The Diplomat, a new Netflix series, combines politics, sex, and espionage in a smart and sexy political thriller that stars Keri Russell. Russell plays Kate Wyler, a by-the-books, serious-minded politician who is determined to save the world. However, her husband Hal Wyler, played by Rufus Sewell, is a more charismatic and press-loving Washington insider who is on the outs with his career. To get his career back on track, Hal negotiates a deal for Kate to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, a high-profile position that might lead to something bigger for Kate. But Kate is more comfortable working behind the scenes and doesn’t immediately accept the new post. She eventually relents, and the story takes off from there.
The Diplomat deals with the United States’ relationship with Russia and the complications of a marriage in which one partner is in the spotlight while the other is behind the scenes. The show’s creator, Debora Cahn, is an alum of shows like The West Wing, Homeland, and Grey’s Anatomy, and understands how to humanize a story of a woman in power. Kate, played by Russell, isn’t poised and curses plenty. She’s also a bit of a klutz, falling down stairs and tripping over phone cords. In the first episode, she resents having to pose for a magazine profile in a designer gown when there’s an international crisis brewing.
There are also parallels between The Diplomat and other political shows like The West Wing and Homeland. Cahn said, “To me, these are the best-written shows. It just so happens that they both concern the political worlds and a complicated relationship within them.” The show also deals with race, with David Gyasi’s Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison being a person of color in a role where privilege is expected. Race is not a major story point in The Diplomat, but it is implied.
The show also touches on many of the current issues facing the world right now, including Brexit and global terrorism. Cahn said, “We’re dealing with some very serious topics in The Diplomat that go beyond just a power struggle between two people – they reflect the broader geopolitical situation.” This adds an extra layer to the show’s already complex narrative, making it an even more compelling watch.
The Diplomat is a must-see show for fans of political thrillers. It is smart, sexy, and has an excellent cast, led by Keri Russell. The show’s creator, Debora Cahn, understands how to tell a story of a woman in power and how to humanize the characters. The show is a must-watch for fans of The West Wing, Homeland, and other political dramas.