Designated Survivor – Outbreak: A powerful episode! Still reeling from Patrick Lloyd’s (Terry Serpico) explosive death, the White House faces a contagious virus that is spreading.
South Carroll Parish infection rates are rising quickly. The White House labeled this area ground zero. Over 80% of the infection rate is within the African American community. The virus continues to spread without a known cure. President Kirkman is advised of the experimental drug treatment. (Thank goodness.) My misguided confidence in the drug company assumed they would willingly help defeat this virus.
Carlton Mackie (Richard de Klerk,) drug inventor and owner of the company, has different plans. Interested in making money only – the lives of American citizens are no value to him. He offered up a barrage of excuses why the drug may not work, including how the company would be liable for any deaths resulting from the use of the drug.
According to Mr. Mackie in the episode’s most poignant statements, “I’m not a racist, I’m a capitalist.” WOW, just wow is all I could say to that. I’m in shock for a few minutes. Major kudos to the writers of this episode, I literally forgot that I was watching from my couch.
Art Imitating Real Life
Ripped directly from today’s current headlines, White House lawyer Kendra Danes (Zoe McLellan) is meeting with several civic groups to discuss the removal of a Confederate statue in front of the federal courthouse.
Not getting anywhere with the group, attorney Kendra decides to distract the group with divisive statements that both sides disagreed with. This puts the focus back on compromise. Both sides finally reach an agreement. If only it could this simple in real life.
The White House is in the thick of negotiations with Carl Mackie, the owner of the experimental drug that could potentially save thousands. It’s abundantly clear that he’s out for self. He has decidedly undermined the President’s authority. He provided doses of the experimental drug to a less infected, more affluent area for large sums of money.
No Time to Breathe
How is the White House going to save the community of South Caroll Parish? A little panicked I’m happy to see the wisdom of President Kirkman intervene. Publicly shaming Carl Mackie into submission worked perfectly. South Caroll Parish is saved from the virus.
No time to breathe, Hannah has started to uncover breadcrumbs that were left by Patrick Lloyd. One of the crumb leads to mother-in-law Eva Booker (Bonnie Bedila). Preliminary evidence shows she gave out a government contract in exchange to move her husband to the top of the heart transplant list.
Talk about a scandal if this proves to be true.
After watching this episode, I’m left with three questions:
- What will Hannah Wells find out about Patrick Lloyd
- Will Emily Booker (Mother-in-law) illegally move her husband up on the transplant list
- Is there a romance brewing between Emily and Seth
Let me know your thoughts
Tameche@somanyshows.com / Twitter @Tameche_b
Photo Credit: DESIGNATED SURVIVOR: OUTBREAK (ABC/Ben Mark Holzberg)