The Diplomat (2023)

The third season of The Diplomat is the very definition of a breakneck binge bonanza. It’s also the most sensationally entertaining political drama since The West Wing.

The Diplomat’s narrative tightens in season two with a precision that rewards close attention while leaving just enough mystery to keep you wanting more.

The final two episodes see us hurtle towards a startlingly similar conclusion to last season, and there are moments where it begins to drag. But, on the whole, The Diplomat remains a treat.

After a slightly turgid opening episode, The Diplomat becomes a hugely enjoyable ride and, while Russell rules the show, everyone around her is a brilliant addition and support.

Intertwining the dueling demands of idealism and pragmatism with the equally pressing interpersonal dynamics that inevitably shape realpolitik outcomes. It makes for a rich stew of international intrigue and rolled-up-sleeves diplomatic finagling, all held together by a talented ensemble.

Janney is this series’ saving grace, because until her arrival things are too gloomy. There is also too much of a focus on the romantic relationship between Stuart and Eidra, the deputy chief of mission and the CIA station chief, because only devotees of the show will give a fig about them. And stick around for the final scene, which sets us up for series three. It’s a corker.

A few episodes in, The Diplomat feels laboured and dated. If you want to watch people standing in posh rooms pointlessly arguing and furthering British stereotypes, you’re better off sticking on a Downton Abbey repeat.

For fans of House of Cards. Although it has a more serious tone, the romantic dynamics add a touch of unlikely, unreal fantasy. But it's greatly written, and the cast is MAGNIFICENT!

It's basically the Netflix version of "Madame Secretary" except the times it's trying to be "House of Cards".

Watched the first season and found it too Sorkin-esque for my taste. Would have preferred more depth in the characters and less of the labored banter that sounds nothing like real people talk.

First season, first episode, first scene: "We built something with thousands of soldiers in Kabul." Seems to be a comedy.

Mixed bag. Throws at you believable international political scenario (which is interesting) and two main great actors (really great!), but then 'netflixize' it to adjust to some kind of algorithm to please everyone watching. So the diplomats innerworkings become unrealistic soon enough and office melodrama becomes tiring and uninteresting. Plot twists becomes just silly. Promising show wants to be everything in one and in the end becomes diluted. Surprised some critics claim it's 'extraordinary smart' (Chicago Tribune) or 'rich stew' (San Frrisco Chronicle) - did we really lower our expectations so much or that's just nexus of critics and producers helping each other here? It's serviceable fun sometimes, but really helps you can fast forward scenes - otherwise would be too dull and painful to watch. If it's really extraordinary smart, rather 'new smart', nothing else.