Netflix’s The Diplomat gives us The West Wing fans a dream reunion – and a very comforting realisation

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I used to work overnight shifts at the BBC, and after getting home around 7am, I’d try to fall asleep by watching episodes of The West Wing. Hearing the quick-witted conversations about politics and world affairs from characters like CJ, Josh, Sam, and Toby was incredibly comforting. It helped me relax knowing that, even as I was waking up, these smart, kind, and capable people were handling things on screen.

It feels like ages ago now, almost twenty years, since that show ended. And honestly, like so many other fans – we call ourselves Wingnuts, by the way – I’ve spent countless hours watching those characters live their lives on screen. You know, all the usual stuff: dodging bodyguards, making shady deals behind the scenes, and toasting success with fancy dinners. It’s been a real journey!

Over the past ten months, we’ve seen a lot of drama: Black Doves’ hired guns causing trouble for the government, the Prime Minister of Hostage facing an impossible choice between her country and her husband’s safety, and a Secret Service agent from Paradise wrongly accused of his president’s murder. Despite all this, no show has quite matched the clever writing and realistic portrayal of power seen in Aaron Sorkin’s best work – and many have certainly tried.

I initially worried that “The Diplomat” would be a lighthearted, overly simplified take on the US ambassador to London, filled with clichés and humorous misunderstandings of British culture. I pictured a bubbly character making silly mistakes. While Keri Russell’s character, Kate Wyler, does have some relatable awkwardness – messy hair, struggling with her clothes, and a potential romance with the British foreign secretary – the show hasn’t completely fallen into that predictable territory.

The show avoids feeling like a simple political fairytale thanks to several elements, especially the compelling dynamic and rivalry between the lead actress and Rufus Sewell, who plays the ambassador and her husband. While she’s newly appointed to her position, he’s a seasoned diplomat with powerful connections. Beyond their frequent arguments and dramatic clashes in their lavish home (clearly funded by a generous budget), the couple work together to cleverly navigate challenges from their staff, the CIA, American politicians, and the British Prime Minister – brilliantly portrayed by Rory Kinnear, who delivers many of the show’s funniest lines.

The show definitely isn’t realistic – it’s hard to believe one ambassador could attend so many high-level meetings involving people from the CIA and Russian intelligence. And things get even more unbelievable in season two with the addition of Allison Janney as the Vice President. Forget trying to accept it as plausible; fans of *The West Wing* will likely just see her as CJ Cregg, even though this new character has a much more imposing and steely presence than the original’s quick-witted and confident press secretary.

My only minor criticism is that the show doesn’t fully showcase Allison Janney’s comedic talent, given her significant role. However, with a strong script, compelling character relationships, and a realistic depiction of political maneuvering, it’s hard to ask for much more. And the addition of another familiar face from *The West Wing* – Bradley Whitford, sporting white hair and a beard, but instantly recognizable – as “Todd Penn, First Lady” is a delightful bonus.

Some fans might be uncomfortable with the developing relationship between CJ and Josh (it just doesn’t feel right!), but it’s no stranger than the Vice President’s wife also working as an ambassador. It’s actually nice to see these familiar characters bickering over something small, like they did back in 2002. If the show could just bring back Richard Schiff, Janel Maloney, and – quietly – Martin Sheen, it would feel like the sensible, experienced people are back in charge, at least on TV.

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2025-10-07 03:11