Thursday 27 April 2023

The Diplomat (2023 Creator Debora Cahn)

Eight part Netflix series about an American war-experienced ambassador (Keri Russell, The Americans, Waitress) who's sent to London following the bombing of a British aircraft carrier. Finds it a frustrating experience, particularly with machinating husband Rufus Sewell butting in.

By four I have warmed up to this strong-willed woman, who can even make the President see sense. Everyone is starting to respond more warmly to her.

Ali Ahn (CIA), David Gyasi (Defence Secretary), Ato Essandoh (Ambassador's No. 2), Rory Kinnear* (good as arsehole PM), Michael McKean (President), Georgie Henley (the Narnia films), Penny Downie (efficient head of ambassador's residence), Pearl Mackie, Celia Imrie.

I like the little device that she won't eat, so her husband keeps leaving half finished food around so she'll have some.

Has a sudden shocking ending in which she concludes that the Russian mercenary who bombed the aircraft carrier was hired by the PM; and in some strange sub-story, someone her husband was keen to meet is blown up in a car bomb (to 'The Great Gig in the Sky').

Cahn was a prominent writer / producer on The West Wing (now that makes sense), Grey's Anatomy, Vinyl, Fosse/Verdon and Homeland.



* He's a tricky customer, Kinnear. I'm not sure he's ever been better than in Southcliffe, but if you don't rein him in he can go too far, like Man Up.

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