The Diplomat - Netflix

[Romulan_spy]

Anyone catch the new Netflix series The Diplomat, starring Keri Russell? She plays the US ambassador to the UK that gets embroiled in a geopolitical crisis when a UK aircraft carrier gets attacked and the British PM blames Iran. She has to race to uncover who was really behind the bombing and prevent a war, while the people around her are trying to groom her to be the next VP. There are 8 episodes.

I thought the suspense and drama were very good. The writing and acting were excellent. Every episode kept me engaged.

The show seems to borrow the same premise from Madame Secretary. Both feature a female high powered diplomat with ties to the CIA. Both feature the husband in an important role. Both involve the female diplomat not wanting higher office but being pressured into it. And both involve the lead character having to break rules and take matters into their own hands to prevent war.

Obviously, there are some key differences as well. Madame Secretary was about a female Secretary of State whereas The Diplomat is about an ambassador. And Madame Secretary often pushed a heavy handed political message on a specific topic in each episode whereas The Diplomat is more a serious serialized suspense drama. I did like that The Diplomat squarely takes place in our world. There are references to Brexit and also Russia invading Ukraine a year ago, which places the show in present day. Also, The Diplomat is rated MA. There is a lot of cussing in it and some bare butts. I could do without the constant f bombs but other than that, the MA rating is super tame.

It's only 8 eps so it is very binge worthy. If you like political drama, I recommend it.

Trailer:

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[Guy Gardener]

It's very good.

 

[Q2UnME]

I agree, it's very good. When I reached the end of episode 8, I was like "What!??! That's it!?! I want more!". Recommended.

 

[Romulan_spy]

I agree, it's very good. When I reached the end of episode 8, I was like "What!??! That's it!?! I want more!". Recommended.

Ep 8 definitely left me wanting more. It felt kind of abrupt. Maybe that was the point.

Spoiler: ending

It reveals who was behind the attack on the HMS Courageous but then ends on that cliffhanger of the car exploding. Plus we get that reaction shot of Kate when the body guard tells her about the explosion, hinting that Hal maybe did not make it. So we are left wondering who died and what will happen next.

 

[1001001]

I really enjoyed The Diplomat. Very well written. Great political intrigue.

I am assuming that ending means there will be more. There’s no way they can just stop after that!

 

[marillion]

I really enjoyed The Diplomat. Very well written. Great political intrigue.

I am assuming that ending means there will be more. There’s no way they can just stop after that!

Well, it is Netflix, so.... But yeah.. That ending kind of blew my mind. I'm actually kind of mad that it ended like that because I want to see more. It seems to still be trending well, so I have fingers crossed they'll continue with it.

Keri Russell brings some serious gravitas to just about everything she touches.

 

[tenmei]

I could see them KO-ing the President before the news about the VP leaks, elevating her to the Oval (there has to be a reason they kept the character completely off screen), and them elevating the Ambassador to Secretary of State

After all, if they plan for the show to have longevity, they can't have her assume the VP or POTUS roles, else the title doesn't quite make sense. Kinda how they wanted to rename the final season of Madam Secretary to Madam President but ended up not.

 

[PsychoPere]

I've been curious about this, but keep seeing references (or whole articles like this one at Slate) to many plot points and characters being absurd. Disappointing since I'd love something serious in the vein that I assumed The Diplomat was aiming for.

Admittedly, I've not given it a shot myself, as I'm trying to wrap up some other shows before starting anything new.

 

[Q2UnME]

Netflix has announced a renewal for Season 2 (a surprise to just about no one). Given it's status in the "ratings", pretty much expected this. I, for one, am very glad to hear this. Really want to know the aftermath of the season ending cliff-hanger.

 

[Romulan_spy]

I've been curious about this, but keep seeing references (or whole articles like this one at Slate) to many plot points and characters being absurd. Disappointing since I'd love something serious in the vein that I assumed The Diplomat was aiming for. Admittedly, I've not given it a shot myself, as I'm trying to wrap up some other shows before starting anything new.

I think you should watch it and make up your own mind. Sure, some things might be unrealistic but it is a well made, engaging, show. You might really enjoy it.