The Diplomat becomes the show it was always meant to be in season 3

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*Warning – Contains major spoilers for The Diplomat season 3 episodes 1-3*

As a fan, I’ve definitely heard that excuse before! You know, how some shows start a little slow, and people always say, “Just stick with it, it really finds its footing after a season or two”? It’s so common – a lot of great series need time to really hit their stride.

A common criticism of Netflix is that it cancels original shows too quickly, before they have a chance to build an audience and prove themselves.

It’s not uncommon for a TV show to have a rocky start. A good example is the American version of ‘The Office,’ which initially tried too hard to copy the British show before discovering its own unique style.

Some creators take a slow-burn approach, carefully building their story and working through initial setup before reaching the core idea they want to explore for a sustained period.

The show *The Diplomat* truly embodies this trend, and after three seasons, it feels like the perfect moment for its conclusion.

Many people started watching The Diplomat right away and enjoyed its dramatic, over-the-top take on political life. I didn’t share that initial enthusiasm.

The first season felt both excessive and strangely boring, but the second season found its footing, becoming much funnier and delivering more exciting twists.

Okay, so season 3 just dropped, and honestly, I’m thrilled! It’s not *exactly* what I pictured when I first started watching the show, but it’s become something truly special. It feels like a perfect evolution of the previous seasons, while also managing to be completely fresh – and it all comes down to this one incredible twist. It really took the show in a direction I didn’t see coming, and it *works*.

I’m not referring to the shocking season 2 finale – the president’s death during a phone call with Hal, which was a classic example of the show’s mix of humor and serious moments.

Okay, so I was totally shocked by the season 3 premiere! I mean, everyone – and I really mean *everyone* – thought Kate was going to be the VP. We’d been building up to it for seasons! But then, boom! The new president, Grace Penn, chooses Hal instead. It was such a crazy twist, and honestly, I did not see it coming at all!

This twist is completely unexpected and shocking, but after you’ve had time to process it, it actually makes perfect sense.

Hal wouldn’t fit the show’s environment – he’s manipulative and only cares about himself. Kate, on the other hand, is a naturally skilled diplomat who could excel in this position. However, this change is good for the series as a whole, essentially rebooting it with a fresh direction.

If someone asked you what ‘The Diplomat’ is about before season 3, you’d probably say it’s a political drama centered on the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom. You could mention her difficult marriage, but that’s a bit of a side story for casual conversation.

For someone really interested in politics, like myself, the show seemed promising, but it just didn’t feel realistic or detailed enough to truly satisfy that audience.

If you were to describe the show after its first three seasons, it’s about the American ambassador to the UK dealing with international crises and, at the same time, navigating a failing marriage with her husband, the Vice President. That storyline alone sounds really compelling, even if you’re not interested in politics.

The show is hitting its stride, successfully combining personal drama with the larger political story. The connection between Kate and Hal has always been strong, and now it’s deeply intertwined with the main plot, raising the stakes considerably. Whether this was the original intention of creator Debora Cahn or not, it feels like a natural and well-planned development.

Honestly, seeing Kate’s marriage really fall apart early in season 3 actually opened things up for her in a good way. It meant her new romances felt much more fast-paced and engaging than that whole thing with Austin, which always felt a little slow and stretched out.

Although that dynamic is still present, the season 3 trailer reveals Kate will also have a brief romantic connection with Callum, played by Aidan Turner.

This creates new obstacles for both global negotiations and the characters’ personal relationships, while also letting the show explore its more passionate storylines in a way that feels meaningful and engaging.

As expected, Allison Janney appears in more episodes this season and plays a larger role in the main storyline.

I’ve always loved Michael McKean, but his character Rayburn felt like a fun cameo, appearing now and then without really driving the story. With Grace, though, it’s different. Her role is so central, and it gives us a real inside view of how things work in Washington – it’s fascinating!

The character is compelling because she’s clearly flawed from the start. While she tries to explain her actions, the audience is aware of what she did concerning the HMS Courageous, which prevents her from seeming like a simple or predictable ‘president’ figure.

We’re seeing a person determined to achieve her goals, constantly battling to protect both her career and her liberty, especially if a hidden truth about her were to be revealed.

Bradley Whitford is a welcome addition to the cast. While his role isn’t huge this season, he’s incredibly likable on screen, and his great rapport with Janney makes any scene they share enjoyable.

What’s really remarkable is how the show continues to make Kate a compelling and central character, especially considering three of her former colleagues now hold the highest offices – president, vice president, and prime minister.

Rory Kinnear continues to deliver outstanding performances, and he’s fascinating to watch. He plays his character with a compelling mix of unpredictability and transparency – it’s a quality many viewers might recognize from real-life politicians. Even though he doesn’t have as much screen time this season, he still makes a strong impression.

The show’s beautiful visuals, combined with its excellent production quality, make for a truly captivating third season. Expect plenty of surprising twists, relatable personal stories, and exciting political intrigue.

It’s true, the show isn’t flawless. I haven’t found myself very invested in the continuing stories of either Ali Ahn’s character, Eidra, or Ato Essandoh’s Stuart, though Stuart’s storyline is a little more developed this season.

The biggest change has definitely been in the relationship between Kate and Hal. His rise to power, her decision to stay on as ambassador, and the problems that caused in their marriage have dramatically altered their dynamic.

Throughout the series, Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell have consistently delivered strong performances, evolving and deepening their characters. They began as the main draw for the show, and now they’re surpassing expectations, with their scenes together being particularly impressive.

Let’s be honest: if you stopped watching *The Diplomat* during its first season, it’ll be tough to get you invested now. The show really finds its footing in season 3, so catching up might not be worth it if you weren’t enjoying it before.

If you’ve been watching since the beginning – whether you were a dedicated fan or just curious to see how things would develop – you’re in for a treat with season 3. It’s going to be amazing!

The first two seasons laid the necessary groundwork for the show, and I acknowledge they were important for getting us to this point. But *The Diplomat* truly feels like the series it was always intended to be, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the creators have planned for season four.

You can now watch season 3 of The Diplomat on Netflix. The first two seasons are also available, and a subscription starts at just £5.99 per month. Netflix is also accessible through Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

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2025-10-16 10:36