The Diplomat Recap: She Did What?

As a seasoned political analyst with years of experience under my belt, I must say that this latest episode was nothing short of riveting. The dynamic between Kate and Trowbridge, and their meeting with Dennison, felt like watching a master magician at work – akin to discovering the genius of Ricky Jay for the first time.


Astute television spectators are aware that the most thrilling events usually happen in the second-to-last episodes, and the dynamic changes in relationships serve as the main driving force for “The Diplomat“. However, the rapid succession and intensity of these shifts in “Our Lady of Immaculate Deception” could potentially push the dramatic tension to its peak. Let’s delve into this further.

Whereabouts is Margaret Roylin? She’s no longer in immediate risk of fatal bleeding but might need hospitalization, an option Roylin vehemently opposes due to perceived danger. She hasn’t confessed or provided names, yet fears about the scandal spreading and damaging both Trowbridge’s career and the U.K.’s unity persist since she requires a blood transfusion and possibly a head scan. Eidra is hesitant to return Roylin to the London safe house, but Trowbridge’s unwillingness to take custody until he fully understands the government conspiracy keeps this plan in motion. Even after a cocktail hour, dinner, and some time for reflection, Trowbridge remains as emotionally charged as when he was choking her and accusing her of murder. It seems unlikely that they will reconcile anytime soon.

After realizing that Kate was aware of more than he was throughout their ordeal, including the attack on HMS Courageous and the London bombing, Trowbridge becomes hostile towards her, launching a series of accusatory remarks at her. He suggests she lured him into a trap with Roylin to implicate him in a government conspiracy, calling him a mass murderer when he praised her quick thinking. Unable to dispute these claims, the situation worsens when Kate attempts to speak briefly with Dennison as he departs for London. His dismissive remark, “you’ve done quite enough, Ambassador,” translates into everyday language as “go away and die, you foolish and possibly dangerous woman.” This is a harsh blow, and it seems that things can only get worse for Kate as she hopes the situation will improve tomorrow.

After a brief sleep, one might ponder how simpler things could be, but suddenly, an unexpected development in Eidra’s briefing to Langley regarding Roylin has stirred up enough international complications to prompt Grace Penn (Allison Janney) to abruptly switch her scheduled visit to Bethesda for a swift trip across the Atlantic. Her purpose is to support the British during this challenging period.

Regarding Kate, she’s ready to present to the VP but seems more ruffled than usual – upon leaving Marine Two and approaching Winfield, they spotted Penn on the lawn, and even at a distance, it was clear from her gestures that she’s aware of Kate being considered for her role. After some initial awkward exchanges, they manage to find their rhythm, with each finding the other intriguing. Penn is puzzled as to why everyone turns to Kate when there’s intelligence to share and isn’t entirely convinced by her claim that it’s due to proximity and teamwork. On the other hand, Kate is fascinated by Penn’s understanding of the severe, long-term risks to European democracy if Scotland manages to break away from the U.K.

In this series, The Diplomat skillfully manipulates its audience by intertwining history with its actors. With Allison Janney joining the cast, the historical element has reached new heights. As I watch, I can’t help but see similarities between Kate Wyler and Elizabeth Jennings, played by Keri Russell in The Americans. It’s intriguing to recall Rufus Sewell’s rogue characters from the past, only to discover that his character Hal Wyler is so devoted to Kate that he struggles with attraction towards any other woman.

In simpler terms, Penn guides Trowbridge through an intriguing transformation during his encounter with him and Dennison, which leaves us both uneasy and captivated. Kate adopts a passive role, remaining silent and observant as she subtly smoothes over any rough edges in Trowbridge, claims a supportive position he didn’t realize he needed, and hints at keeping the Lenkof affair under wraps to let it grow on its own. This is reminiscent of watching someone who enjoys magic tricks stumble upon the brilliance of Ricky Jay.

It appears that some individuals are content with the UK staying together despite a history of concealed conspiracy and violence. However, Austin Dennison is far from satisfied after his meeting with Winfield. He expresses his displeasure towards Kate and indicates that Roylin shouldn’t expect any support from the government. In Austin’s view, Kate should secure her own safety if she feels threatened, leaving us to wonder about her future well-being.

I’d been thinking that it’s possible that Dennison is too good for politics, but maybe he’s not such a cinnamon roll, after all. On the other hand, Kate seems to have moved immediately from a seemingly principled insistence on justice for the fallen to a pragmatic (or is it cynical? Potato, poTAHto) embrace of maintaining the status quo. If I were Dennison, learning that my professed ally is no longer in my corner, I’d probably be reeling and have a few choice words for her, too. I’m also very curious to see how Dennison’s current alliance with Trowbridge is going to play out. Trowbridge choosing not to relinquish his premiership keeps Dennison from advancing in government, and is Trowbridge’s commitment to anyone really rock solid?

The rest of the episode features anticipated scenes I’ve been eagerly waiting for this season: Penn and Kate delving into the intricacies of being a female vice-president, discussing visual language and role requirements. Later on, they engage in a deep conversation over drinks after dinner, where Kate decides to assist Penn in her fight to complete her term. Many viewers have been anticipating these developments, as last week’s two-minute sneak peek on YouTube showcases the moment when likely outgoing VP Grace Penn critiques Penn’s appearance, pointing out details like her electric fork-styled hair and the use of a paperclip to hold up her pants. This thorough critique is harsher than what Penn might face from an uninformed public regarding Kate’s image.

Most significantly, these encounters with Penn cause Kate to align completely with the VP’s stance. Keeping Trowbridge in office is crucial, and this talented, competent woman deserves to remain there too. Solidarity, hooray! However, Hal faces a challenge in convincing Kate – she needs to be persuaded: While it was the Lenkov Group that Roylin hired, the initiative to do so originated from Grace Penn.

Tea, Scones, and Intrigue

Mention Trowbridge’s reference to Leonard Stendig, the bomb-setter, as “a Brioni-wearing toad” – an apt insult that instantly evokes a mental picture of the renowned Italian fashion house’s most distinguished male client.

• Does the Secret Service team accompanying the president and vice president always carry a cooler of blood on standby for potential emergency transfusions? Is the blood type-specific, and if so, is it drawn from and stored for the principal protectee themselves? Do they all casually call it “The Blood”?

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2024-11-01 23:54