Designated Survivor: Season 1, Episode 21 - Brace for Impact (2017)

The episode "Brace for Impact" begins with President Tom Kirkman in the Oval Office, grappling with the aftermath of the previous events that have left the nation on edge. He is informed that a plane carrying a group of American citizens is in distress and may crash. The urgency of the situation weighs heavily on him, as he must balance the safety of the passengers with the potential political fallout.

As the situation unfolds, Kirkman gathers his senior staff, including Emily Rhodes and Aaron Shore, to discuss the crisis. They learn that the plane is a commercial flight that has lost its engines and is attempting to make an emergency landing. The team quickly assesses the situation, weighing the options available to them. Kirkman is determined to do everything possible to save the passengers, showcasing his resolve and leadership under pressure.

Meanwhile, the plane's pilot communicates with air traffic control, detailing the dire circumstances. The pilot expresses his concerns about the plane's fuel levels and the possibility of a crash landing. The tension escalates as the crew on the ground works to provide guidance and support to the pilot. The emotional stakes rise as the families of the passengers are informed of the situation, leading to a mix of fear and hope.

Back in the Oval Office, Kirkman faces pressure from various political factions, including the Vice President, who is more concerned about the optics of the situation than the lives at stake. Kirkman remains focused on the rescue efforts, demonstrating his commitment to the American people. He makes the decision to mobilize the National Guard to assist in the potential crash site, showcasing his determination to take action.

As the plane continues to struggle in the air, the pilot and co-pilot work together to keep the aircraft stable. They communicate with the passengers, trying to keep them calm while preparing for the worst. The emotional turmoil among the passengers is palpable, with some expressing fear and others trying to maintain hope. The pilot's leadership becomes crucial as he navigates the crisis, making split-second decisions that could mean life or death.

Kirkman receives updates from the ground as the National Guard prepares for a possible crash landing. He is informed that the plane is approaching a populated area, raising the stakes even higher. The team in the Oval Office works frantically to coordinate efforts, ensuring that emergency services are ready to respond as soon as the plane lands.

As the plane descends, the pilot makes a final attempt to land safely. The tension reaches its peak as the aircraft touches down, skidding across the runway. The scene is chaotic, with emergency vehicles rushing to the scene and first responders preparing for the worst. The emotional weight of the moment is felt by everyone involved, from the passengers to the officials in the Oval Office.

In the aftermath of the landing, Kirkman receives news that, while there were injuries, the majority of the passengers survived. Relief washes over him, but he is also aware of the challenges that lie ahead in managing the public's reaction and the political implications of the incident. The episode concludes with Kirkman reflecting on the weight of leadership and the responsibility he carries as President, setting the stage for future challenges he will face in his role.

In the ending of "Brace for Impact," President Tom Kirkman faces a critical moment as he must decide how to respond to a terrorist threat involving a hijacked plane. The episode culminates in a tense standoff where Kirkman ultimately chooses to save the lives of the passengers on the plane, even if it means sacrificing a military asset. Meanwhile, the political landscape shifts as Kirkman's administration faces challenges from within, particularly from his own party. The episode concludes with Kirkman reaffirming his commitment to doing what is right, despite the political ramifications.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with President Tom Kirkman in the Oval Office, grappling with the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack. The atmosphere is heavy with tension as he receives news of a hijacked plane, which is being used as a weapon against the United States. The urgency of the situation is palpable, and Kirkman's internal conflict is evident; he is torn between the safety of the passengers on the plane and the potential loss of military resources.

Scene by scene, the narrative progresses. Kirkman convenes a meeting with his national security team, including Chief of Staff Emily Rhodes and FBI Agent Hannah Wells. The room is filled with a sense of dread as they discuss the implications of the hijacking. Kirkman's determination to protect innocent lives shines through, but he is also acutely aware of the political stakes involved. He feels the weight of the presidency on his shoulders, knowing that every decision he makes could have far-reaching consequences.

As the clock ticks down, the tension escalates. Kirkman learns that the hijackers are demanding the release of their comrades in exchange for the passengers' safety. The stakes are raised even higher when it becomes clear that the plane is headed toward a populated area. Kirkman's resolve is tested as he weighs the options presented to him. He is faced with the harsh reality that any military action could lead to the loss of innocent lives.

In a pivotal moment, Kirkman makes the decision to prioritize the lives of the passengers over the military asset. He orders the military to stand down, a choice that is met with resistance from his advisors, who fear the implications of such a decision. Kirkman's emotional turmoil is evident as he grapples with the potential fallout from his choice. He understands that this decision could be politically damaging, but he remains steadfast in his belief that saving lives is paramount.

As the episode reaches its climax, the plane is brought down safely, and the passengers are rescued. The relief is palpable, but the political ramifications of Kirkman's decision begin to unfold. He faces backlash from members of his own party, who question his leadership and decision-making abilities. The tension in the room is thick as Kirkman stands firm, reaffirming his commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of adversity.

In the final moments of the episode, Kirkman reflects on the challenges he faces as president. He is aware that his choices will continue to be scrutinized, but he remains resolute in his mission to lead with integrity. The episode closes with a sense of uncertainty, as Kirkman prepares to face the political storm that is sure to follow.

Throughout the episode, the fates of the main characters are intertwined with the overarching themes of leadership, sacrifice, and moral responsibility. Kirkman emerges as a leader who is willing to make difficult choices for the greater good, while Emily Rhodes and Hannah Wells stand by him, showcasing their loyalty and commitment to the administration. The episode leaves viewers with a sense of hope, despite the challenges that lie ahead for Kirkman and his team.

In "Brace for Impact," the season finale of Designated Survivor, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with a dramatic and intense climax, focusing on the aftermath of the plane crash and the political fallout that ensues. The narrative wraps up the season's major arcs without any additional scenes after the credits, leaving viewers with a sense of resolution while setting the stage for future developments in the story. The emotional weight of the episode lies in the characters' responses to the crisis and the decisions they must make moving forward, rather than in any additional content after the main storyline concludes.

In 'Brace for Impact', President Kirkman faces a dire situation when a commercial airliner is hijacked, and he must navigate the complexities of a potential terrorist attack while ensuring the safety of the passengers on board.

Emily Rhodes, as Kirkman's Chief of Staff, is deeply concerned and focused on managing the situation. She feels the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders and works tirelessly to support the President while also dealing with her own fears about the implications of the hijacking.

Agent Wells is pivotal in the investigation of the hijacking. She works closely with the FBI and uses her skills to gather intelligence, uncovering critical information about the hijackers and their motives, which adds urgency to the situation.

President Kirkman faces immense pressure from the media, who are demanding answers and updates. He struggles with the need to maintain transparency while also protecting sensitive information, showcasing his internal conflict between leadership and vulnerability.

Throughout the episode, Kirkman grapples with personal challenges, including the emotional toll of the crisis on his family and the weight of his responsibilities as a leader. He reflects on his past decisions and the impact they have on his ability to protect the nation.

"Designated Survivor" Season 1, Episode 21, titled "Brace for Impact," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Tense Political Situations: The episode features high-stakes political drama, including discussions of national security and potential terrorist threats, which may be intense for younger viewers.

2. Violence and Threats: There are scenes that depict violence or the threat of violence, including discussions about attacks and the impact of such events on the nation.

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

4. Mature Themes: The episode deals with themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of leadership during a crisis, which may be difficult for younger audiences to fully understand.

5. Character Conflict: There are intense confrontations between characters that may include raised voices and heated arguments, contributing to a tense atmosphere.

These elements contribute to a narrative that is more suited for older teens and adults rather than a family-friendly viewing experience.