Netflix has become a leader in the thriller genre, with examples ranging from Squid Game to Mindhunter. More recently, the streamer has gained attention for another series that is the perfect illustration of what can be accomplished with the political thriller subgenre. With each season surpassing the last, The Diplomat, which hails from former The West Wing writer Debora Cahn, is rapidly becoming one of Netflix's best series, especially since its consistent yearly release schedule means new episodes are never far away.
Following a cast of complex and capable characters through high-stakes situations, The Diplomat thrives on tension and unexpected twists, and its fourth installment promises to continue in the same vein. While it requires careful attention to keep up with the sudden turns, The Diplomat never slows down, making it the perfect binge-watch for fans of The West Wing.
The Diplomat takes the viewer deep inside the political system by following Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), who specializes in U.S. relations with the Middle East. Though she is no stranger to dangerous conditions, she is unprepared when she is reassigned to the high-profile job of U.S. ambassador to the UK. Though her new position puts her in the public spotlight, Kate is forced to step outside her comfort zone if she wants to grow her career. She has more opportunities than she realizes, as the White House Chief of Staff asks her new deputy chief of mission, Stuart (Ato Essandoh), to prepare her as a potential replacement for Vice President, which increases the pressure — but before that can happen, Kate must prove herself.
As she adjusts to her assignment, Kate discovers that, in many ways, she is the perfect person for the role, especially as an attack on a British aircraft carrier leads Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear) to call for war with Iran. As tensions rise, Kate is responsible for uncovering the truth behind the attack, protecting the relationship between the U.S. and the UK, and, hopefully, preventing a war. While it's no easy task, this is where Kate thrives, and the ever-escalating tension leads to several shocking twists.
"People that you don’t suspect might be kind of playing with some rules..."
Global threat isn't the only challenge Kate must deal with. The Diplomat also explores Kate's marital problems as she and her husband, Hal (Rufus Sewell), contemplate divorce, something that could interfere with both their careers. Though they are an unbeatable team, the difficulties of their jobs create long-term problems that are hard to resolve with so much else going on. From unparalleled job opportunities to unexpected conspiracies, The Diplomat offers plenty of surprises for characters and viewers alike, as each new development makes Kate's tenuous position even riskier.
While there is no shortage of political thrillers on streaming, The Diplomat stands out because of its character-driven core. Though political maneuvering and life-threatening conspiracies play an important role, it is Kate's development that propels the story forward. Her political intelligence and acumen allow her to be both a capable part of untangling the web she is facing and a compelling entry point for the viewer. The complicated dynamic between Kate and Hal is also a highlight, since the pair is a skilled team despite their conflict, adding another layer to the series.
Despite being the lead, Kate is only one part of the series' incredible ensemble. The cast is filled with complex characters, many of whom are trying their best at their jobs, from Kate's ally and friend, UK Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), to Grace Penn (Allison Janney), the Vice President of the United States. There's even a mini-West Wing reunion for fans to enjoy once Janney's former co-star, Bradley Whitford, joins the series as Grace's husband Todd. With so much talent in the cast, each character shines, creating a nuanced and realistic world where no one is fully good or evil. With a combination of compelling characters and twist-filled seasons, The Diplomat is an irresistible binge.
