Recap / Designated Survivor S 3 E 05 Nothing Personal

Nothing Personal

Kirkman is upset that people are suggesting Alex was a Russian spy and that he had her killed. Seth also takes issue, and calls out the press corps for belaboring it. Isabel is trying to convince Mars to keep a Puerto Rican activist on the pardon list. Mars is emotionally distant to his mistress. Emily takes time off to look after her mother again. Dontae comes out to his boyfriend as HIV positive. Aaron and Isabel argue about what rights the First Amendment really grants. Lynn tries to kill herself. Lorraine turns out to be the one who started the presidential murder rumor to stick it to Moss.

Tropes

• Beware the Nice Ones: Usually friendly and soft-spoken Seth loses it when faced with nosy journalists who won't stop poking at the Conspiracy Theory of the episode.
• Central Theme: Free speech.
• Conspiracy Theory: There is a rumor that the First Lady was a Russian spy and that her own husband had her killed.
• Mercy Kill Arrangement: Emily's mother makes one.
• Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right!: Isabel works to get an activist named Miguel Salcedo pardoned from his too strict sentence despite how it would make the president look – because it is right.
• Spicy Latina: Isabel feels insecure because she thinks Aaron sees her as this.

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