Designated Survivor: Season 1, Episode 12 - The End of the Beginning (2017)

In the opening of "The End of the Beginning," President Tom Kirkman is grappling with the aftermath of the assassination attempt on him and the ongoing investigation into the conspiracy behind it. He is determined to uncover the truth and protect his administration. The episode begins with Kirkman in a meeting with his senior staff, including Emily, Aaron, and Mike, discussing the need to take decisive action against the threats they face. Tension is palpable as they weigh their options, knowing that the stakes are higher than ever.

Meanwhile, FBI Agent Hannah Wells is deep into her investigation of the conspiracy. She is following leads that connect various players involved in the assassination attempt. Her determination to find the truth drives her to take risks, and she begins to suspect that there are deeper connections within the government itself. As she digs deeper, she faces obstacles, including pushback from her superiors who are wary of her aggressive approach.

Kirkman receives a briefing about a potential threat from a group that may be linked to the conspiracy. He is faced with the decision of whether to act on this intelligence or to wait for more concrete evidence. His instincts push him to take action, and he orders a raid on a suspected location. The tension builds as the team prepares for the operation, knowing that any misstep could have dire consequences.

As the raid unfolds, the scene shifts to the location where the suspects are believed to be hiding. The SWAT team moves in, and the atmosphere is charged with urgency. They breach the building, and a confrontation ensues. The team encounters resistance, leading to a chaotic exchange of gunfire. The action is intense, with close calls and moments of danger as they navigate through the building. Ultimately, they manage to apprehend several suspects, but not without sustaining injuries and facing significant risks.

Back at the White House, Kirkman is dealing with the fallout from the raid. He faces criticism from the media and political opponents who question his judgment and the legality of the operation. The pressure mounts as he tries to maintain control of the narrative and reassure the public. He holds a press conference where he addresses the nation, emphasizing his commitment to justice and transparency.

Hannah continues her investigation and uncovers a critical piece of evidence that links a high-ranking official to the conspiracy. This revelation shakes her to the core, as it suggests that the threat is closer to home than she initially thought. She confronts her partner, who is skeptical of her findings, leading to a heated discussion about the implications of her discovery.

As the episode progresses, Kirkman learns about Hannah's findings and realizes the gravity of the situation. He understands that he must act quickly to protect not only his presidency but also the safety of the nation. He calls an emergency meeting with his team to discuss the next steps, emphasizing the need for unity and decisive action.

In a climactic moment, Kirkman decides to confront the high-ranking official implicated in the conspiracy. He arranges a private meeting, where the tension is palpable. The official attempts to deflect blame and manipulate the situation, but Kirkman stands firm, determined to hold them accountable. The confrontation is charged with emotion, as Kirkman grapples with the betrayal and the weight of his responsibilities.

The episode concludes with Kirkman reflecting on the events that have transpired. He is aware that the battle is far from over, and the threat still looms large. As he looks out over the White House, he is resolute in his commitment to uncovering the truth and protecting the country, setting the stage for the ongoing struggle against the conspiracy that threatens his administration.

In the ending of "Designated Survivor" Season 1, Episode 12, titled "The End of the Beginning," President Tom Kirkman faces a critical moment as he grapples with the fallout from a terrorist attack. He makes a decisive move to confront the threats against his administration and the nation. Meanwhile, key characters like Hannah Wells and Aaron Shore navigate their own challenges, leading to significant developments in their arcs. The episode concludes with a sense of urgency and unresolved tension, setting the stage for future conflicts.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with President Tom Kirkman in the Oval Office, where he is dealing with the aftermath of the recent terrorist attack. The weight of the presidency bears heavily on him, and he is determined to take action. He meets with his team, including Chief of Staff Aaron Shore and Press Secretary Seth Wright, to discuss the implications of the attack and the need for a strong response. Kirkman's internal struggle is palpable; he is torn between his desire to protect the nation and the political ramifications of his decisions.

In a parallel storyline, FBI Agent Hannah Wells is deep into her investigation of the conspiracy behind the attack. She is relentless, driven by a personal vendetta against those who threaten her country. As she uncovers more evidence, she realizes that the conspiracy runs deeper than she initially thought, involving high-level officials. Her determination is fueled by a mix of fear and anger, and she is willing to risk everything to expose the truth.

As the episode progresses, Kirkman faces pressure from both his advisors and the public. He must navigate the political landscape carefully, balancing the need for security with the need to maintain public trust. He delivers a powerful speech, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of adversity. This moment showcases his growth as a leader, as he begins to embrace his role and the responsibilities that come with it.

Meanwhile, Hannah's investigation leads her to a critical juncture. She confronts a key figure in the conspiracy, leading to a tense standoff. The stakes are high, and the tension in the scene is palpable as she fights to gather the evidence she needs. Her bravery and commitment to justice shine through, highlighting her character's strength and resolve.

As the episode nears its conclusion, Kirkman makes a bold decision to take a more aggressive stance against the threats facing his administration. He understands that in order to protect the nation, he must be willing to make difficult choices. This moment marks a turning point for him, as he begins to embrace the complexities of leadership.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with unresolved tensions and looming threats. Kirkman's fate as president hangs in the balance, and the audience is left with a sense of urgency about the challenges he will continue to face. Hannah's journey is also left open-ended, as she is still deeply entrenched in her investigation, with the potential for danger looming ahead.

In summary, the episode concludes with President Kirkman stepping into his role with newfound determination, while Hannah Wells remains committed to uncovering the truth, setting the stage for future conflicts and character developments. The fates of both characters are intertwined with the overarching narrative of political intrigue and personal sacrifice, leaving viewers eager for what comes next.

In "The End of the Beginning," the twelfth episode of Designated Survivor's first season, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll, focusing instead on the resolution of the main plot points and character arcs presented throughout the episode. The narrative wraps up the tensions surrounding the investigation into the Capitol bombing and the political maneuvering within the White House, leaving viewers with a sense of closure for the episode's events.

In this episode, President Tom Kirkman grapples with the decision of whether to take military action against a foreign threat, specifically regarding the potential use of a drone strike. This decision weighs heavily on him as he considers the implications for national security and the moral ramifications of such an action.

Emily Rhodes, Kirkman's Chief of Staff, finds herself increasingly conflicted about her loyalty to Kirkman and her own moral compass. In this episode, she confronts the reality of the decisions being made and how they affect her personally, leading to a deeper emotional connection with Kirkman as they navigate the complexities of leadership together.

Agent Hannah Wells continues her investigation into the conspiracy surrounding the attack on the Capitol. In this episode, she uncovers crucial evidence that links various players in the conspiracy, showcasing her determination and resourcefulness as she risks her safety to bring the truth to light.

Throughout the episode, the theme of trust is tested among Kirkman's inner circle. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, characters like Aaron Shore and Emily Rhodes must navigate their relationships with Kirkman and each other, leading to moments of doubt and reaffirmation of their commitment to the President.

In 'The End of the Beginning', President Kirkman faces emotional challenges related to his family, particularly as he reflects on the dangers of his position and the impact it has on his wife and children. This internal struggle is highlighted through his interactions with them, revealing his fears of losing them amidst the chaos of his presidency.

"Designated Survivor" Season 1, Episode 12, titled "The End of the Beginning," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Violence and Threats: The episode includes scenes of political tension that may involve threats of violence, which can be intense and unsettling.

2. Mature Themes: The storyline delves into complex political issues, including betrayal, conspiracy, and moral dilemmas, which may be difficult for younger viewers to fully understand.

3. Emotional Distress: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including fear, anxiety, and grief, which may resonate deeply and be distressing for sensitive viewers.

4. Political Intrigue: The episode features manipulative political maneuvers and discussions of assassination, which may be inappropriate for younger audiences.

5. Language: There may be instances of strong language or suggestive dialogue that could be considered unsuitable for children.

These elements contribute to a mature tone throughout the episode, making it more suitable for older teens and adults.