The Diplomat (Season 2/USA/2024) series tries to fictionalize reality by taking a slice of real-life political characters from the West. The geopolitical issues are the central themes.
More than a year ago, we reviewed “The Diplomat” (Season 1/2023) series in our Focus Magazine. Now that they have come out with season 2, allow us to share our reviews.
“The Diplomat (Season 2/USA)” – Diplomacy Takes A Back Seat & Violence Becomes A Weapon For Politicians
Spoiler Free Review: The Diplomat (Season 2/USA/2024) Series
The trailer
The synopsis
During a time of international turmoil, Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), an experienced diplomat from the USA, takes on a prominent role and high-profile job in the UK for which she lacks the necessary qualifications. This has profound effects on her marital relationship and her political career. As a London bombing devastates her world, US diplomat Kate Wyler faces a formidable challenge, with her suspicions reaching the uppermost tiers of the British government in season 2 of the series.
Another season, and one more cliffhanger ending
Kudos to the show creator Debora Cahn, who continues to hold our undivided attention with smart and insightful writing. As we recall Season 1 ended with a big loud explosive blast. Then, once again, Season 2 finished with a bolt from the blue. It is a shocking twist of a political fate, which might bring fortune to some, and misfortune to a few.
It is worth pointing out that Season 1 of this series had eight (8) episodes, however, in Season 2 the series had only six (6) episodes. So, this season is higher and leaner.
Besides, the big questions are finally answered in Season 2 – who were the key players involved in the hostile attack on a British Navy vessel in the Middle East as well as the bomb blast in London? Despite, a lesser number of episodes, the current (2024) season has enough twists and turns to keep this political thriller an intriguing and engrossing watch.
Finally, the Personal and Professional Ambitions of not-so-diplomatic Kate come to light. And, as expected, Season 2 ended with a twisting of the proverbial knife scenario.
The eerie similarities to the real-life political characters of the USA
While reviewing this political thriller, we mentioned the eerie similarities between the characters of the reel-life series and the real-life US politicians (President and Vice-President). We also come across the whole passing of the (political) baton. In addition, the UK politician (Prime Minister) seemed to be inspired by the actual person who occupied the office in the past. He was undoubtedly, an outspoken and controversial political leader.
No wonder, this show also seems to draw some of its basic plotlines affairs (Nuclear threats, UK, France, Russia, China, Iran, etc.) from present-day Geopolitical issues. Also, not so subtly, this series hints at the Cowboy diplomacy style adopted by some of the top (Western) politicians depicted herein, even in today’s modern information age.
Keri Russell (Kate Wyler) & Rufus Sewell (Hal Wyler) lead a talented ensemble cast
The protagonist Keri Russell (Kate Wyler) plays “The Diplomat” with a lot of style and conviction. In this riveting show, Keri is very well supported by sauve Rufus Sewell (Hal Wyler), who plays her ambitious and risk-taker husband. They make a fine on-screen team, who share a complex love-hate relationship.
We also liked the performances of its talented ensemble cast, Ali Ahn (Eidra Park), Ato Essandoh (Stuart Heyford), Rory Kinnear (UK Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge), David Gyasi (UK Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison), Celia Imrie (Margaret Roylin), Nana Mensah (Billie Appiah), and others. Not to forget, Allison Janney (US Vice President Grace Penn), who delivered an impactful performance despite her limited screen time. Now, we can’t wait to see most of them in action in Season 3 of the show.
Key details
| Genre | Drama, Mystery, Thriller, |
| Original Language | English (USA & UK) |
| Season | Season 2 | Season Two |
| Episodes | 6 Episodes | Six Episodes |
| Creator | Debora Cahn |
| Director | Alex Graves |
| Cast | Keri Russell (USA Ambassador Kate Wyler), Rufus Sewell (Hal Wyler), Ali Ahn (Eidra Park), Ato Essandoh (Stuart Heyford), Rory Kinnear (UK Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge), David Gyasi (UK Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison), Celia Imrie (Margaret Roylin), Nana Mensah (Billie Appiah), Michael McKean (USA President William Rayburn), Miguel Sandoval (USA Secretary of State Miguel Ganon), Pearl Mackie (Alysse), etc. |
| Network | Netflix |
Spoilers Alert: Episodes Summary, Awards & Nominations
Summary of Six (6) Episodes of Season 2
When a Stranger Calls (S2, E1)
After rushing back to London, Kate shares her suspicions about the bombing. The search is on for Lenkov and Roylin. Eidra delivers devastating news.
St. Paul’s (S2, E2)
Eidra helps sneak an unannounced guest into Grove’s funeral. Kate realizes she might have made a bad call before the bombing, and Stuart speaks his mind.
The Ides of March (S2, E3)
A lavish Fourth of July party gives Kate a chance to help Dennison. He sees an opportunity after the prime minister’s announcement about Lenkov.
The Other Army (S2, E4)
Kate proposes a unique solution to the Roylin problem. A risky plan unfolds at the prime minister’s event in Scotland. Stuart confronts his feelings.
Our Lady of Immaculate Deception (S2, E5)
Vice President Grace Penn arrives in London with an agenda and advice. As fallout from Roylin’s bombshell affects Kate’s relationship with Trowbridge.
Dreadnought (S2, E6)
Kate puts her best foot forward after a pillow talk with Hal, which forces her to face hard truths. Vice President Penn offers a blunt lesson in geopolitics.
Awards and Nominations for the series in the years – 2023 & 2024
| Awards Names | Winners of Awards / Nominations |
|---|---|
| ReFrame | 2023 Winner ReFrame Stamp TV |
| TV Scholar Awards | Keri Russell – 2023 Winner TV Scholar Award – Best Lead Performance in a Drama |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Keri Russell – 2023 Nominee Primetime Emmy – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series |
| Astra Television Awards | Keri Russell – 2024 Winner Astra TV Award – Best Actress in a Streaming Drama Series |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | 2024 Nominee Actor – Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series – Keri Russell |
| Golden Globes, USA | Best Television Series, Drama – 2024 Nominee Golden Globe 2024 Nominee Golden Globe Keri Russell – Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series, Drama |
| Critics Choice Awards | Rufus Sewell – 2024 Nominee Critics Choice Award – Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Best Drama Series – 2024 Nominee Critics Choice Award Keri Russell – 2024 Nominee Critics Choice Award Best Actress in a Drama Series |
The poster
The rating
| FM Rating | 4.05/5 |
The conclusion
We were fascinated by this realistic tale of diplomacy. Now, with so many geo-political changes happening in the world, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for two powerful ladies. It is praiseworthy that “The Diplomat” series has managed to maintain its high-quality storytelling. We would love to see more of this thrilling political drama.
Featured Image of the Keri Russell (USA Ambassador Kate Wyler)
Poster and Featured Image of The Diplomat (Season 2/USA/2024) Series | All Pictures are credited to Netflix.