Designated Survivor: Season 1, Episode 19 - Misalliance (2017)

In the opening scene of "Misalliance," President Tom Kirkman is in the Oval Office, grappling with the fallout from the recent assassination of a foreign leader. He is under pressure from his advisors, particularly from Chief of Staff Emily Rhodes, who emphasizes the need for a strong response to maintain U.S. credibility. Kirkman feels the weight of the decision on his shoulders, torn between the desire for peace and the need to show strength.

Meanwhile, Agent Hannah Wells is investigating the conspiracy surrounding the Capitol bombing. She discovers a connection between the assassination and a powerful arms dealer named Kendra Daynes. Hannah's determination to uncover the truth drives her to confront Kendra, leading to a tense exchange where Kendra reveals that she has information that could implicate high-ranking officials in the conspiracy. Hannah is skeptical but knows she must pursue this lead.

Back in the White House, Kirkman meets with his national security team to discuss potential military action against the country responsible for the assassination. Tensions rise as different advisors present conflicting opinions. Kirkman feels the pressure mounting as he tries to balance the need for a decisive action with the potential consequences of war. He ultimately decides to take a measured approach, opting for sanctions instead of military intervention, which causes frustration among some of his advisors.

As the episode progresses, Hannah continues her investigation and learns that Kendra is in danger. She rushes to find Kendra, who is being pursued by assassins. In a gripping sequence, Hannah confronts the attackers, showcasing her skills as she fights them off to protect Kendra. The scene is intense, filled with close calls and quick thinking, highlighting Hannah's resourcefulness and determination.

After the confrontation, Kendra reluctantly agrees to cooperate with Hannah, revealing critical information about the conspiracy. They form a tenuous alliance, with Kendra sharing details about the players involved and the extent of the corruption. This partnership is fraught with tension, as Kendra's motivations remain unclear, and Hannah struggles to trust her.

Back at the White House, Kirkman faces backlash from the media and political opponents regarding his decision on sanctions. He feels isolated and questions his leadership abilities. Emily tries to reassure him, but Kirkman is haunted by self-doubt, reflecting on the weight of the decisions he must make as president. This internal conflict is palpable, as he grapples with the consequences of his choices.

As the episode nears its climax, Hannah and Kendra uncover a plot that could endanger national security. They race against time to gather evidence and alert Kirkman. In a high-stakes moment, they manage to get through to the White House, but the situation escalates when they realize they are being tracked by the conspirators. A thrilling chase ensues, with Hannah and Kendra narrowly escaping an ambush.

In the final act, Kirkman receives the urgent information from Hannah and Kendra just as he is about to address the nation. He realizes the gravity of the situation and must act quickly to prevent a larger crisis. The episode culminates in a tense moment where Kirkman must decide whether to go public with the information or handle it discreetly. He chooses to confront the issue head-on, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and justice.

The episode concludes with Kirkman delivering a powerful speech to the nation, addressing the threats they face while reaffirming his dedication to protecting the American people. The weight of his decisions hangs heavy in the air, setting the stage for future conflicts and challenges as he navigates the treacherous waters of politics and national security.

In the ending of "Misalliance," the 19th episode of "Designated Survivor," President Tom Kirkman faces a critical moment as he navigates the fallout from a controversial decision regarding a military operation. The episode culminates in a tense confrontation with his political adversaries, leading to a significant shift in his administration. Meanwhile, relationships among key characters are tested, revealing deeper loyalties and conflicts.

As the episode unfolds, President Kirkman grapples with the implications of a military strike that he authorized, which has resulted in civilian casualties. This decision weighs heavily on him, and he is confronted by various members of his team, including Chief of Staff Emily Rhodes and Press Secretary Seth Wright, who express their concerns about the political ramifications and the moral implications of his actions. Kirkman's internal struggle is palpable as he seeks to balance his responsibilities as a leader with his personal ethics.

In a pivotal scene, Kirkman meets with his political rival, Senator Peter MacLeish, who has been maneuvering to undermine Kirkman's presidency. The tension between them escalates as MacLeish attempts to leverage the situation for his own gain. Kirkman, however, stands firm in his convictions, demonstrating his growth as a leader who is willing to face the consequences of his decisions.

As the episode progresses, the emotional stakes rise when Kirkman's wife, Alex, confronts him about the impact of his choices on their family. Their conversation reveals the strain that the presidency has placed on their relationship, highlighting the personal sacrifices that come with public service. Alex's support remains steadfast, but the weight of the situation creates a rift that they must navigate together.

The episode concludes with Kirkman making a public address, where he acknowledges the mistakes made during the military operation and expresses his commitment to transparency and accountability. This moment serves as a turning point for his character, as he embraces the complexities of leadership and the importance of honesty in governance.

In the final scenes, the fates of the main characters are revealed. Kirkman emerges more resolute in his role as president, having learned valuable lessons about the burdens of power. Emily and Seth reaffirm their loyalty to him, recognizing the challenges they face together. Meanwhile, MacLeish's ambitions remain a looming threat, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Overall, the ending of "Misalliance" encapsulates the themes of leadership, accountability, and the personal toll of political life, leaving viewers with a sense of anticipation for the challenges that lie ahead for President Kirkman and his administration.

In "Misalliance," the 19th episode of Season 1 of Designated Survivor, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main storyline and character developments throughout the episode, wrapping up the events without extending into a post-credit moment.

In 'Misalliance', the relationship between Kirkman and his family is explored through moments of vulnerability and tension. As Kirkman grapples with the pressures of his presidency, his interactions with his wife, Alex, and their children reveal the strain that political life places on personal relationships. The emotional weight of his decisions often leads to conflicts at home, highlighting his internal struggle to balance his duties as a leader with his responsibilities as a husband and father.

In 'Misalliance', the alliance between President Kirkman and Vice President MacLeish is significant as it represents a strategic move to consolidate power and navigate the political landscape following the assassination attempt. Kirkman, feeling the pressure of his presidency, seeks to align with MacLeish to gain support and legitimacy, while MacLeish sees this as an opportunity to position himself favorably within the administration.

The investigation into the assassination attempt takes a critical turn in 'Misalliance' as Agent Wells uncovers deeper connections between the conspirators and the political elite. Her determination to find the truth leads her to confront various obstacles, including pushback from those in power who wish to keep the investigation under wraps. This tension highlights her internal struggle between her duty to uncover the truth and the dangers that come with it.

Emily Rhodes plays a crucial role in 'Misalliance' as she navigates the complex political landscape surrounding Kirkman's presidency. As his Chief of Staff, she is deeply involved in strategizing the alliance with MacLeish and managing the fallout from the investigation. Her loyalty to Kirkman is tested as she balances her personal beliefs with the political necessities of the moment, showcasing her emotional turmoil and commitment to doing what is right.

Agent Wells faces numerous challenges in her pursuit of the truth in 'Misalliance'. She encounters resistance from higher-ups who are intent on controlling the narrative surrounding the assassination attempt. Additionally, she must navigate the dangerous waters of political intrigue, where her safety is compromised as she gets closer to uncovering the conspiracy. Her determination and resilience are tested as she risks her career and personal safety to seek justice.

In "Misalliance," the 19th episode of Designated Survivor, there are several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Political Tension: The episode features intense political discussions and confrontations that may be difficult for younger viewers to understand or process.

2. Violence and Threats: There are scenes that involve threats of violence and discussions about potential harm, which could be unsettling.

3. Emotional Conflict: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including betrayal and moral dilemmas, which may be heavy for younger audiences.

4. Mature Themes: The episode touches on themes of power, manipulation, and ethical decision-making in a political context, which may not be suitable for all viewers.

5. Character Struggles: Some characters face personal crises and moral conflicts that could evoke strong emotional responses.

These elements contribute to a more mature viewing experience, and parental discretion is advised for younger audiences.