Designated Survivor Photos from "Pilot"

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There's nothing like Kiefer Sutherland being in charge!

Sure, this time around he's playing President instead of protecting a president, but that doesn't mean he's not going to be a badass.

What's interesting is how cool, calm, and collected Sutherland's Tom Kirkman appears in these photos from considering his life has just been turned upside down.

It bodes well for the future of the country if a guy like Kirkman can handle the pressure so well. No rash decision from this guy it seems!

While Kirkman keeps everyone calm inside, FBI Agent Hannal Wells (Maggie Q) is keeping everyone calm outside. She's definitely got some work to do to try to figure out what happened and why.

How do you think it will all play out? Check out the photos from Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1 and speculate away!

Designated Survivor premieres on Wednesday, September 21 at 10/9c on ABC. Be sure to check back here afterwards to read our review and share your thoughts!

1. Mr. President - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) is looking mighty serious as he ponders what he's going to say to the American people. What exactly can you say at a time like this?

2. Easier Times - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Before the catastrophic events later in the day, Tom was just the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He's at a meeting with his chief of staff, Emily Rhodes (Italia Ricci) to talk about the upcoming State of the Union address.

3. Upside down - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Tom and his wife, Alex's (Natascha McElhone) lives are turned upside down after the attack on the Capitol, but there's no time to dwell on it. Kirkman has to become President. It's not a choice.

4. Swearing in - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

It's certainly not a very glamorous swearing in, but it's got to be done. Is Tom wishing he was wearing something else. He probably never imagined he'd be sworn in as President wearing a hoodie.

5. A Kiss Goodbye - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

After the shocking events, what better way to calm yourself than a hug and kiss from a loved one. But, Tom has work to do and Alex has to go. They'll see each other again, soon.

6. The kids are alright - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

The severety of the situation doesn't seem to be affecting Kirkman's kids, Leo (Tanner Buchanan) and Penny (McKenna Grace). Are they even aware of what just happened?

7. Protector - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Mike Ritter (LaMonica Garrett) is prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect the President of the United States. He definitely doesn't look like the kind of guy you'd want to mess with.

8. No kidding around - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

White House Chief of Staff Aaron Shore (Adan Canto) looks like he's ready to go with whatever is thrown at him. He doesn't even look a bit fazed at what just happened. A sign of a true professional.

9. Serious Business - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Tom looks like he's meeting with somebody important. Does this have to do with the terrorist attack or something else?

10. Preparation - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Seth and Alex look like they're getting along great for two people just thrown together. Makes sense that he would be getting input from the First Lady. Who knows the President better than she?

11. Under pressure - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Tom has a lot to think about. It's good to see he's able to take some time to think through. Chaos cannot become a thing in the White House right now.

12. Why am I here? - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

There's probably a million thoughts going through Tom's mind right now. Is he going to consider resigning before he even gets started?

13. Getting ready - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Kirkman is meeting with his speechwriter Seth Wright (Kal Penn). What could you possibly say to the American people to calm them down in a situation like this?

14. It's going to be okay! - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Kirkman's probably still in shock, but at least he's got his wife to help him focus on the task at hand.

15. The time is now - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

For a guy who's about to address the nation, he's handling it quite well. He has no choice in the matter at the moment, so it's best he does present a calm exterior. Besides, it's Kiefer Sutherland and he can do anything!

16. Good Evening - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

No more hoodie for Mr. President. He looks ready to take on his new job, though he probably could get things done no matter what he was wearing. What is he going to say to the American people?

17. A long road ahead - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Even though FBI Agent Hannah Wells (Maggie Q) has state-of-the-art equipment at her disposal, it's not going to be easy doing what she has to do. The pressure is on. The President wants answers! So do the American people!

18. Who did this? - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

It's not going to be easy for Hannah and her team to find answers to the day's events. Will someone claim responsibility? What will the White House's response be?

19. What happened?! - Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1

Hannah looks like she's reflecting on the severity of the situation. How will she organize her team to get the answers they need in the quickest way possible?

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Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1: "Pilot"
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Designated Survivor Season 1 Episode 1 Quotes

Pancakes for everyone!

Tom

Alex: Tom, you can't do that. You can't make promises you won't be able to keep.
Tom: We're in Washington. They're the only promises you're allowed to make.