The Diplomat

Keri Russell's performance here is nothing short of a revelation. Her characterization of American career diplomat Kate Wyler is a mesmerizing mash-up of strength, humor, intelligence, vulnerability and, oh my, sexiness. "The Diplomat" deftly caricatures the realm of international diplomacy and its denizens. And while the world hasn't yet descended to the chicanery of the storyline's plot, the wonderfully talented, diverse cast makes it easy to believe that most governments are overrun by people who never emotionally escaped middle school. This series looks good, sounds good, feels good -- it is sublimely fun and smart adult entertainment. All Netflix needs to do now is announce Season 2, and let Ms. Russell and company continue to work their magic.

You know those TV series where "the first episodes are a bit slow, but by the end of the second season you're hooked"? Well, The Diplomat is the other kind.

It starts with a bang (literally!) and we're quickly introduced to the Wylers; the rest of the cast follows suit, in a barrage of quick, witty dialogue, instead of wasting an episode to "introduce the characters".

There's good chemistry between Russell and Sewell; their husband and wife banter is well written. Every character is believable even if not necessarily likeable, and the plot is quick paced.

I know this is not real-life diplomacy, much like the 007 movies aren't documentaries: this series is entertainment, and I highly recommend it as such.

There's a moment, I think it was about mid-way through Season 1 of the series, that one of the sub-plots went slightly in a different direction than I had expected, and it was a good thing.

Otherwise, the dysfunctional relationships - both personal and professional - among the major characters somehow works and I like it. The writers did a good job of keeping the action tightly focused.

Both the characters and plots work. Sure, it's not very believable but it's fun and at times tense. "Madam Secretary" this is not; nor is it "Veep". And that's a very good thing.

I should also mention that the acting and dialogues are also quite good. The casting was well done. Are they believable? Again, no. But that's ok. Very fast I understood that this is a fantasy, not reality.

Netflix did a good job on this one. I'm really looking forward to Season 2. Please don't f--- it up.

The Diplomat has everything you want in a great series...it has comedy, drama, great acting and writing, etc, etc. The series is about a diplomat (Keri Russell) who has a new job as an ambassador to the United Kingdom after an international crisis happens when an aircraft carrier is attacked. She also has do deal with her husband (Rufus Sewell) who's already a political star and their rocky marriage. I liked this show so much I binged the entire eight episodes over the course of one weekend. It's been doing so good and it's been so well received that it's already gotten an early renewal for another season. I'll definitely be looking forward to watching that and seeing where this show goes.

This was so good I binged all 8 eps and started screaming in frustration at the tv when the last one ended. I would have happily sat and watched another 8 eps.

One of those rare gems where every character in the quality ensemble cast has a well-developed personality, where every plot twist, even the most complex, can be followed.

This is original, clever and really, really well made.

~~~~ Thats all I want to say but apparently I have to write 600 characters, which seems like a lot at this late time of night, especially after 8 hours solid of wonderful television when I really want to go and get some sleep.