Designated Survivor - Sting of the Tail - Advance Preview

Designated Survivor “Sting of the Tail” picks up with the manhunt for Patrick Lloyd (Terry Serpico) on home soil. The episode was written by new showrunner Keith Eisner and was directed by the terrific Frederick E.O. Toye. Zoe McLellan joins the cast in this episode as brilliant attorney, Kendra Daynes and Bonnie Bedelia begins her run as Eva, Alex’s (Natasha McElhone) mother.

Aaron (Adan Canto) is working with Hannah (Maggie Q) and Damian (Ben Lawson) to bring in Lloyd. Hannah is clearly not used to having a partner. Unfortunately, Damian doesn’t seem to be able to stay out of trouble either. Chuck (Jake Epstein) doesn’t get the love he deserves. Tom (Kiefer Sutherland) and Leor (Paulo Costanzo) agree on an outcome but not the reason for getting there. Tom continues to stand for democracy.

Tom has needs Congress’ help and one of two senators - Feller (Zachary Bennett) and Cowling (Rochelle Aytes) – ends up being less than helpful. We get to see Sutherland channel Jack Bauer twice in the episode. One is when Lloyd makes the wrong move by going after Tom’s family. But unlike Jack, Tom is also a man of words and it’s his understanding from reading Lloyd’s treatise Pax Americana that gives him an edge.

There’s a difference of opinion on whether or not Seth (Kal Penn) is funny. It’s the Correspondence Dinner, so we get to see everyone dressed up.

There is a rather thorny issue at the heart of the episode and the show does a good job of illustrating a balance between them. I’m a sucker for shows that illustrate that it’s not always just black and white.

Finally, look for a nice scene between Tom and his daughter (Mckenna Grace). And finally, a few dialogue teasers!

Bingo!
You’d better get some rest. You’re going to need it.
The cost of being mistaken here is too high.
You’re not the arbiter of funny.
I think I look like a high class call girl.
I’m from Missouri. The show me state.
The President wants to make sure there is a next guy.
Respectfully, sir, you have to stay for the duration.
He always leaves himself an escape hatch.
No speculation. Let’s get on this now.
We prefer to think of it as a courtesy.
Ears are as identifiable as fingerprints.
Blood’s still blood.
This is not a government of one.
All we’ve done is follow the book. I suggest we consider re-writing it.

Don’t forget to tune in to the episode Wednesday night at 10/9c on ABC!