Judy Gill

I enjoyed (binged over two days) the first season of The Diplomat. As a “reader,” by preference over being a “watcher,” I find both plot and character development more memorable than physical explosions lighting up the night. My initial, adult female reaction was wonder over the Kate character’s unwashed hair. Then, as the well-plotted, scarily possible scenario begins to unfold even in the first episode, stringy hair takes on significance—like Christiane Amanpour in the frenetic days of real-life conflicts—she simply didn’t have time. Watching (experiencing) the events slamming across Ambassador Kate’s life, I felt I was in her head, living the conflict over her interfering husband, one with her desire to prove herself, fully caught up in her sense that she was a fish out of water, and the knowledge she was, in that time and place, wasting talents and intelligence honed in her earlier career. The frequent glimpses of facial expressions or, rather, the deliberate yet telling dead-pans in tense moments show great directing and even better acting ability. Kerry Russel’s portrayal of a woman not merely fighting for a place, but demanding it, reveals an actor more than capable of maintaining a rich and multi-layered character. Within the backdrop of international diplomacy (or lack thereof) the UK PM’s bluster and fury also ring true, but just long enough so his recalcitrance becomes a questionable irritation. The constant undercurrents between different sets of characters keep the head spinning and the interest-level high, while the subtle but important references to the difficulties created by Trump’s presidency, combined with the current Russian invasion of Ukraine firmly place this story in today’s world. Anyone who appreciates a good, fast storyline, international intrigue, exquisite acting and directing, should watch this show and hope for a second season.