The series is extraordinarily smart, it understands the value of comedy within a dramatic context and it moves at a hell of a clip. ... “The Diplomat” is the best in its class.

The pleasure of The Diplomat, Netflix’s zippy new geopolitical drama, is how enticingly it ties together tropes and tricks from shows gone by, a TV bouquet that’s undeniably familiar and yet still seems fresh.

It’s intelligent and soapy and loopy all at once, a show of many influences that nonetheless walks at its own weird gait.

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.

It’s an extremely talky show. ... Luckily, the creators hired an ensemble of performers to make this kind of intellectual discourse genuine. So even as “The Diplomat” circles the same drains of dissent and diplomacy, it remains interesting for anyone intrigued by what makes the political world tick.

The supporting cast is solid, from Sewell’s smarmy Hal on down. The show has a mild sense of humor that can alleviate some of the seriousness. But there’s nothing about the show that makes it a buzzy must-watch.

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.

A smart show in an age of simplistic dross, and one with a convincing air of authenticity. The plot is almost real-time in its references to current events, and people with a solid knowledge of American foreign affairs may recognize some of the real-world people that clearly influenced the creation of the the main characters. The acting is excellent, and the production quality seamless. I was quite quite annoyed to realize that I had just watched the season finale.

I just think it can be more organised and providing more details to the viewers. The acting is good though. (I would like to give a 6.5 out of 10).Season 2 is coming soon and I hope it would be better.

I really wanted to like this show and on one hand I did. The acting is strong as are the characters. The story is well thought out and believable. **** **** is a girl boss parade and eventually it just got unbearable to watch. Almost every lead character is female and just top notch at their job. While all the men are incompetent, misogynistic, easily manipulated and useless....including the President and Prime Minister. I made it through three episodes but can't take any more. If you are female and in need of an empowerment injection or a man low on testosterone, you'll probably love this series.

I understand that displaying a hard working strong-willed female character who does not wash her hair is forward thinking, but then she is also consistently abrasively attacking anyone who can help her, repeatedly betraying the one person who seems to genuinely appreciate her talents, and then going back to the man who obviously lies and manipulates her multiple times per day. The protagonist's defining leadership characteristic seems to be talking down to everyone who does not immediately agree with her point of view and want to do her bidding. She just does not seem to develop. The rhythm of these exchanges is so consistent and repetitive it becomes comedic, so it was sort of fun to predict the ups and downs of each conversation. Her: "You are stupid, I was in the trenches! Children dying before my eyes!" Other: "Gosh that would be breaking the rules!" Her: "Well the rules were made by idiots! Now do it my way!" There is a good amount of time spent showing her shoving food in her face like an animal (why?) and quite a bit of allusion to her not bathing consistently. I guess that does happen and I would also be critical if she was perfect, gorgeous, well mannered and well dressed at all times, but it seems really overdone and unrealistic. We get it! These things are not her priority! There are a few oddly out of place scenes in later episodes that seem to be attempting to show the characters attending to the little things in life in awkward ways (they are still just people I guess!), one being a midnight "raid" by husband and wife on the kitchen pantry as if they had not eaten in years. Such fun and frivolity! Cramming pies and tarts in our faces with no utensils!! You scoundrels, still just kids at heart! Ugh, so very forced and out of place. Finally the supposed undeniable attraction between the main character and another central character (whom she has betrayed professionally multiple times to get her way) really has no chemistry whatsoever. It does not make sense, feels really forced, and when they are physically close to each other I actually cringe... it seems like the actors both are not feeling it.

It's ridiculous to score a show like this 0 (0r 10) out of 10. It's not incompetent and it's also not in any way witty or original. What it is, is a really mediocre show with predictable characters, stupid storylines and a central premise and character that are no where near as cute or clever as the writers seem to believe. This is Aaron Sorkin lite; it fails as comedy or satire and it fails as espionage. I have no idea why it's getting such good reviews.