User Reviews

Look, I'm fine with gay characters. I'm fine with gay men kissing on screen. But a random scene of two minor unimportant characters having sex that in no way advances the plot or offers any character development? It's just bad writing. Even if it were straight sex, that scene was wildly unnecessary. The language is also unnecessary. Language doesn't offend me. Lack of continuity offends me. The characters on this show didn't curse for two seasons, now all of a sudden they do? It's just bad writing. The character motivations all seem off as well. They're not the same people they used to be.

I'm four episodes into the new, third season of Designated Survivor running on Netflix. They've taken advantage of the fact that they're on a streaming service instead of a broadcast network to pepper the dialogue with the occasional "naughty" word as though the show runners are snickering 12-year-old boys. It only stands out because of two seasons on ABC that didn't rely on such adult affectations to tell compelling stories.

Beyond that, they don't seem to know what to do with Maggie Q's character now that the original conceit of the show has played out. They solved the mystery and caught the bad guy. She really doesn't have a purpose anymore, so they've manufactured one. It too seems forced. It's like they've smashed together two separate, different, series with little in common. It's disconcerting.

The political intrigue falls short of the gold standard set by Aaron Sorkin In The West Wing. Like that earlier series DS is very idealistic and shows us an administration that's too much rooted in fantasy. It's a sharp contrast to our current reality. Maybe that's the point.

But it does seem to be finding its footing. It's getting stronger. Kirkman is struggling with political expedience versus adhering to his principles. That moral ambiguity is giving it a little bit more of a West Wing flavor but also setting it apart. It's becoming a little less idealistic and a little less ham-handed, a little less preachy, while still delivering some strong messages and commentary on current issues. As another reviewer pointed out the 10-episode limit is also making for a tighter season.

I'm going to watch and probably enjoy all 10 episodes. But at this point I think I'll be okay if it reaches a reasonable conclusion by the end of this season and doesn't find a reason to continue.

Two persons having sex under bed sheets and lots of cursing. Afger watching the first two seasons I was surprised with this episode. This is not the tv show I began watching. Something changed... Very similar to 'the man in the high castle'.

This episode was as real as it gets when it comes to reflecting how society actually is, rather than what the right wants it to be. The acting was fantastic, and the plots allowed all the close-minded in the audience to clutch their pearls over the gay sex scene. Sure enough the bigotry in these other reviews is obvious, but this was the grittiest episode yet.

Well done!

Out of nowhere that gay scene was forced. The overall rating I gave this show was a 9. The remainder of this season will deliver the final blow.

Nobody characters perform that act in mid episode feels forced since no leadup to this scene was ever developed. We know that dude is gay but with Secret Service anonymous?

All in all that scene actually degrades gays in my opinion because this lack of development. The transgender episode had more depth and meaning than this crap.

Netfliz sure knows how to ruin a show and that single two minute scene may well have set a downward spiral in perception of the viewers for the future episodes.

I certainly am now less motivated to finish off the remaining episodes. Especially knowing that there isnt any future seasons.

This was a great show up until season 3. Watched the show with my teenage kids and looked forward to binging a few episodes at a time. Season 3 was different from the start. We could see a different tone right away Wirh unessary uses of the F-word. Other words could have been used. Episode 4 brought in a Gay sex scene which completely turned us off to the show. Really wish Netflix would quit ruining shows this way. Any sex scene heterosexual or gay did not need to be added. Completely changes the tone of the show unnecessary to the storyline. And for that reason, we are done watching. I should already expect this will happen and just stay away from Netflix shows altogether, not surprised the show got cancelled.

Gratuitous and unnecessary gay sex which was not needed and added noting to the story line!

This used to be a decent drama, but this season the language has greatly deteriorated and instead of viewing the dynamics of what might be happening inside the White House it is all about a social agenda. It should be "R" rated - definitely not for family viewing!

This was a series that my mother and I watched together when it was on the TV network. Do you really think we want to see a man on top of another man in bed having sex while my mother and I are watching this episode? What a major turn off; this is totally unnecessary and adds nothing but queasiness. This is woefully awkward and extremely uncomfortable!

Profanity for its own sake. Gay sex, for its own sake. It seems so contrived, especially the language. If anything, all that is dignified is diminished. The gist of this episode is whether a Latino can run by just being himself. I don't have much to say. The episode was rather short on interest.

I will never watch another episode after this one... My wife and I were previously enjoying this show but the F-bombs don't add anything and the sex scene was deeply distasteful and unnecessary. I watch TV shows for the drama and not to be socially engineered. Good-bye...

What possed the writers to turn this into a porn show? Series 1 and 2 were great but series three seemed to be written by someone who makes porn movies. Why? Were they worried about ratings. Well they should be now as many like me desert the show in droves.

They have really hit a new low with this episode. Social engineering at it's worst.

Why does Hollywood feel the need to turn everything suuuper gay? It's so disproportional to reality now that it's starting to become comical. You can't even watch the show without wondering who's going to be gay next. Done watching.

F-bombs and gay sex????? You ruined a great show. F- bombs add nothing to the content and gay sex totally grossed me out. How sick to promote that.

What, they can do it complete with naled bodies thrusting and grunting, and we're just supposed to call it sex? Hey if I was Hollywood that gives me a license to do far more than call it what it is, and get accolades as a result. Tasteful? No. Progressive? About as progressive as doing your nastiest business in public. Look, imho it's bad showing any naked intercourse mechanics on TV, and though it may not be on public airwaves it's viewed by just as many adolescents. Suddenly making the sex partners gay men doesn't change that fact regardless how progressive you are on the issue.

I'm a big fan of this show, when it was picked up by Netflix the show I was so excited that the show was picked up. The season was ok so far until I saw this episode which started fine but the gay sex scene Was totally unnecessary. I will still watch the rest of the season because I want to find out how everything turns out but please no more scenes like that it just ruins the show.

I am soooo very disappointed in this new season. I love (loved) this show but will NO LONGER BE WATCHING IT!! It seems like u guys are putting as much junk out there to shock people and/or see what u can get away with. I can even take a few F bombs but definately will NOT WATCH the gay sex "act" Clean it up and I'll watch again.