I Got Into The Diplomat Solely For Season 3’s Upcoming West Wing Reunion, But There Are Definitely Reasons I Should Have Been Watching Already

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For over two decades, Aaron Sorkin’s groundbreaking show “The West Wing” with President Jed Bartlet and his team has remained one of the most captivating TV series to revisit. Learning that Season 3 of “The Diplomat,” airing later this year, will reunite Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford was enough to pique my interest. I’ve just finished Season 1 on Netflix, and I can’t help but regret not discovering this captivating series sooner.

For me, watching The West Wing is like coming home to a familiar and comforting place. The sharp, rapid-fire dialogue crafted by Aaron Sorkin, brought to life by talented actors playing characters with noble intentions who strive to make the world a more positive place, is hard to beat. Although The Diplomat doesn’t quite match that level of idealism, it’s an exciting journey that I wish I had experienced sooner.

Allison Janney And Bradley Whitford Playing Spouses Excited Me As A West Wing Fan

In simpler terms, I’ve delved quite deeply into the political TV show genre, appreciating series such as Scandal, Veep, and House of Cards. However, I’ve never managed to watch every single one available. Keri Russell’s series The Diplomat has often been on my list alongside shows like The Americans and Designated Survivor, things I believed I would enjoy, but they haven’t always been a top priority for me.

Suddenly, “The Diplomat” moved straight to the top of my watchlist. Allison Janney’s involvement in Season 2 piqued my interest, but when I heard Bradley Whitford was joining for Season 3, as her character’s husband no less, well, that clinched it for me. As a film enthusiast, these stellar cast additions were not to be missed!

After utilizing my Netflix membership, I’ve binged through the initial 8-episode season, and though none of the “The West Wing” cast members have made an appearance as of yet, I am completely hooked on this thriller featuring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell.

The Diplomat Has Some Similarities To The West Wing, But It’s Great In Its Own Way

In terms of The Diplomat, I’d rather avoid disclosing any plot details. However, the narrative revolves mainly around the character of Keri Russell’s Kate Wyler, who finds herself appointed as the U.S. ambassador to the UK, following a tragic attack on a British aircraft carrier that resulted in numerous deaths. Unbeknownst to her, she is also being considered for the position of Vice President of the United States.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must confess that certain scenes in this Netflix series strike me as reminiscent of “The West Wing.” When it comes to dissecting the complexities of global politics, these episodes mirror the intricate and intense discussions we witnessed in that iconic show. You’ll see phrases flying back and forth like bullets across a conference table, while crucial details are handed over briskly as I dash from one meeting to another, much like the walk-and-talk style of “The West Wing.”

What’s more, both series don’t shy away from injecting a healthy dose of humor into otherwise heavy or routine situations. It’s this clever balance that keeps me engaged and eagerly awaiting each new episode.

The show titled “The Diplomat” falls under the genre of thrillers. It is filled with unexpected plot twists, intricate political machinations hidden behind the scenes, and a dramatic cliffhanger at the end of Season 1 that leaves viewers hanging. Compared to some iconic cliffhangers in “The West Wing‘s history, I find myself leaning more towards experiencing fulfillment from witnessing legislation being passed rather than being left bewildered about who betrayed whom to trigger an international crisis.

Additionally, I’d put forth the opinion that there isn’t another connection within “The West Wing” as intricate, frustrating yet rewarding as the one shared by Kate Wyler and her (at times strained?) spouse, Hal.

The Diplomat Is Keri Russell’s Show, But Rufus Sewell Threatens To Steal It

Kate Wyler appears quite disheveled at times – she frequently spills food on her clothing, avoids giving speeches, and her hair seems unruly most of the time (Keri Russell’s hair truly steals the show, doesn’t it?). Occasionally, she doesn’t make much effort to conceal her hangover. I find her endearing, but Rufus Sewell’s performance as Hal is quite challenging to match.

As a seasoned movie critic, I found myself captivated by the character of Hal Wyler, a former U.S. ambassador with an intriguing past. Having publicly labeled the Secretary of State as a war criminal, he now finds himself politically handicapped yet undaunted in his pursuit of ambition. Remarkably, it seems that he is always three steps ahead of everyone else, devising strategies not just for the benefit of Kate, but more frequently for his own personal gain.

Just like Hal consistently outshines his wife in scenes, hinting at a possible regaining of power, Rufus Sewell sometimes overshadows Keri Russell. His lively presence makes each scene captivating because it’s hard to predict his intentions or the secrets he may be hiding, which might only come to light later on.

Kate has made up her mind to get divorced from Hal, but he is going along with it. Despite understanding that a divorce could jeopardize her chances of becoming VP, he still prefers to stay married. So, what are Kate’s feelings about this situation? It’s quite complex.

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Romances Add A Layer To The Diplomat’s Characters That The West Wing Lacked

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed that the dynamic between Kate and Hal sparks like wildfire, but my feelings for UK Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi) are equally intense. So far in the eight episodes I’ve watched, my character finds herself entangled in two potential romantic scenarios, which is quite unusual as The West Wing usually delved less into such romantic complications.

In simpler terms, while characters like Josh Lyman and Donna Moss, portrayed by Bradley Whitford and Janel Moloney, engaged in flirtatious behavior throughout the show, their relationship didn’t progress beyond that until late in the series. However, many viewers felt that their chemistry suffered after they eventually became a couple.

In my admiration, I occasionally grappled with the intriguing chemistry shared by me and the White House correspondent, Danny Concannon. I reasoned that this attraction could potentially breach professional boundaries, a conflict of interest indeed. Yet, we were blessed with captivating moments between Martin Sheen’s President Bartlet and the first lady, Abbey, played by Stockard Channing – moments that made me exclaim playfully, “I accuse you, my little cheese!

As a cinema enthusiast, I found the intricate way relationships were woven into the fabric of The Diplomat to be absolutely captivating. It’s not just about Hal uncovering the chemistry between his wife and the UK foreign secretary; he also becomes aware of Deputy Chief of Mission Stuart Heyford’s relationship with the CIA station chief, adding yet another layer of complexity to the storyline. This multiple-strand interplay keeps viewers engaged and curious throughout the film.

The Cast Is Incredible, And I Haven’t Even Seen Allison Janney Or Bradley Whitford Yet

Without a doubt, it’s not necessary but I’ll still mention it – The outstanding ensemble cast of The Diplomat is undeniably one of its major draws. Keri Russell was even nominated for a 2025 Emmy Award, following her recognition the previous year. Joining her are Rory Kinnear as the prime minister, Michael McKean as the president, and many more talented actors. It’s evident that Allison Janney and Bradley Whitford would seamlessly fit into this impressive cast too.

I found it amusing that “The West Wing” was the one that prompted me to press play on “The Diplomat”, and I was hooked on the show before either of the two characters played by Aaron Sorkin even appeared. Debora Cahn, the showrunner, may have been concerned that casting Whitford would make her show a “West Wing” cover band, but I believe there are many more people like me who will discover “The Diplomat” because of that connection.

I’m really looking forward to catching Season 3 on Netflix, which is set to air on October 16 in 2025. After finishing the second season’s six episodes, I definitely plan to tune in. My interest isn’t solely due to the West Wing reunion – I genuinely enjoy the show itself too!

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2025-09-10 14:11