Spending the last few days watching Netflix’s new eight-episode political drama/thriller, The Diplomat, has enlightened me to a few things. Firstly, as late as I am, I’m officially a new Keri Russell fan. She’s excellent as Kate Wyler, a career diplomat with plenty to juggle while in a high-profile role as ambassador to the United Kingdom. A job for which she’s admittedly ill-suited.

As someone who’d never given much thought to the question ‘What is it that diplomats do?’, watching creator Debora Cahn’s dramatisation of how high-stakes things can sometimes get for those in the role was a very entertaining eye-opener and welcomed education.

In addition to the faultless performances, I appreciate the musical score, the clever story edit and the pacing that builds until a brilliant crescendo. The kind I found satisfying in its execution, yet challenging to come to terms with. The latter, only because I’ll have to wait at least a year before learning how things faired for the characters in question.

I would love for season two to pick up exactly where season one ended, amid all the chaotic activity. If you’ve already watched season one, I bet you can picture how great that would be. 

Watch The Diplomat if you’re curious. And certainly for all the great reasons above, plus one more – the sense of humour.

Key additional cast includes, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Ato Essandoh, Rory Kinnear, Jess Chanliau, Pearl Mackie, Celia Imrie, Georgie Henley, Nana Mensah, Miguel Sandoval and Michael McKean. 

Happy Film loving 

G