As usual, one of the reviews of the first episode of a new show has already written it off. It's not funny. It's dull. It's the old instant gratification rag. Come on. Every show needs to present its characters, create a set of circumstances, and take it from there. I know that both principal characters are pretty edgy, but that's the way things are as we head into the serious stuff. The potential Vice President thing is certainly an overwhelming factor, but all the pomp and circumstance is just the world she is moving into, and it helps us see who she is and what her history is. Maybe this will be a bomb, but I seriously doubt it. It will be full of political intrigue, political stupidity, and a lot of wind. Can't wait.
10 Reviews
Politics is what you are going to get
Rajit_thebingewatcher20 May 2023
I begin with the apology ,for my lack of knowledge about the workings of diplomatic missions, especially those outside of the UK or USA. It is intriguing to see how things unfold in this context, much like how it is portrayed in this series
The pilot episode wastes no time in introducing the two main characters, Kate and Hal, who are both career diplomats with contrasting attitudes. What adds an interesting twist is that they are married to each other. The initial portrayal of their relationship allows the audience to anticipate how Hal's behavior, driven by his male ego, will constantly influence Kate's decisions and actions. This setup also hints foreshadowing future episodes, reminiscent of the style seen in "House of Cards". I sincerely hope that this promising beginning will not be marred by a disappointing conclusion, as was the case with "House of Cards". As individuals interested in understanding power dynamics and how our respective countries are perceived from a diplomatic standpoint, it is enjoyable for us to explore these themes in the series.
The pilot episode wastes no time in introducing the two main characters, Kate and Hal, who are both career diplomats with contrasting attitudes. What adds an interesting twist is that they are married to each other. The initial portrayal of their relationship allows the audience to anticipate how Hal's behavior, driven by his male ego, will constantly influence Kate's decisions and actions. This setup also hints foreshadowing future episodes, reminiscent of the style seen in "House of Cards". I sincerely hope that this promising beginning will not be marred by a disappointing conclusion, as was the case with "House of Cards". As individuals interested in understanding power dynamics and how our respective countries are perceived from a diplomatic standpoint, it is enjoyable for us to explore these themes in the series.
great dialogues, too many characters
JustHavingALook1 June 2023
I'm not a big fan of political intrigues and whatnot, but the solid team of producers, writers, directors and actors made me think this was going to be good.
And it is. Solid script, neat acting and storytelling. Love the production design too. London looks more beautiful than it actually is, at least in my own experience
We do care about the "ambassador" Kate, struggling to balance what she must do (moving to the UK on a seemingly PR gig) vs what she would like to do (going on the ground the middle east). She's the "good cop", noble intents and so on, while her husband might be the "bad cop" conspiring with different characters.
It's a lot of fun, edited quickly and in a meaningful way. Really solid show. It's the first time after I dont even know how long that the ending really surprises me.
Main issue, at least in this first episode: too many characters show up for a brief moment: complicated job titles and hierarchical procedures do not help. It might be realistic but it soon becomes really confusing. This is the reason for 6/10. You can watch it if you like the genre and clear about all the political forces at play
the negative reviews about her hair changing style are laughable. A door open, close and open again: hence passage of time.
And it is. Solid script, neat acting and storytelling. Love the production design too. London looks more beautiful than it actually is, at least in my own experience
We do care about the "ambassador" Kate, struggling to balance what she must do (moving to the UK on a seemingly PR gig) vs what she would like to do (going on the ground the middle east). She's the "good cop", noble intents and so on, while her husband might be the "bad cop" conspiring with different characters.
It's a lot of fun, edited quickly and in a meaningful way. Really solid show. It's the first time after I dont even know how long that the ending really surprises me.
Main issue, at least in this first episode: too many characters show up for a brief moment: complicated job titles and hierarchical procedures do not help. It might be realistic but it soon becomes really confusing. This is the reason for 6/10. You can watch it if you like the genre and clear about all the political forces at play
the negative reviews about her hair changing style are laughable. A door open, close and open again: hence passage of time.
Very Good
nebohr20 April 2023
The show is very well written, the characters are well-developed.
Fun, quirky musical score which is heavy on the cello, along with other woodwinds.
Glad to see Michael McKean back on the job. This time he plays US President Rayburn.
Both my wife and myself laughed out loud several times at the occasional humorous line; sometimes oddly phrased. Sometimes it's something completely unexpected, totally out of left field; to use American slang. You the viewer may want to turn on the closed captioning so as not to miss out.
Quite a few splendid views of London. Such a magnificent city. Such a magnificent people. And quite polite.
Quite the surprise ending.
Fun, quirky musical score which is heavy on the cello, along with other woodwinds.
Glad to see Michael McKean back on the job. This time he plays US President Rayburn.
Both my wife and myself laughed out loud several times at the occasional humorous line; sometimes oddly phrased. Sometimes it's something completely unexpected, totally out of left field; to use American slang. You the viewer may want to turn on the closed captioning so as not to miss out.
Quite a few splendid views of London. Such a magnificent city. Such a magnificent people. And quite polite.
Quite the surprise ending.
Intriguing/ Funny and Political
anewfieever1 June 2023
I love the story line, characters and even the concept. It was very well written.
I usually do not watch anything remotely related to politics. So I decided to give it a try and I was surprisingly intrigued and amused. It was really good!! I can't wait until season 2.. Keri Washington is superb in this. It was full off suspense, intrigue and some mild comedy! I think you would love this series!! I hope Netflix doesn't drop this one. Usually when a series is really good they tend to cancel it after 2 seasons.... The actors are superb!!
It is very similar to the series ( The House of Cards) which was a show I also loved!!
I usually do not watch anything remotely related to politics. So I decided to give it a try and I was surprisingly intrigued and amused. It was really good!! I can't wait until season 2.. Keri Washington is superb in this. It was full off suspense, intrigue and some mild comedy! I think you would love this series!! I hope Netflix doesn't drop this one. Usually when a series is really good they tend to cancel it after 2 seasons.... The actors are superb!!
It is very similar to the series ( The House of Cards) which was a show I also loved!!
Episode 1
bobcobb30122 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I think we all have been waiting for Keri Russell to find her next great TV role after The Americans ended. I am not sure if this is that, but she certainly does a good job in playing a slightly-more toned down version of Claire Danes' character on Homeland.
These political thriller/espionage shows often have too many twists and can get too absurd, so we'll see how things end up. So far I appreciate that they're trying to keep a sense of realistic international stories in the mix.
The main issue is the nonsensical affairs and hookups and love drama. I guess it wouldn't be a Netflix show without that though.
These political thriller/espionage shows often have too many twists and can get too absurd, so we'll see how things end up. So far I appreciate that they're trying to keep a sense of realistic international stories in the mix.
The main issue is the nonsensical affairs and hookups and love drama. I guess it wouldn't be a Netflix show without that though.
Straight or not?
JuliaAzaleaSthlm22 April 2023
Every other scene Keri Russel goes from having casual messy wavy hair to flat ironed. Unfortunately the haircut inconsistency affects the overall quality of the series.
I do like Keri and her character Kate Wyler and the premise of the episode. It's an upbeat tempo with a non realistic timeframe for everything that happens the Wyler couple, a pinch of British dry humor with a touch of Hollywood glow. The closeness to The White House always adds a certain air of thrilled-importance even if it is a cheap shot. This isn't not the next Homeland but entertaining enough so let's see where this is going.
I do like Keri and her character Kate Wyler and the premise of the episode. It's an upbeat tempo with a non realistic timeframe for everything that happens the Wyler couple, a pinch of British dry humor with a touch of Hollywood glow. The closeness to The White House always adds a certain air of thrilled-importance even if it is a cheap shot. This isn't not the next Homeland but entertaining enough so let's see where this is going.
WHY DOES HER HAIR CHANGE @24:19-25:28 & Again @ 26:31 it changes AGAIN? 😂
rjccmb7 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Please tell me? Where is the Consistency in Filmimg this episode ? They obviously totaled the scene after her hair was straightened and shortened AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT WAS THROWN BY THAT? It was obvious enough to distract me... How did this get an 8.2 Rating Woth that ALONE... call me petty but where is the consistency needed for the flow without a break up of Distraction??? ANYONE ELSE CATCH THAT
ALSO the jury is still Way out on an opinion of this show, too early as I'm only in episode 1 but if I can catch the error, where the hell are the people who are suppose to monitor this? Sorry but that little thing is slightly irritating enough for me to write this review...
boring, dated, unfunny
deadtv122 April 2023
Confused by the positive reviews after watching the pale, bloodless letdown of a first episode.
Keri Russell often stars in interesting stuff, so we thought we'd give this a go in a time when Netflix is being rather stale.
Turns out this was in fact the perfect example of this staleness. We barely made it to the end of the episode, hoping for a crumb, a little bit of spice, anything..
Sorry, there's no way I can say this diplomatically: this show has nothing. Nothing grabs you. The jokes are so limp they would've been better off left out entirely. None of the characters offer anything of substance. The whole episode was drab and pointless.
Keri Russell often stars in interesting stuff, so we thought we'd give this a go in a time when Netflix is being rather stale.
Turns out this was in fact the perfect example of this staleness. We barely made it to the end of the episode, hoping for a crumb, a little bit of spice, anything..
Sorry, there's no way I can say this diplomatically: this show has nothing. Nothing grabs you. The jokes are so limp they would've been better off left out entirely. None of the characters offer anything of substance. The whole episode was drab and pointless.
A Wonderful New Ambassador!
lavatch9 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This enormously disappointing opening episode to the series "Diplomat" was flat and uninspiring. It played much like a Noel Coward comedy of manners.
Katie Wyler has been assigned to the post of Ambassador to the Court of King James. At a moment of crisis when a British air craft carrier was targeted in the Middle East, Katie is sent to England for honorific purposes to honor the deceased.
Despite the look of the film and the exiting locations, it sounded as if the actors were simply reading their lines. Katie's husband Hal tags along and plays the role of disruptor of her mission.
The salty language was not enough to carry the first episode or warrant viewing any other program in what could have been a vehicle for Mr. Grant and Miss Hepburn in the 1930s.
Katie Wyler has been assigned to the post of Ambassador to the Court of King James. At a moment of crisis when a British air craft carrier was targeted in the Middle East, Katie is sent to England for honorific purposes to honor the deceased.
Despite the look of the film and the exiting locations, it sounded as if the actors were simply reading their lines. Katie's husband Hal tags along and plays the role of disruptor of her mission.
The salty language was not enough to carry the first episode or warrant viewing any other program in what could have been a vehicle for Mr. Grant and Miss Hepburn in the 1930s.
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