If you love political series with a blend of thriller, comedy, drama and romance The Diplomat is what you are looking for.
The Diplomat starts with an explosion on a British aircraft carrier in the Middle East, the attack kills 41 British sailors and it’s unclaimed. Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), is getting ready to become the American ambassador in Afghanistan, instead, the President of the United States (Michael McKean) orders her to be on the next flight to London where she’ll serve as ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Kate doesn’t want the job, which implies galas, tea parties, and fundraisers, she’s smart, decisive, great at governing but not much at campaigning, interviews, and photo-ops, and definitely not a fashion lover, which is required as an ambassador to the UK. Not only was a change of mission not what she had in mind, but Kate also suspects the President actually wants her husband, Hal in London. Hal Wyler is Kate’s charismatic husband and a legendary diplomat. He’s negotiated the end of wars, but made a lot of enemies along the way through ruthless and unapologetically manipulative means. Standing outside the spotlight and letting his wife shine does not come naturally to Hal, the new roles will have implications for their marriage.
Little does Kate knows that the President, his Chief of Staff, and even her husband are plotting behind her back: the new appointment, and how she performs under the spotlight is a trial to determine if Kate would be the perfect candidate for the Vice President position.
The ambassador post doesn’t lack substance, as Kate thought. She needs people with conflicting agendas to listen to her, be swayed by her and not resent her including the British prime minister (Rory Kinnear) and foreign secretary.
It’s a very tricky job she has, Kate needs to discover who’s behind the unclaimed attack on the British aircraft: Iran, Russia, or someone else?
The show’s creator, Debora Cahn (The West Wing, Homeland, Grey’s Anatomy), was drawn to the world of The Diplomat after meeting with a number of ambassadors while working on Homeland.
The series is a mix of Homeland, (a little of Carrie Mathison can be found in Kare Wyler), Madam Secretary, The West Wing, and Scandal. The show is extremely well done, absorbing, and intriguing. The series is very well written, it has a fast pace which keeps the viewers engaged.
Sometimes political series can become complicated and hard to follow with too many names, plots, and storylines. Not The Diplomat, the various schemes, plans are always meticulously explained, names, roles are kept clear.
The series is designed for viewers who love a political drama series, and it’s noticeable Cahn’s experience in the genre.
It’s very hard not to find yourself invested in the series and in its characters.
Keri Russel is simply outstanding in her role as Kate, as well as Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler. What is even more phenomenal is their chemistry. A deep breakdown of Kate and Hal’s relationship would require a post of its own. Very few shows have two leads with this level of on-screen chemistry. Kate and Hal have worked together for many years, the couple is very codependent. They are extremely passionate about their jobs and yet they are so different. Kate loves protocols and things “done by the book” while Hal has a more unconventional approach. They love each other but the marriage life is quite bumpy, they keep fighting throughout the whole series. They find themselves competing with each other, and yet when they work together they are pure sparks, impeccable and people around them can feel their intense chemistry.
The rest of the cast gives compelling performances as well, especially Ato Essandoh, Ali Ahn, and David Gyasi.
Special mention to Micheal McKean as President Rayburn
The Diplomat keeps the viewers invested and at the edge of their seats. It’s a series that requires the viewers to pay attention to the plot but it’s definitely worth the watch.
I’m rooting for this show to be a success on the platform because, so far, it’s one of the best of the year, and needs recognition.
Especially because the last episode ends on a dramatic cliffhanger and it would be disappointing and frustrating not to see its continuation.
The Diplomat is a political-drama series created by Debora Cahn.
Episodes: 8
MAIN CAST
- Keri Russell as Ambassador Kate Wyler
- Rufus Sewell as Hal Wvler
- Ali Ahn as Eidra Graham
- David Gyasi as Foreign Secretary Austin
Dennison - Ato Essandoh ls Stuart Heyford
- Rory Kinnear as Prime Minister Nicol
Trowbridge - Miguel Sandoval as Secretary of State
Miguel Ganon - Nana Mensah as White House Chief of Staff Billie Appiah
- Michael McKean as President William
Rayburn - Pearl Mackie as Alysse