Designated Survivor: 60 Days

I binge watched the entire series on Netflix, and repeat what is often stated in these reviews: the Korean version blows the American version away. For one thing they keep this clean and wholesome. A couple of bloody scenes, but at least it doesn't throw all decency out the window like the 3rd season of the American version.

This series is all about a non-politician with a sense of morality and ethics being put in the nation's most powerful position. That is better done if the series itself has a sense of morality and ethics (both of which is lacking in the American version). The more I watch Korean drama, the more I realize how good they are at building characters, portraying stories, and getting to the heart of a drama.

This series reminds me of West Wing (though thankfully, much slower paced. West Wing made my brain bleed.) The story here is excellent, the plot twists regular and unexpected. I did have it "figured out" early in the series (which is unusual for me. I'm no Sherlock Holmes.) But other than that this had a great plot, good story line, and terrific acting, directing, music and sets.

And just so it's said... it is so refreshing to see a series about a person who is honest, has integrity, morality and insists on doing what is right. How rare is that these days? All through this series I couldn't help but look at the main character and think, "This guy could play the Korean 'Superman'." Seriously, he has Clark Kent written all over him. ;D

That aside, this is just plain good television. Doesn't get much better.

The series is great. Although I just started watching the show. Waiting for the next episode Last candidate 60 days! Shooting is very good and shows a good composition. THROW! I do not think this is a failure. Good performance! Yes, I heard comparing the USA and South Korea, it seems. But in this culture, everything is different. Not a lot of interesting actor, was a professor of chemistry or a physicist. And he became the acting president of power! Poisonous chills struck me.

The plot is thick and full of twists and turns. The actor who plays president is so good. This show exhibits extremely clever writing, loads of action, and tear-jerking moments. My favorite character in the U.S. version is Kimble Hookstraten. The Korean equivalent of her is the leader of the opposition party (Korea has a different government structure) and she is a main character with so many layers. What a treat! It was tough having to read subtitles while trying to appreciate the acting but you eventually get used it.

Comparisons with the American version are inevitable. The answer: This Korean version exceeds expectations and is so much better in many respects.

The protagonist is really an inexperienced - but smart and principled - outsider, not a Superman unconvincingly masquerading as a Clark Kent. The NIS agent is believable in her capabilities and conduct, not some supermodel-like super-cop. And the plot, while equally fanciful, is a bit less fantastical and thus more plausible.

That plot, combined with good acting and writing, is what makes this series a strong one. The political intrigues here are much more interesting, given the backdrop of the Korean Peninsula. With so much at stake and only 60 days, there is a tighter focus in storytelling that makes this "Designated Survivor" quite engrossing.

As a fan of political dramas, I enjoyed this aspect of the series. If you do not, then there is still the conspiracy angle to sink your teeth into. Unfortunately, the latter is not as well developed as the former, and takes much longer to get going. Fortunately, when it does pick up, this part of the series is still engaging enough to hold your attention.

My other minor complaint is that some of the characters are a bit of a caricature and disappointingly takes away from the realism. And that is the main downside of the series. Given the generally smart storytelling, I'm not sure why this happened. Still, a very good drama.

Well build storylines, not a plastic surgery face as president (Kiefer Sutherland) that continuously acts as an emotional roller coaster , but instead finally a strong acting president character!

Bravo!