The Diplomat; Sam & Ade Go Birding

“You’ll see that the script is as sharp as ever. Like those of the West Wing’s Aaron Sorkin, it nails those awkward exchanges during momentous conversations — the balance of global power undercut by banal observation. As Kate and Hal row about superweapons and her affair with Aidan Turner’s dishy political negotiator Callum Ellis (yes, he’s back too — and Jodie Whittaker turns up, but no more can be said of that yet), she winces, “Ow, I have a splinter!” Hal peers up close to extract it (because, yes, they’re still hot for each other), murmuring, “Oh yeah, that’s big.” That the first episode’s crisis can be done and dusted by episode three could put the show’s credibility in danger of being a victim of its snappy pace. But so what if all this is faintly ludicrous when it’s so smartly entertaining? So… carry on geopoliticking!”
James Jackson, The Times

“There are few things as entertaining as The Diplomat in a bad mood, even if the stress induced by its doomsday theatrics requires much diaphragmatic breathing and the odd diplomatic sprint to the loo. Debora Cahn’s transatlantic thriller has long been fascinated with the real-world consequences of its politicos’ many huffs, its every twist infused with the suspicion that humanity is a bad hair day away from Armageddon. This time, the stakes and cortisol levels are even higher and Kate once again finds herself trying desperately to avert catastrophes political and personal.”
Sarah Dempster, The Guardian

“The series isn’t preachy, the pace is slow and comfortable, and there was something rather hypnotic about watching hundreds of gannets circling Sam and Ade’s boat and diving for fish. But like Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse on their fishing trips, what lifts the programme is the conversation between two men who seem very comfortable in each other’s company. Being actors, they are not afraid to share their feelings.”
Roland White, Daily Mail