The shocking mid-season finale of Designated Survivor’s second season left viewers reeling with one question: Does Alex Kirkman die? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. First Lady Alex Kirkman, played by Natascha McElhone, was killed in a tragic car accident, leaving President Tom Kirkman a widower and the nation in mourning. This article delves into the circumstances surrounding her death, explores whether it was an accident or something more sinister, and discusses the reasons behind this significant plot twist.
Alex Kirkman’s Death: A Tragic Accident
The mid-season finale depicted a seemingly positive turn of events for the Kirkmans. President Kirkman successfully navigated a delicate situation with a religious group, and Alex had just emerged victorious from a challenging investigation. However, this moment of peace was shattered when a vehicle suddenly side-swiped Alex’s motorcade, resulting in a fatal collision. The show explicitly confirmed Alex’s death, with a heart-wrenching performance by Kiefer Sutherland as he grappled with the devastating loss.
Accident or Conspiracy? Unraveling the Truth
Given the political thriller nature of Designated Survivor, and its history of conspiracies and hidden agendas, it’s natural to question whether Alex’s death was truly accidental. Could it have been connected to her recent clash with FBI Director Forstell or perhaps a larger plot targeting the President?
While initial speculation suggested foul play, an exclusive preview from TV Guide revealed that the accident was caused by the other driver texting while driving. This explanation, while tragic in its ordinariness, seemed to put conspiracy theories to rest. The death was a devastating but ultimately random event.
Why Did the Writers Kill Off Alex?
The decision to kill off such a central character was met with surprise and sadness from fans. The reason behind this drastic move stemmed from Natascha McElhone’s decision to leave the show to join a Hulu series with Sean Penn. While her departure was anticipated, the manner in which it was handled raised questions.
According to showrunner Keith Eisner, the writers explored various options for writing Alex out, but ultimately decided that her death presented a unique opportunity to explore new depths of the President’s character and the show’s narrative. This tragic event would force President Kirkman to confront grief and lead the nation while navigating personal loss, a storyline rarely seen in presidential dramas.
The Impact of Alex’s Death
The loss of Alex had a profound impact on President Kirkman and the show’s overall trajectory. The unresolved issues between the couple, highlighted by a poignant final voicemail, added another layer of tragedy to the situation. Eisner explained that this lack of resolution mirrored the realities of life and loss, adding authenticity to the storyline.
While undeniably heartbreaking, Alex’s death served as a catalyst for compelling new storylines. It forced President Kirkman to evolve as a leader and a man, navigating the complexities of grief while shouldering the weight of the presidency. This unexpected twist ultimately enriched the narrative and offered a unique perspective on the challenges of leadership and loss. The remaining episodes of season two explored the aftermath of her death and how President Kirkman coped with this profound personal tragedy while leading the nation.
