Designated Survivor

I've just binge watched it up to the end of Episode 18. The initial premise is interesting, whether or not it's actually based in reality. You always need to grant some leeway with "initial premises", especially these days. I stopped watching 24 after the second season because I found it too infantile and silly. I did watch The West Wing through to the end. This is a sort of 24 meets The West Wing. The show lets itself down with too many loving gazes between the President and his wife (does she have any flaws at all?), some terribly clunky lines and worst of all, the relentless US Patriot, buzz word laden speeches. "The American people deserve...". "Rebuilding our amazing nation...". "Rebuilding our fantastic Government". There's no mention of lobbyists or Corporate involvement in Government. There's no mention of the profound disconnect between citizen and Government that is a feature of contemporary politics. The various "third rails" of US politics are briefly mentioned. It is a show about a fantasy America and a fantasy American Government. It's the TV Show version of America that is challenged by the initial events and it responds the way TV Show script writers think such a world would respond. Having said all that, it moves reasonably quickly and the split between the two story arcs is well handled and engaging. The only caveat is - if you find "true blue, Mom and Apple Pie American sentimental patriotism" too much to bear, you're going to struggle with this show. But it's probably worth bearing with, all in all. There are far, far worse shows on TV.

I've liked this show even though it's a little liberal for me. I was excited Netflix picked it up after being cancelled. Why did Netflix have to add the cursing? The show was fine without it. Language doesn't add anything to the quality of the show. I know everyone thinks it makes it more realistic but I disagree. It just isn't needed.

Session one was great - 9/10. Session two - 6/10 and unfortunately session three - don't bother watching. It's a shame they couldn't continue with the story from session one. The story line in session one was exceptional it definitely kept you wanting more. The only reason I watched session two and three was because session one was so good. I don't normally like that type of political drama but all the different incidents made the ending unpredictable. Sorry Netflix you could have gone with session two's story line but you decided to to go off on your own crusade and agenda. The cast in session one was great.

This show started off REALLY well. I was right into after Season 1. Season 2 fell apart, after awhile I realized that if I wasn't watching episodes back to back there would be at least a week in between shows so the randomness might not be as blatant, like characters just vanishing off the show with sometimes not even a mention. The formula of crisis is introduced, crisis is explained as how it will hurt the presidents reputation, crisis is averted with some kind of personal sacrifice from the president. Rinse and repeat after every episode.

I stopped about 3/4 of the way through season 2. I just can't do it anymore with this show. I don't remember seeing a show tank as fast as this one. Super disappointing with where this show went. I think if you are looking for a political drama The West Wing would be better.

Season One and Two were fantastic: Interesting, gripping, great cast and production. I couldn't wait for the next episode. After Netflix took over Season Three, I stopped watching after about one-third of the episodes. Season Three is obsessed and strategized with misguided identity politics, "politically correct" content, and crass language. The screenplays for Season Three are amateurish and nowhere match those of Season One and Two. Strange, when Netflix produces, things get sleazy.