"The Diplomat" Season 2 was released on Netflix and is trending. This season is full of drama and obstacles that Kate has to face as the Ambassador of the United Kingdom. This series features Kerri Russell as Kate Wyler and Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler. This season consists of six episodes and is for a mature audience only due to language.
This season follows the challenges Kate faces after a car bomb explosion, where her husband Hal was severely injured. She returns to intense international affairs even with the struggles she experiences after almost losing Hal and Stuart. This season is focused on the investigation involving the bombing of a British aircraft carrier. Kate, Eidra (Ali Ahn), and Dennison (David Gyasi) suspect that the true culprit is British Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear). However, things become more complicated as secrets come out that Trowbridge may not be responsible, but someone else within the British government.
Highs
The high point of this season is the tension between Kate and Austin Dennison, the Foreign Secretary. Their attraction to each other is not hidden. The tension grows as they become closer while flying to different countries together. Another high point is the bond between Kate and Hal; even when their marriage falls apart, they continue to support one another. Kate’s relationship with Hal is complicated, but he tries to repair what has been broken. Hal’s love for Kate is wholesome, and he cannot be with anyone who is not her. The marriage conflict between Hal and Kate and their performances are outstanding due to the nuance and tension.
The political escalations keep the audience intrigued by power plays and diplomatic disputes. The investigation into the bombing keeps the audience on their feet because of the thrill of finding out who the real culprit is. The plot twists in finding out the actual criminals behind this horrific bombing is shocking. This is a high, considering how the show presents the suspense and tension building.
Russell's performance portraying a strong woman in a position of power is beautifully done. Her character's style slowly develops from more messy to this woman in power suits. Her personality is brought out more when she becomes comfortable with her partners. Her friendship with Eidra is developing due to their shared interest in finding the truth behind the bombing. They trust each other, which is intriguing, considering Eidra was not Kate's most prominent fan last season.
The last high is the ending of the season, which leaves fans in absolute shock. This season leaves viewers on a cliffhanger, the season's biggest plot twist, creating a thrilling obstacle for Kate to face next season.
Lows
There were minimal lows this season of "The Diplomat." The main low is the unresolved romantic tension between Austin and Kate, which slowly slips away towards the end of the season. There could have been more depth between them as there is a hint of romance that might have happened during their trip to France, but was never pursued.
Another low point is Hal’s manipulation; he hides certain motives from Kate. His plans for Kate to become vice president are never revealed. He interferes with Kate’s career multiple times, which can be overdone. His motivations appear to be self-motivated rather than supportive of his wife.
Another low is Kate's disapproval of Hal becoming her “trophy wife.” When Hal decides to back off Kate’s career and political inquisitions, she does not see it. She believes Hal will always be selfish and have power. But when he backs off, she asks for advice and help, pulling him back into the political game.
The final low point is Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney) because of how fake she was towards Kate. She is power-hungry and acts like she doesn’t care about her spot as VP. Grace’s character has no background information on how she came into the White House and her true motives behind the walls.
Verdict
"The Diplomat" Season 2 is full of captivating plot twists. The shocking cliffhanger made this season unbelievable and left us yearning for more.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Mariam Fakhreddine is a film and theater reviewer for The Eastern Echo. She has worked as a news and features reporter for The Echo for two years.
