The Diplomat Season 2: Keri Russell Teases Allison Janney's "Three Steps Ahead" VP!
Keri Russell Spills the Tea on The Diplomat Season 2's New Vice President!
Netflix's political thriller, The Diplomat, starring the amazing Keri Russell as Kate Wyler (that US ambassador to the UK!), returns for season 2, this time with a major addition; an exciting new face in the mix! Get ready to meet the formidably awesome Allison Janney who takes the spotlight as US Vice President Grace Penn!
In an exclusive chat with Screen Rant, Keri Russell teased Janney's VP character—she's "so three steps ahead!" This implies those exciting things! Russell describes Kate Wyler as super competent. Used to running the show— and then describes that she's completely dazzled and surprised by Grace; who operates on a level entirely different from her and outmatches Kate.
Here are Russell’s key comments:
"Well, I think she's dazzled by her. I think she thinks she is f---king prepared and cool. She's f---king Allison Janney! She does it all with ease and is in this man's world, and [Kate] really thinks she's great and is stunned by how capable she is.
I think Kate is a very capable workhorse. I think she's used to giving everyone the information and running the show. And Allison's character is so three steps ahead. She's like, "Yeah, keep going, keep going..." Which is great when things turn a little bit. It's just such good writing. And it's Janney! I mean, come on."
What Keri Russell's Comments Reveal About The Diplomat Season 2
Season 2 picks up after that insane season 1 finale. That car bomb that killed a few major characters! (Hal, Kate's husband, survived). The addition of Grace Penn changes this completely – adding a layer of high-level US government intervention, hinting toward something major. Kate suspects a big conspiracy!
The Season 2 trailer displays their completely adversarial relationship– from the start. This is intense!
The choice to cast Allison Janney as Grace Penn is masterful. She's an Oscar winner and a 15-time Emmy nominee (six for The West Wing). This kind of experience shows just why the character is portrayed so well! Plus? Her background with show creator Debora Cahn (both worked on The West Wing) should add a deeper impact and meaning.
Our Take: Janney as VP—A Stroke of Genius!
Casting Janney is brilliant! Her role as the super-capable Press Secretary on The West Wing is completely different from the Machiavellian VP in The Diplomat! Yet, her political experience and skill shines through brilliantly!
Janney's VP, described as unbelievably sharp and cunning ("three steps ahead") will surely create this amazing power struggle dynamic against Kate; used to having absolute power and total control. Their clash will generate unbelievable tension!
Conclusion: Get Ready for a Political Power Play!
Season 2 of The Diplomat looks insane! It is shaping up to be a fantastic follow-up to season 1; emphasizing all those brilliant plot devices; with an intense storyline focusing on these amazing characters in a truly engaging storyline; and promises this epic, unforgettable showdown and another level of political intrigue that would truly challenge Kate Wyler's capabilities.
That rivalry between Kate and Grace Penn, a brilliant conflict of equally powerful players–that’s sure to create immense suspense! Prepare yourself; because this upcoming release in October 31st is guaranteed to be one of the major highlights of the late 2024 releases! Don't miss it!
