The Diplomat Season 2 Review: SHOCKING Twists, Hilarious Moments & MUST-SEE Finale! Is This Netflix's BEST Show?

The Diplomat Season 2: High Scores, Short Season, and a Shocking Twist!

The Diplomat Season 2: A Critical Success (So Far!)

Netflix's The Diplomat is back and already making waves! Season 2 just dropped, and early reviews are even better than season 1! Rotten Tomatoes shows a whopping 92% critic score, a major upgrade from season 1's 84% (although fewer reviews are in for the sequel right now). Now the audience's reaction needs to be factored in and that specific sentiment analysis must also be included for further insights, once we factor in a variety of public opinions and sentiments. That first season scored pretty poorly from fans; 54%, surprisingly low! What gave those folks issues? Hopefully, season 2 is better! Now, many will get another opportunity to really evaluate this!

It's noteworthy that this new season only has six episodes– unlike season 1 (eight episodes). But this wasn't a Netflix budget cut! As showrunner Debora Cahn told TVLine, “It was my decision…[Netflix] was not happy. They wanted the full eight....I was really tired. It was a time thing. It felt like there wasn’t enough time to turn around eight of them. It was a lot to do in what appeared to be a short period of time.” She got more time; but that came too late for any significant structural change; but hopefully this shows better pacing and narrative and overall higher storytelling.

A Quick Look At Season 2's Story Arc: A Storm In a Teacup (and Scotland!)

Netflix’s Best Returning Show Arrives With High Critic Scores For Season 2 Image

Season 2 opens after the craziness of season 1. Things actually feel fairly normal compared to the chaos. Kate and Hal are actually cooperating pretty well; Stuart seems truly repentant over trying to wreck Kate's VP shot. We get an unusually calm, very process-oriented arc and storytelling method in “The Other Army”. Even a Scottish highlands road trip, for a change! Beautiful scenery! And yet it showcases another serious crisis as events unfold and get even more complex!

Kate's reconciliation with Stuart felt extremely genuine; taking place in her office (turned into an intimate safe haven), showcases emotional depth. Then Kate's reflection about what her job and its difficulties truly imply for those around her – both for those currently occupying the job along with herself. The deeper reflections regarding that profound struggle shows Kate’s own humanity in an extremely complex role. That makes the interactions regarding her discussion with the Scottish First Minister, Jemma Doud; those moments that would showcase those inherent struggles faced within her complex job and relations even further highlighted her own insightful perspectives.

Margaret Roylin's Confession: A Game of Trust

‘The Diplomat’s’ Creator, Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell Dig Into Season 2’s Post-Trauma Dynamic: ‘They Are Each Other’s Protector’ Image

The CIA safe house where Margaret Roylin remains held? It’s made incredibly dramatic! It is notable due to its layout itself; which reflects her complicated predicament, with moments and discussions occurring both inside and eventually outside those walls of that supposedly secure location! It reflects those same elements. Then we got Roylin’s confession which shows intense drama!

The planning sessions around revealing Roylin's story to Dennison and testing Trowbridge for involvement? Those conversations were surprisingly nuanced and intensely felt. The added context and insight really show the brilliance behind those narrative elements presented here. Even monitoring Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear) adds unexpected emotional depths; this guy's incredible, intense rage; the act of attempting to physically attack Roylin is just the cherry on top! That cliffhanger, leaving her bloodied–that was brilliant storytelling. All of those events, those carefully planned activities only leading to that final scene with that surprising ending makes for intense reading, folks! That really should emphasize why this entire story should deserve those critical accolades!

A Deeper Look: Character Moments and Humor

The Diplomat Recap: See You in Scotland Image

Even amidst all that tension? The Diplomat still provides awesome comedic relief, such as Stuart's sharp comments ("looking down from a great height"); those funny back-and-forths between Hal and Dennison concerning that "vaunted city" and Hal's explosive past–really highlight how effectively these funny moments can exist alongside these intense ones! This added humour makes the show even better. Then Eidra’s use of honey-traps (OMG!). This emphasizes this core trait. Everyone’s flaws and complicated feelings add tremendous character depth.

Keri Russell’s portrayal of Kate and those intense relationships show a tremendously skilled actress, emphasizing a level of intensity and insight previously largely unmatched throughout these seasons; this intense connection really makes the role truly mesmerizing! The character, with that complex blend of intensity and emotional vulnerability shows Russell at her most skilled, conveying immense empathy to those watchers.

Conclusion: Why The Diplomat Season 2 Is Totally Worth Your Time

Keri Russell Doesn't 'Remember Other Relationships' Besides Matthew Rhys (Exclusive) Image

Season 2 excels! It has superior critical reviews! Yet what does that all mean? That new season really elevates what made the original season great– the intense interpersonal dynamics; the political machinations; the subtle but surprisingly devastating character work – it showcases just how strong Russell is and just how memorable these seasons are going to remain! Even though Netflix is initially not happy and wanted a longer run time of eight episodes as originally requested by them. The overall product delivered a powerful and emotional story! That ending? Prepare to be utterly shocked and leave many questions unresolved!