The Diplomat Recap: The Twist Ties That Bind

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The most powerful moment in “Last Dance at the Country Club” isn’t the ending, which echoes the film *Casablanca*, but a short, heartbreaking conversation between Kate and Stuart. When Kate realizes Stuart doesn’t know the details of her new position – the budget or who he’d report to – he declines her offer to join her as Special Envoy to Europe. He simply states he’s been working towards becoming an ambassador for 20 years. Kate’s soft, regretful reply, “Yeah, me, too,” is incredibly moving. It makes you want to reach into the screen and urge her to pursue her own ambitions, to actually *do* what she’s always wanted.

I understand Hal’s sense of obligation and how his years of experience have shaped his thinking. Those things matter. But I’m struggling with why he won’t simply acknowledge the pain this is causing and decline the vice presidency. He claims he won’t accept the position unless she wants him to, and that he’ll follow her wishes, but he must realize Kate won’t ask him to give up such a significant opportunity. It’s a crucial role, especially given the current challenging and risky political climate. He knows it’s hurting her, and yet he seems unable to act.

If Hal is serious about becoming Vice President, he needs to find Kate a powerful and important position. He excitedly tells Nora, Grace’s current and future chief of staff, that Kate deserves a major role, like negotiating a peace deal for Yemen or becoming Secretary of State. Kate rightly points out that he’ll need to negotiate for whatever he wants, and Nora isn’t the one who can grant it. He’ll have to deal with Billie, Grace, or both, and he does, leveraging Billie’s knowledge of Grace’s involvement in the *Courageous* bombing to secure a promising title for Kate: Special Envoy to Europe. While it sounds good – a great story and open funding – Stuart gently reminds him that potential means nothing without concrete numbers and approval. A written budget is essential, and it needs to be clear who will provide the funds and oversee the position before anyone should make a change.

The team continued dismantling the office, but the work felt pointless when Eidra learned that Margaret Roylin had taken her own life. They had just approved her request for asylum in the U.S., and Eidra knew she had to inform Trowbridge officially, and quickly. She was struggling with *how* to tell him that a British citizen had died by suicide inside a CIA safe house she wasn’t authorized to be in. This was a difficult situation, because Trowbridge’s reaction – and who delivered the news – would likely determine whether Eidra kept her job. It was a tough spot, as everyone would understand the Second Lady couldn’t be held responsible for such a terrible outcome.

Kate broke the news to Trowbridge and Dennison about as gracefully as possible – which wasn’t very graceful at all. She followed the announcement with the news of her own upcoming departure. Her goodbye to Dennison was formal and reserved, with a lot left unsaid but clearly understood between them. Similar to her conversation with Stuart, he questioned if she truly wanted to leave and follow Hal to D.C., and her straightforward reply – that she consistently made this choice – was almost as impactful as what she’d told Stuart.

I want to revisit Kate Wyler, who really needs some friends, whether she’s a real person or a character. Why can’t she continue as ambassador to the United Kingdom? As of yesterday, she and Hal were still getting divorced, but she enjoys the job despite its challenges. It actually fulfills a promise they made each other back in 2010 while secretly dating in Baghdad: he was offered a position in Vienna, and after arguing about it, they decided to marry and support each other’s careers. Like many couples in the State Department, they planned to follow each other from assignment to assignment, sharing equally in their careers. However, it’s turned out that Kate has mostly followed Hal. She’s done good work, but becoming a true ambassador has shown her what she’s capable of, and Hal becoming Vice President would hinder her professional and personal growth.

It would really help if Kate just told Hal what she’s thinking. He seems confused, and it’s strange because he already knows what’s bothering her. Plus, why did Grace ask him to be her running mate? Hal claims it’s about trying to balance the ticket, which he dislikes, but it’s clear there’s a real issue with sexism at play. Kate believes Grace chose him because he’s presentable and avoids taking sides, though I think he’s more neutral than completely uninterested in politics. The problem is, we haven’t heard anything directly from Grace, and I doubt we ever will.

Stuart, noticing how upset Kate is about leaving London and taking on the role of Second Lady, suggests she simply add those responsibilities to her current position and stay put. While it’s a sensible idea, Kate seems determined to go. However, at the airport, as they prepare to board Air Force One, a series of heartfelt goodbyes give her pause. She receives honey from the Winfield bees, her security officer Byron quietly expresses his sadness, Eidra offers a traditional Irish farewell, and Stuart gives her a comforting, signature hug. In the end, Kate realizes she can’t bring herself to leave, even with cherished memories of dancing with Hal in Baghdad. It seems Kate Wyler will remain the Ambassador, with the added title of Second Lady!

Intrigue and Crumpets

• Note to self (and to everyone): Rewatch Casablanca, that’s the stuff!

Everyone’s wondering if Kate and Hal will get divorced. While it might help Kate grow as a person to have less contact with him, they seem unable to let go of each other. Kate often thinks about their past, and she still carries the twist tie from her first engagement ring in her wallet – which makes a divorce seem unlikely.

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2025-10-16 13:55