Netflix’s original series The Diplomat ,season one episode one entitled “The Cinderella Thing” starts with Keri Russell’s Kate Wyler as she is called up to handle a diplomatic crisis following the bombing of a British freighter. The interesting part about this is how due to her being a great diplomat, she is asked to go to Britain while accompanied by her husband on behalf of the United States. However, as the government does not know who is responsible, she mostly goes for appearances only. In her mind, she hates that she is only going to look good for the United States. She believes it is a waste of her time as she barely has any experience over in Britain. Deep down she knows that she could do more in another department in regard to the bombing. Unfortunately, she is stuck as a representative eye candy waiting to say sorry or act sad depending on if the United States were directly or indirectly at fault. This is a result of the government taking oil from Iran, which is one of the suspects behind the bombing
Additionally, the viewer sees that she is actually more than just eye candy as she is being prepared to become the new Vice President as her work in other diplomatic aspects are outstanding. Interestingly enough the viewer gets to see how the government moves around everything as if they are playing chess. This is demonstrated with how the current Vice President is setup to leave in a couple of months with Kate taking over. However, she has no idea that all of this is going on in the background. Also, there comes a time where the viewer gets a first-hand look at how Kate handles the crisis. This is demonstrated by how she talks about how it would be best for everyone if they keep the President away for the spotlight. This is due to him making a comment that could make matters worse. Not to mention that the current Vice President is more than willing to goad the President into rash decisions. This can be assumed as to why the government wants Kate to be the new Vice President as she is more levelheaded. In the government’s eyes, she might be the only one who can handle things properly.
At the end of the episode, Kate appears to be on the brink of being let go as a diplomat. This comes as a result of some of the government officials not wanting her involved in any manners of importance. Unfortunately, as a last resort she decides to embrace her part to play in order to stay and manage everything. In her mind, no matter how much she hates the role she was given she knows this is the only way. Deep down she would love nothing more than to leave and let her husband deal with everything as he also has more experience in Britain and as a diplomat. However, she also knows that he can be biased which is not a good thing in their line of work. Ironically, at a certain point her husband is taken away by a government agent which can only mean he is not qualified. This leaves Kate alone to deal with everything as she may be the only one who can prevent a war from breaking out as a result of a foolish President.
Rating: 8.5/10