No Spoiler Review: The Diplomat

Great show about politics, diplomacy, intel and counter-narcissism.

CNI Protip: Surprise in TV and movies almost always makes entertainment better so CNI is dedicated to avoiding any spoilers apart from sharing how and why a show or movie is psychologically beneficial and entertaining. Also be assured that CNI reviews will almost always be a positive endorsement of things worthy of your valuable time.

The exception will likely be occasionally pointing out gratuitously inaccurate or counterproductive interpretations of narcissism spectrum psychology.

TV Show Review: The Diplomat

If you enjoy the intersection between politics, diplomacy, intelligence, the U.S. - U.K. “special relationship” or are just a fan of the exceptional spy vs. spy series The Americans, The Diplomat is for you.

The story and writing have layers within layers for politics and spy genre fans, but also has an emotional depth most shows lack, mostly thanks to another exceptional performance from Keri Russell. She has that rare talent where she can be both herself and 100% her character at the same time.

Russell brings The Diplomat to life in an Emmy worthy performance with the same tour de force intensity she had in tandem with Matthew Rhys (aka Perry Mason) in The Americans. Thankfully, she is on my country’s side this time, so I don’t have to feel guilty about admiring or rooting for her, because once again I found myself greatly admiring and rooting for her in all the best ways.

The show itself shines with locations and activities that have a Downton Abbey feel. This infers The Diplomat should also appeal to drama fans of many genres, because the cast, production quality, non-sub-rosa story and “real talk” are all really top notch as well, although the early flow of F words and a short burst of explicit sexual content seemed a bit unnecessarily gratuitous.

To avoid ruining any surprise favorites, I am not naming any of the familiar faces and great character actors who all played their roles very well. I will say this though. If you were a fan of Laverne & Shirley, you will be pleasantly surprised and amused by which role a certain somebody plays. This casting also exemplifies the subtle and steady level of underlying sarcastic adult humor that humanizes and softens this thrilling and intense drama.

There are also layers of subtle and not so subtle counter-narcissist intel deployed at various moments in The Diplomat if you look for it. Regardless, I encourage everyone to watch this great show that will both entertain and secretly educate the viewer in current international politics, diplomacy, intelligence, and most importantly counter-narcissist intelligence.

If you would like to see a psychological review of a TV show or movie, please feel free to make suggestions. CNI is always on the look-out for entertaining ways we can educate ourselves and the world about humanity’s darker sides, and all other aspects of life and psychology that could benefit from a greater understanding of Intelligence.