The last episode of Designated Survivor is “Run” (Season 3, Episode 10), which aired on Netflix on June 7, 2019. This episode concluded the show’s run after its cancellation by ABC and subsequent revival by the streaming giant.
The End of the Road for President Kirkman
Designated Survivor, the political thriller that captivated audiences with its improbable yet compelling premise, ultimately met its end with “Run.” After surviving terrorist attacks, political machinations, and personal betrayals, President Tom Kirkman, played by Kiefer Sutherland, faced his most significant challenge yet: the upcoming presidential election. While the show explored themes of resilience, leadership, and the complexities of American politics, its cancellation left many viewers wanting more. This article delves into the specifics of the finale and answers some of the most pressing questions surrounding the show’s conclusion.
Season 3 and the Netflix Revival
After being canceled by ABC after two seasons, Designated Survivor found a new home on Netflix. This transition brought about several changes, including a more mature tone and the freedom to explore darker themes. Season 3 focused heavily on Kirkman’s presidential campaign, examining the ethical dilemmas he faced and the compromises he had to consider to win. While some fans appreciated this shift, others felt it strayed too far from the show’s original premise. Regardless, the Netflix revival gave the series a chance to wrap up many of its storylines, although some felt the ending was rushed.
The Finale: “Run”
“Run” sees President Kirkman making crucial decisions regarding his campaign and the nation’s future. The episode tackles issues of national security, political maneuvering, and personal relationships. Key plot points involve a cyberattack orchestrated by Lorraine Zimmer, which threatens the integrity of the election, and Kirkman’s internal struggle with whether to compromise his ideals to secure victory.
The finale culminates in Kirkman announcing his candidacy for president, but with a twist. He refuses to engage in negative campaigning and promises to uphold his principles, even if it means losing. The episode concludes without revealing the election results, leaving viewers to imagine the outcome. This ambiguous ending was a point of contention for many fans, who felt it lacked closure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Designated Survivor Finale
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the final episode and the series as a whole:
1. What happened to Hannah Wells in the last episode?
Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) met a tragic end in “Run.” She was killed while investigating the cyberattack orchestrated by Lorraine Zimmer. Her death was a significant loss for President Kirkman and a heartbreaking moment for fans of the character. The circumstances surrounding her demise emphasized the high stakes involved in protecting national security.
2. Did Kirkman win the election in the Designated Survivor finale?
The episode deliberately avoids showing the outcome of the election. Kirkman’s final speech focuses on his commitment to honesty and integrity, even at the risk of losing. The ambiguity leaves it open to interpretation, allowing viewers to decide for themselves whether his principled stance led to victory or defeat. The show runners decided to end it this way due to their understanding Netflix wouldn’t be renewing the show.
3. Why was Designated Survivor canceled after Season 3?
Netflix canceled Designated Survivor due to a combination of factors, including declining viewership and high production costs. Despite a initial boost in viewership, the show failed to maintain the necessary numbers to justify its continued production. Contract negotiations with Kiefer Sutherland also proved challenging.
4. Will there ever be a Designated Survivor Season 4?
As of today, no plans exist for a Designated Survivor Season 4. Although there have been rumors and fan petitions, no network or streaming service has expressed interest in reviving the show. The complex rights issues and the passage of time make a revival unlikely.
5. What was the significance of the cyberattack in the finale?
The cyberattack orchestrated by Lorraine Zimmer was a pivotal plot point in “Run.” It highlighted the vulnerability of democratic systems to foreign interference and the importance of cybersecurity. It also forced President Kirkman to confront difficult choices about how to protect the nation’s interests without compromising civil liberties.
6. What was Lorraine Zimmer’s motivation for the cyberattack?
Lorraine Zimmer, a former intelligence operative, believed that Kirkman was a threat to national security. She felt that his idealism and reluctance to engage in ruthless tactics made him unfit to lead the country. Her actions stemmed from a misguided sense of patriotism and a belief that she was acting in the best interests of the nation.
7. How did Emily Rhodes’ storyline conclude?
Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci) remained a key advisor to President Kirkman throughout Season 3. In the finale, she continues to support his decisions and offer guidance. Her relationship with Seth Wright (Kal Penn) also remains strong. While her personal life isn’t explicitly resolved, she is portrayed as a loyal and dedicated member of Kirkman’s team.
8. What happened to Aaron Shore?
Aaron Shore (Adan Canto) continued to serve as a trusted advisor to President Kirkman. In the final episode, he played a crucial role in managing the fallout from the cyberattack and assisting Kirkman with his campaign. Like Emily, his personal life wasn’t fully explored in the finale.
9. How did the show change from ABC to Netflix?
The shift from ABC to Netflix resulted in several notable changes. The show adopted a more mature tone, exploring darker and more complex themes. The Netflix version also featured more serialized storytelling, with each season focusing on a specific overarching plot. The show was able to delve deeper into the personal lives of the characters and explore more controversial topics.
10. What are some of the key themes explored in Designated Survivor?
Designated Survivor explores a range of important themes, including:
- Leadership in times of crisis: The show examines how leaders respond to extraordinary circumstances and the difficult choices they face.
- The balance between security and freedom: The series grapples with the tension between protecting national security and upholding civil liberties.
- The challenges of democracy: The show explores the vulnerabilities of democratic systems to corruption, foreign interference, and political polarization.
- The importance of integrity and principle: President Kirkman’s commitment to his ideals serves as a central theme throughout the series.
11. Where can I watch Designated Survivor?
Currently, Designated Survivor is available to stream on Netflix in many regions. However, availability may vary depending on your location.
12. Are there any similar shows to Designated Survivor?
If you enjoyed Designated Survivor, you might also like:
- Homeland: A political thriller about a CIA operative who becomes suspicious of a returning war hero.
- The West Wing: A drama series that offers an inside look at the workings of the White House.
- House of Cards: A political drama about a ruthless congressman who plots to rise to power.
- Madam Secretary: A political drama about a former CIA analyst who becomes the Secretary of State.
A Legacy of Intrigue and Political Commentary
While Designated Survivor’s ending was somewhat abrupt and left some questions unanswered, the show left a lasting impact on viewers. It provided a compelling and thought-provoking look at the challenges of leadership and the complexities of American politics. The series sparked important conversations about national security, civil liberties, and the importance of integrity in public life. Even without a definitive resolution to Kirkman’s campaign, the show’s exploration of these themes ensures its place in television history. The uncertainty of the final episode serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of politics and the ongoing struggle to balance ideals with pragmatism.