor may have become aware of the game and decided to drop a couple references to it. Or maybe it is entirely coincidence, who knows.
But I'll tell you what, I was pulling for the John Denton character, and even though we barely knew him, I was relieved to find out he wasn't the one who died, and though he was injured, he will make a full recovery. He could be JC and Paul's dad for all we know!
the investigation progresses, but the plot thickens
I'm enjoying this thus far. Also, Nikita's one of my favorite shows so seeing Maggie Q in this was a pleasant surprise and felt like a natural shift to see her in this kind of role. There's some really suspenseful moments that have me on the edge of my seat and I love following along trying to figure out how and who's all behind the main act.
Anyway some things on my mind so far:
• How was Aaron, Chief of Staff, not a part of the Capitol bombing during the State of the Union? He's Chief of Staff so wouldn't he very likely have been in attendance there or did I miss something?
• I don't trust that journalist that Seth is interested in! Journalist always have a bad rep in cinema whenever they get involved in romantic affairs :joy: so I can't shake that she's definitely using him.
• The President or someone close to him had to have known somewhat of what was going on and Tom's firing/relocation and choice as designated survivor was not a coincidence. If he was unwanted as a part of the presidential cabinet, why would he also be made designated survivor? Chances of becoming President through that formality are insanely slim but I would assume the President (or whoever actually chooses) doesn't choose lightly and most definitely not someone they just fired.
I like a good political conspiracy but now they beginn adding unnecessary stuff like some inmate and former lover declaring fatherhood of Kirkmans son. And is it just me or is a lot of this show directly taken from 911 and by that I don't mean the general idea pushed to the max.
Shout by JoacoBlockedParent2016-11-26T01:58:46Z
Hannah is going full Carrie Mathison on McLeish