The Diplomat: Season 2 Review – Unravel the Thread

The Diplomat Season 2 is better than its predecessor. While I did miss the detours Season 1 had taken, allowing itself to breathe and give character development, this season is straight to the point. This sh*t is getting real. Fasten your seatbelts and strap in.

The Diplomat Season 2 was created by Debra Cahn and released on Netflix on October 24th 2024. For those who love politics may like to try out some tabletop gaming. Nicolas Frank Munro Turner went to the Dragonmeet covention to see what all the fuss was about.

In discussing The Diplomat for this review, I will try my best, but best be warn to avoid spoilers for Season 1 & 2.

Story: For the Glory of the Empire

Hopefully, that’s the only spoiler I’m giving you. Season 1 threw US Ambassador Kathryn Wyler, with husband Hal in tow, into a volatile situation when one of the United Kingdom’s aircraft carriers is attacked by unknown forces in the Persian Gulf. Hal was put in contact with an MP called Merritt Grove, but before they had the chance to talk, they are caught in an explosion on the streets of London, which also affects Stuart Heyford and Ronnie Buckhurst.

While The Diplomat Season 1 was more light-hearted, this decisive action at the end put Season 2 perspective into sharp focus. Season 2 is about figuring out who is responsible for the bombings and assessing the political implications for the United States and United Kingdom. It was a straightforward story for the layman but with the same snappy and fast paced directness from the previous season. There was also a heavier presence showing what the CIA do regarding operating procedure. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this, the set pieces were well done. I also enjoyed where the story went. They chose to point in one direction before going somewhere else and I appreciated the surprise.

Although not prevalent, I also appreciated the attention given to PTSD. The beginning of the show is very sobering. We don’t know who will survive, everything is done and said without music, making it seem very real life.

Not really a downside, but there is a lack of character development unlike season 1. I suppose relationships have already been established; the story is tightly focused on the target. The choice to make six episodes instead of the original’s eight works in its favour. It doesn’t have the time to meander.

Stuart & Hal try to deal with the physical & psychological aftermath of Season One’s ending

US Vice President Grace Penn

Allison Janney is an academy award winning actress and, being a big West Wing fan & biased here, she elevates the show, shifting its focus regarding its investigation. She steals every scene she is in and the way the show ends, it’s going to be very interesting and exciting moving forward to see where they go from here.

Allison Janney as Vice President Grace Penn add gravitas to the proceedings.

Characters & Performances: Very Strong

The Diplomat is an ensemble cast which works well together. Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell are more in sync this time, with Hal being less rogue and backing up Kate, giving her advice and being the emotional support needed to get the job done. Rufus does have more to work with than initially appears and is always good. Kate works more with Eidra Park, who I thought was good at being human. Since she is the CIA station chief, she has to overcome many obstacles: dealing with the fallout and her breakup with Stuart Hayford, tackling the bombing conspiracy, how to use her resources properly. The longer the show goes, the more strain you see put on her.

Celia Imrie as Margaret Roylin has a more prominent role this season and I liked her for what she brings. Rory Kinnear as Prime Minister Trowbridge again was good. Strong with the bluster and leadership, he could be indecisive but wasn’t afraid to ask for help. David Gyassi was also good as Austin Dennison. Again, there is more story and less character development, but that was fine.

The big shoutout naturally must go Allison Janney. I think everyone does a solid job and is enjoyable to watch but to see her back in action in a political show is a thrill for me. She honestly feels like she commands every scene she is in. You listen to every word she has to say. I don’t know about reverence, but there is respect shown to the character and her position. Grace Penn is shown to be incredibly smart, resourceful, graceful and perhaps the ultimate sin, prideful. She is integrated into the story and isn’t just there for show.

Kate discusses matters with Hal & Stuart on forming a plan on what to do next.

Cinematography & Sound: Excellent When Required

I particularly noticed from episode 2 that there is a scene in a Cathedral. They go all out. PM Nicol Trowbridge is walking back to his seat after noticing someone in the crowd after saying a eulogy. The camera is top down, showing him as a lone figure amongst the masses. Then the cameras shift widescreen as well as top down to display an effective switcheroo as we call it.

Naturally lots of the show was inside and on the outside of buildings. I really appreciated when they took to opportunity to showcase some of the buildings, the landscapes were impressive. As far as I know, they were allowed to use real life government buildings for lots of their set pieces. I appreciated seeing my native Scotland for a short while, looked stunning.

One noticeable aspect on The Diplomat Season 2 I appreciated was the lack of music. It was evident from the beginning. Serious things were happening, lots of people are talking so they made the conscious decision to play as little music as possible. I was fine with it, even though it’s noticeable. The music itself again was really good, small orchestra, string quartet.

One of the brief glimpses of the majesty of what is supposed to be Scotland. The scenery and locations shots were great.

Editing & Pacing: Excellent

The Diplomat Season 2 had six episodes so there was a lot to cram in. Therefore, most scenes were short and sharp. Very few were over three minutes. Everything kept moving along. Things that needed to be said were done so, move on. There is a lot of information to take in granted but it moves along so fast, the viewer is swept along with the tide. And the information usually is succinct enough to be intriguing and understandable at the same time. But it might not be for everyone.

Considering the pace of the show, as I said before, story took precedence over relationships. I enjoyed it and I’m not surprised Season 3 will also be six episodes.