The sudden departure of First Lady Alex Kirkman in “Designated Survivor” left many viewers reeling. One moment, she was celebrating a victory, and the next, tragedy struck. If you’re still asking “Why Did Alex Leave Designated Survivor?” you’re not alone. Let’s delve into the circumstances surrounding her death and the real-world reasons behind Natascha McElhone’s exit from the show.
The Shocking Death of Alex Kirkman: How Did It Happen?
Season 2 of “Designated Survivor” took a dramatic turn in its midseason finale. After navigating complex political situations and overcoming personal challenges, both President Tom Kirkman and First Lady Alex seemed to be heading towards smoother waters. Tom successfully negotiated a delicate situation with a religious group, and Alex had just cleared her name from a troubling investigation.
However, the sense of relief was short-lived. In a devastating twist, Alex’s motorcade was struck by another vehicle. The show didn’t shy away from the emotional fallout, with Kiefer Sutherland’s portrayal of President Kirkman’s grief leaving a lasting impact. It was undeniably clear: Alex Kirkman was gone.
Was Alex Kirkman’s Death Just an Accident? Or Was There More to It?
Given the nature of “Designated Survivor,” a political thriller that began with a massive conspiracy, viewers naturally questioned the circumstances of Alex’s death. Was it truly an accident, or was there a hidden agenda? Could it be connected to her confrontations with FBI Director Forstell, or simply a consequence of being married to the President?
Initial hints and previews for season 2 episode 11, the midseason premiere, suggested a simpler, albeit tragic, explanation. According to an exclusive preview in TV Guide, the car accident was indeed accidental. The cause? A driver distracted by texting. While this explanation might seem mundane for a show known for its intricate plots, it was presented as the truth behind the immediate incident.
The Real Reason Why Natascha McElhone Left Designated Survivor
While the show presented the death as an accident within the narrative, the real reason for Alex’s departure lies behind the scenes. News had already surfaced prior to the episode airing that Natascha McElhone, the actress portraying Alex Kirkman, would be leaving “Designated Survivor.” She was cast in a new Hulu series alongside Sean Penn, which necessitated her exit from the ABC drama.
The writers and producers of “Designated Survivor” were faced with the challenge of writing out a major character. Killing off Alex, while a drastic measure, was ultimately the chosen path.
Executive producer Keith Eisner explained the decision to TV Guide, stating that McElhone had “other opportunities” and wished to pursue the cable series. While acknowledging alternative ways to write out a character, Eisner emphasized the “tremendous opportunity” that Alex’s death presented for the show. It allowed them to explore the uncharted territory of a president grappling with the loss of his wife, navigating the complexities of leadership while facing profound personal grief.
The lack of resolution between Tom and Alex, who only communicated through a voicemail before her death, adds a layer of realism to the tragedy. As Eisner noted, “The lack of resolution is very true to life.”
While Alex Kirkman’s death was a heartbreaking moment for viewers, it served a dual purpose: concluding Natascha McElhone’s storyline due to her career move and opening up new narrative avenues for “Designated Survivor” to explore the resilience and challenges faced by a widowed president. This unexpected twist, though painful, injected a new layer of drama and complexity into the series as it moved forward.
