Dr Ramandeep Mahal reviews The Diplomat 

In the Netflix series The Diplomat, Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell are caught between saving the world and possibly bringing about its destruction. Amid an international crisis, a career diplomat unexpectedly lands a high-profile job she feels unqualified for, while struggling with complications in her marriage and her political future.

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Season one of The Diplomat is an eight-episode series, each lasting around fifty minutes. It may seem long, but it’s absolutely worth the watch. American shows often appeal to me because of their straightforward storytelling and clear narrative arcs, and The Diplomat is no exception. Fast-paced dialogue and sharp wit propel the story forward with the urgency its plot demands.

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Keri Russell plays Kate Wyler, a no-nonsense diplomat originally slated to become the U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan. However, just before her departure, she is reassigned as the U.S. ambassador to Great Britain to help manage a crisis after a British vessel is attacked by unknown forces. Rufus Sewell portrays her husband, Hal Wyler, a seasoned diplomat with an impressive network of global contacts.

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Russell is outstanding as Kate — intelligent, pragmatic, and unpretentious. Her disheveled hair, practical attire, and general aversion to formal dresses reflect her grounded personality. She’s assertive, driven, and often intimidating — but that’s precisely what makes season one so compelling. Hal, on the other hand, though influential, is also arrogant and manipulative.

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The cast as a whole is exceptional. Their chemistry keeps the dialogue brisk and the emotional tension high. Complex relationships abound, and the performances amplify the conflicts that lie at the show’s heart. The binge is well worth it — especially as season two raises the stakes.

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In the second season, a deadly explosion in the heart of London shatters Kate’s world and confirms her worst fear: the attack did not come from a foreign adversary but from within the British government itself. The season seamlessly picks up where the first left off. The bombing leaves many injured, including Kate, who rushes back to London from Paris and becomes embroiled in a twisting search for the culprit.

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Although shorter than the first, season two maintains relentless energy, moving from one tense scenario to another, each with mounting risks and consequences. Once again, Russell delivers an exceptional performance — confident, experienced, and more self-assured than before. What’s especially commendable is that the presence of other strong characters never overshadows her.

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Rufus Sewell’s Hal remains scheming and unpredictable — both ally and adversary. Rory Kinnear, as Prime Minister Trowbridge, is brash, childish, and often petty, yet Kinnear injects a hint of sympathy into the role, making us question whether he’s truly despicable. David Gyasi, as Austin Dennison, shines as the conscientious diplomat forced to clean up crises he didn’t create. The production team deserves particular praise this season — the sweeping wide shots are visually stunning.

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Season three continues right where season two ends. The tension is palpable as Ambassador Kate Wyler accuses Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney) of orchestrating a terrorist plot — and admits she’s eyeing the VP’s job. With the President dead, political chaos ensues, yet the campaign to secure Kate the vice presidency presses on.

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Keri Russell remains formidable — sharp, ambitious, and unflinching. Rufus Sewell continues to impress as the cunning, manipulative Hal. Allison Janney, introduced in the previous season, is a firecracker addition — stubborn yet layered, powerful yet vulnerable in her private moments. Bradley Whitford also joins the cast, bringing his trademark sarcasm and effortless humor.

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While the plot’s leap into the future feels abrupt and somewhat messy, the narrative continues to keep viewers on edge. The Diplomat sustains its intrigue and momentum through three gripping seasons, driven by suspense, sharp writing, and standout performances — particularly Keri Russell’s.

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Rating: 8.5/10 — for its tension, wit, and the magnetic Keri Russell.