**Contains spoilers for The Diplomat season 2.
“Damn! What’s next?” These will be the exact words coming out of you once you finish season 2 of The Diplomat — the series political aficionados are calling the most politically thrilling drama Netflix has ever streamed!
Without revealing any spoilers, all we can say is that Kate Wyler now knows the big picture and who she is up against: the most formidable foe ever. Season 2 is about uncovering the real enemy and all the pawns hired to bomb the British warship. As Kate Wyler deduces, it is not the Iranians, Russians, or the Brits themselves but someone close to home!
Season 2 leaves us on a cliffhanger: What will Kate do now? And for that, season 3 has already been renewed by Netflix. For those who need a recap, season 1 starts with Kate Wyler, smartly played by Keri Russell, sent to Britain as an ambassador of the US. A career move for which Kate was not willing. Still accompanied by her husband, Hal Wyler, another career diplomat, Kate takes the job. Tensions are at an all-time high between the US and Iran, and amidst that, someone bombs HMS Courageous, a British aircraft carrier. Naturally, fingers are pointed toward Iran, but a bigger conspiracy is concealed in all that rising smoke. Thrust into the spotlight, Kate maneuvers this international crisis, managing all the players in a high-stakes gamble, slowly absorbing and coming to terms with her position. Kate, as a good soldier, jumps in to be on the right side of history while managing her personal turmoils, a complicated marriage, and the ultimate ambitions of her cunning husband.
Season 2 introduces us to more characters in the political conspiracy, particularly Alison Janney’s portrayal of the US Vice President, Grace Penn. Penn is candid, motivated, and exudes a no-nonsense demeanor, which is a perfect foil to Kate’s strategic brilliance. By the end of the season, Penn is sworn in as President, and Kate is the most notable candidate for vice presidency. Season 3 will explore the tensions between these two as Kate moves against her formidable foe.
We are still not revealing spoilers, but we can tell our viewers they will enjoy the exchanges between Kate and Penn, which elevate every moment with layers of complexity and humanity. Watch this for the ultimate showcase of politics, power, and misplaced ideologies of a few in power, which have lasting consequences for nations and ordinary citizens like you and me.
In terms of writing, directing, and performances of the main cast, Season 2 is spot on. It currently has a 95% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Since premiering on Netflix on October 31, the second season has seen similar success to the first. Writing for Tudum, Tara Bitran says, “The first three minutes of The Diplomat Season 2 are a flurry of panic and details,” setting the pace for the whole season, which is explosive, to say the least.
Season 2 is a mosaic of stories. Kate and her cat-and-mouse with British PM, Nicol Trowbridge; Kate’s relationship with Dennison, the UK foreign secretary; Kate’s internal struggle, coming to terms with her becoming a VP; Hal, ably supporting her wife as she untangles the conspiracy; and Stuart and Eidra’s relationship are all key plot lines that will make you binge-watch it.
The Diplomat Season 2 takes some big imaginative liberties, which may not gel well with some critics, calling the drama a bit absurd and not something that can happen in real life. Still, the drama gets full points from us on all its twists, turns, and ‘what’s next’ moments that will hook you on!
In the comments, tell us how you liked The Diplomat Season 2 and mention any other show we should put on our watch list.
