Great Binge Watch, But Yet Another Cliffhanger?
I love The Diplomat. Four seasons in, I’m still completely hooked on the political manoeuvring, the wonderfully complicated characters, and the constant suspicion that nobody is telling the whole truth.
I binge-watched season four over the weekend, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint in terms of pace.
Keri Russell is as good as ever as Kate Wyler, juggling international crises, an increasingly complicated marriage, and political decisions that get more outrageous by the minute.
Rufus Sewell remains a delight as her husband Hal, a man whose considerable political talents are matched only by his ability to make life difficult for everyone around him.
Allison Janney adds another layer of intrigue as President Grace Penn, and the power struggles are deliciously entertaining. The dialogue is sharp, the relationships are messy, and the twists keep coming.
I do think the writers have taken a bit of a sidestep when it comes to credibility. Some developments stretch belief, even allowing for the extraordinary world of international politics. But the performances are so good, and the storytelling moves so quickly, that I’m quite happy to go along for the ride.
My one real complaint is the ending. Once again, we’re left hanging, waiting for another season to find out what happens next. Surely we could resolve at least one major storyline before the credits roll?
Still, despite my frustration, I’ll be back for season five. Preferably with all the episodes available at once, a free weekend, and an ending that actually answers a few questions.
Hugely entertaining, occasionally implausible, and frustratingly reluctant to give us a proper ending.
Our Rating: 4/5
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