Stars of ‘The Diplomat’ Discuss Season 4’s Twists and Turns

The latest season of Netflix's political drama, The Diplomat, continues to deliver intense geopolitical maneuvers and intricate personal relationships, as highlighted by stars Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell.

Sewell, who plays the charismatic but often ethically flexible Hal Wyler, acknowledged a particularly unappealing character choice early in the season: wearing outdoor shoes into bed. "It's pretty gross," Sewell admitted, defending the character's actions as representative of certain male behaviors. Russell, who portrays U.S. Ambassador to the UK Kate Wyler, agreed with the assessment.

The actors also discussed the season's dramatic opening, which features a shocking assassination attempt. Sewell described it as a moment that immediately hooks viewers, stating, "when it ends, you just think, ‘Okay, I really want to know what happens next.’" Russell added that the season offers continuous surprises, noting, "this is not a little relaxed ride this season. It keeps moving."

Both Russell and Sewell described the experience of reading the scripts for pivotal episodes, often involving redacted final pages to maintain suspense even for the cast. Sewell mentioned the audible reactions from co-star Ato Essandoh during read-throughs as a gauge of a scene's impact. The season finale, in particular, elicited strong reactions, with Sewell describing the ending as "very powerful."

Reflecting on the core dynamic between Kate and Hal, Russell noted the complexity of their relationship, which fans have noted as one of the most compelling on television. Sewell playfully alluded to dedicated online fan edits of the couple, suggesting they represent a persistent desire for the show's continuation. The actors pointed to scenes such as a dinner with the President and her husband, and moments where the couple finds themselves in trouble, as highlights that showcase their chemistry and shared propensity for getting into difficult situations.

Director Alex Graves, who helmed the impactful chapel scene in the first episode, was praised by Russell for his ability to balance grand-scale directing, drawn from his experience on shows like Game of Thrones, with the intimate, truth-seeking approach he brings to The Diplomat. Graves, who also directs the season finale, has a long-standing creative partnership with series creator Debora Cahn, dating back to their work on The West Wing.

The Diplomat Season 4 is currently available for streaming on Netflix.