The Diplomat (2023)

Netflix | Release Date: April 20, 2023

6.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 29 Ratings

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EludiumQ36May 9, 2023

"The Diplomat" (S01, 8 eps, 43-55 mins, Netflix) is a really good political thriller. It's got all the big chess pieces, the US president, Secy of State, Ambassador to the UK, the UK prime minister, etc - though no royals, nope, not here."The Diplomat" (S01, 8 eps, 43-55 mins, Netflix) is a really good political thriller. It's got all the big chess pieces, the US president, Secy of State, Ambassador to the UK, the UK prime minister, etc - though no royals, nope, not here. There are several story threads in this pathetically short 8-ep season - yes, after four years of streaming, it's time to bring back 20+ episode seasons, not these dainty little larks that disappear in a wisp and may never come back or take their time after one or two years. Anyway, the main thread is on the world stage with a terror attack on a UK carrier which becomes a season long whodunnit. The pace is good, production values are good, it's a strong first season. But you know what I and others can't get past is that Keri Russell, who's the star and one of five exec producers, basically plays a man, and this is NOT an exaggeration. She ditches her femininity, hates dresses and blouses that show her top, talks in a deep voice, wears a scowl the entire time as she wears black pants/tops, refers to her husband who she basically hate/loves and is the former ambassador to UK, as "the wife" and even has HIM saying that! It's this CRAP that the viewing public can't stand being forced at them. But you know, even how sadly laughable all that is, it could've worked if she had stature, but she's a petite little 95-lb lady standing just over 5-ft totally overshadowed by all the other characters standing near 6-ft or taller. It's so absurdist. Again, fine show, would watch a sophomore season if/when it ever returns but the way she plays "Kate" detracts from what could've been an outstanding first season and is reflected in my "7" rating.… Expand

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matthewmirlianiApr 26, 2023

Solid political thriller that will help fill the hole left by Homeland and The Americans. Keri is excellent as always. It’s well-balanced with suspense and humor, and is extremely timely. The excellent finale will leave you wanting more.

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bertobellamyJun 3, 2023

A good political thriller with unexpected comedy here and there. The acting is on par with what you'd expect from a series like this. The central mystery involves you in the story from the beginning.

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Bigguy00May 23, 2023

Terrific dialog and pacing reminiscent of The West Wing (same writer). Some of the story lines are a bit far fetched, but still entertaining. The acting is first rate. I can only hope they have future episodes planned.

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Coagulant7795Jun 15, 2023

Although overreaching at times, most of its hits land, whether the stage it sets is a high stakes thriller, an office drama, or even a rom com.

Strong Sorkin undertones with fast paced, sharp dialog, which comes to little surprise sinceAlthough overreaching at times, most of its hits land, whether the stage it sets is a high stakes thriller, an office drama, or even a rom com.

Strong Sorkin undertones with fast paced, sharp dialog, which comes to little surprise since Debora Cahn is a West Wing/Homeland alum.

Russell and supporting cast are convincing, for the most part.… Expand

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FindwritersMay 14, 2023

Very entertaining show. Good writing with some nice slightly surreal humour thrown in - plus some great quick-fire verbal exchanges.

Top-notch acting from all concerned helps the scripts move along nicely. This shows owes a lot to "in theVery entertaining show. Good writing with some nice slightly surreal humour thrown in - plus some great quick-fire verbal exchanges.

Top-notch acting from all concerned helps the scripts move along nicely. This shows owes a lot to "in the thick of it" and "in the loop" in terms of inspirations.

Like everything though, it's far from perfect. The semi-serious political backdrop theme is stretching reality to breaking point and is arguably absurd. Of course, it may be intentionally so. However, a highly belligerent UK trying to suck the US into a gulf war is presumably trying to be ironic given recent history but as a storyline it doesn't quite work.

Quite a few of the UK politics portrayals seem to be essentially US political cultural norms just with UK actors, a Union Jack and British accents stuck on top. It's not quite convincing.

The big weakness though is the portrayal of the relationships(s). The ambassador and her husband have a relationship that's comically amusing but also slightly irritating and impossibly unlikely. The attraction between her and the UK minister (who had a wife that obligingly died just before things started - yes, that stale one has been wheeled out of storage again) is also awful and infantile. 1940s style "we've had two sips of whisky so are now instantly giggly & drunk just a few seconds after someone died in front of us and whoops, I've spilled some on your blouse so please let me wipe it off with a hanky thereby touching your breast..." Yawn - teenager level stuff really.

It's not very sophisticated penning and seems painfully out of context with the remaining writing which is pretty much excellent.

In spite of those few flaws, it's a celeverly crafted piece of work supported by some good acting. A welcome addition to the viewing list.… Expand

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