(L to R) Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler in season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

Arrive on Netflix on October 31, the second season of ‘The diplomat‘ may not be the most Halloween-centric offering, but it certainly has enough to scare you about how the world actually works.

The political drama of ‘The west wing” Veteran Debora Cahn continues the story from the beginning, as Keri RussellLondon’s ambassador balances her learning curve while representing the United States in Britain with what she quickly learns about an unfolding conspiracy.

Related Article: Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell Talk Netflix Series ‘The Diplomat’

Does “The Diplomat” send the right message?

Keri Russell as Kate Wyler in season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

Early in the first season of “The Diplomat,” many comparisons were made between that series and “The West Wing,” given creator Debora Cahn’s experience on that series’ writing staff and the familiar environment of political chess moves within different administrations.

While these are still relatively fair (the series features a lot of walking and talking and occasional piquant dialogue scenes), “The Diplomat” has long since evolved into its own thing, in both positive and negative ways .

It’s rarely as convincing as Aaron SorkinThe classic series could be whenever it wanted to be, but at the same time we can’t forget that the previous series had about 24 episodes a year to develop its characters, stories and plots, compared to the relatively skimpy eight episodes of The Diplomat. episode of the first season, which is further reduced to six episodes in season 2 (although this is because it was renewed for two seasons at a time, and the third was filmed consecutively with the second for a total of 12 episodes, the next half to be paid next year).

Yet, judged on its own merits, “The Diplomat” has a lot to offer.

Screenplay and direction

(L to R) Keri Russell as Kate Wyler and executive producer/director Simon Cellan Jones on the set of Season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2023.

Cahn leads his own team of writers with aplomb, focusing more on a core group of characters who all bring something to the table. And showing that she knows a thing or two about conspiracy, she constructs an entertaining story full of twists and turns. Just when you think you know the truth, she impressively rotates to show more layers.

The interpersonal conflicts between the characters also work well, notably between Russell’s Ambassador Wyler and his husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) –– the scenes get heated every time they argue about the latest situation.

And while there isn’t much for the other characters to do outside of their jobs, they’re all fun to watch.

Production-wise, with the visual look helmed by Alex Graves, another Cahn alumnus from “West Wing,” it’s quite glamorous, which makes for good news from some very impressive British locations, including the possibility of filming in front of the American embassy in London.

Representations

With Russell and Sewell as the main drivers of the drama, other characters and performances also stand out.

Keri Russell as Kate Wyler

Keri Russell as Kate Wyler in season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

Wyler is a ball of fire, a woman who may seem an unlikely choice for an ambassadorship given her character, but who is nonetheless excellent at her job. Russell makes an already well-rounded character work really well, balancing her fury at what she learns with the need to employ her intelligence on the job.

Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler

Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler in season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

Sewell also shines as Wyler’s husband, the experienced diplomat who can’t help but mind his own business and uses his own connections to dig up information and put out fires (although he is sometimes the cause of them). It’s a superb portrait of a powerful man who can’t let go of the idea that he’s no longer as essential as he once was.

Rory Kinnéar as Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge

Rory Kinnear as Nicol Trowbridge in season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

Kinnear is more normally seen as the kind of supporting character he excels at (see Tanner of Daniel Craig Bond), but Trowbridge is his chance to embrace a powerful and conflicted figure and he takes it fully. The British Prime Minister is a fascinating and insecure man, and he enters even deeper into this year’s plot.

Ali Ahn like Eidra Park

Ali Ahn as Eidra Park in season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2024.

The CIA station chief at the American embassy and ally of Kate Ahn’s Park is an excellent foil for the ambassador, eminently capable and yet also emotionally vulnerable when it comes to her on-and-off relationship with Ato EssandohThis is Stuart Heyford, the ambassador’s senior aide.

Allison Janney as Grace Penn

Allison Janney as Grace Penn in season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2024.

Janney, another “West Wing” mainstay, enters the series at the end of this season and lifts every scene in which she appears. The accomplished actor, like Russell and Sewell, really knows how to make Cahn and co’s dialogue sing.

Other notable figures

Celia Imrie as Margaret Roylin in season 2 of “The Diplomat”. Photo: Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2024.

The supporting cast is made up of a group of quality actors who work at different levels. Essandoh does a good job as Stuart, while characters like David Gyassi (as British Foreign Secretary) and Celia Imrie (as Trowbridge confidante-turned-whistleblower Margaret Roylin) brings all of her British national treasures to this fascinating role.

Final Thoughts

(L to R) Ali Ahn as Eidra Park, Keri Russell as Kate Wyler in Season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024.

Effectively picking up the story elements laid down by the first season, the second season of the drama proves to be even more entertaining. By digging deeper into the conspiracy story without ever losing sight of the personal stakes involved, “The Diplomat” remains one of Netflix’s strongest titles.

Season 2 of “The Diplomat” receives 7.5 stars out of 10.

“Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies closer.”

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TV-MA2 seasonsApril 20, 2023

What is the story of ‘The Diplomat’ season 2?

A deadly explosion in the heart of London turns the world of American Ambassador Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) upside down. As she struggles to rebuild shattered lives and a fractured team, Kate’s worst fears are revealed: the attack that brought her to the United Kingdom was not from a rival nation, but of the British government.

As Kate searches for the truth, her only real ally is her almost ex-husband Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), who is very much alive and involved. She faces a difficult marriage, a complex dynamic with British Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), and a threatening visit from Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney).

Who else is in the cast of ‘The Diplomat’ season 2?

• Keri Russell as Katherine “Kate” Wyler
• Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler
• David Gyasi as Austin Dennison
• Ali Ahn as Eidra Park
• Rory Kinnear as Nicol Trowbridge
• Ato Essandoh as Stuart Hayford
• Célia Imrie as Margaret Roylin
• Miguel Sandoval as Miguel Ganon
• Nana Mensah as Billie Appiah
• Michael McKean as President William Rayburn
• T’Nia Miller as Cecilia Dennison
• Allison Janney as Vice President Grace Penn

Keri Russell as Kate Wyler in season 2 of “The Diplomat.” Photo: Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2024.

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