TV Pick of the Week: The Diplomat - review by Yvette Huddleston
The Diplomat Netflix, review by Yvette Huddleston
The fourth season of the American political drama is every bit as good, if not even better, than previous series. American ambassador to the UK Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) has, as usual, a lot on her plate.
A Russian submarine, containing a nuclear weapon, has sunk in British waters. Unknown to the Brits (and the Russians), the Americans have taken the missile; the British prime minister Nicole Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear) is unaware. It’s a diplomatic headache to say the least – as Kate well knows, the situation could lead to catastrophic consequences. She urges her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell), the US Vice President, to advise the president Grace Penn (Alison Janney) to tell Trowbridge. He demurs.
As the series opens the Wylers and the Penns – Grace is accompanied by her husband Todd (Bradley Whitford) are en route to the airport when their motorcade is diverted to Windsor Castle – the King is not in residence – due to protestors having gridlocked the M25. The party are welcomed by the staff, lavish catering is arranged and as there is time to spare, Kate takes the opportunity to speak to the president herself to try to persuade her to speak openly to the British government. She refuses. Then a shocking incident puts some decisions on hold.
One of the central themes explored over the eight episodes is what it is like working with an increasingly unstable and unpredictable American president. Showrunner Debora Cahn, a former writer-producer on the West Wing, and her team have put clear water between the character of Grace Penn and the actual present incumbent of the White House, principally through the obvious one of gender.
As the crisis becomes more complex and volatile by the minute and with Grace making increasingly scary decisions and refusing to listen to reason, becoming petulant and vindictive if she doesn’t get her own way, her closest allies, advisers and staff are tested to the limit. Kate becomes uneasy about what she is being asked to do, including telling lies and issuing threats.
Alongside the global issues at stake, the drama also explores domestic dynamics, with the Wyler marriage coming under increasing strain while Todd struggles to adapt to life as the first gentleman and with no specific role to fulfil. Tension is maintained throughout – it is a hugely entertaining, if stressful, watch. One of the best dramas around at the moment.