The Diplomat season 2 ends with an even bigger, more absurd cliffhanger than season 1

As a seasoned viewer of political dramas who has seen it all, from “House of Cards” to “Scandal,” I must say that The Diplomat season 2 has managed to outdo even the most outrageous plot twists I’ve ever witnessed. It’s as if the writers took a masterclass in melodrama and then decided to apply every lesson with an electrifying fervor.

The Diplomat season 2 ending spoilers follow.

When “The Diplomat” debuted on Netflix in 2023, it was difficult to foresee its massive success, mirroring the unforeseen blast that shook Kate Wyler’s team during the climax of season one.

Immediately following our uncovering of evidence suggesting the prime minister may have commanded an attack on a British aircraft carrier (which has been under investigation by Kate throughout the season), another assault occurred – this time in the shape of a brutal car bomb detonation.

And so, the credits rolled, leaving us pondering which characters could reappear in the next season. Clearly, Kate’s husband Hal and deputy chief of mission Stuart Hayford survived, but office clerk Ronnie met a tragic end, serving as a regrettable example of the Bury Your Gays trope.

It was disappointing, if not expected, when the only prominent LGBTQ+ character in the series met an unfortunate end. However, what leaves us stunned is how season two manages to surpass that dramatic twist with something even more outrageous. Frankly, this is the most absurd and daring way for season two to conclude, and honestly, we can’t help but be intrigued by it.

The Diplomat season 2 ends with an even bigger, more absurd cliffhanger than season 1

The Diplomat season 2 ending explained

For most of season two, Kate suspects Nicol Trowbridge is betraying his nation. However, her suspicions prove false when she learns he’s blameless and oblivious to the attack. On the contrary, individuals within his cabinet are at fault, including Margaret Roylin, a former manager for the Conservative Party’s campaigns.

Initially, it appears that she carried out this action on her own accord. However, a double turn of events uncovers that Vice President Grace Penn had given the order. Only five episodes later does Grace make an appearance in person. Allison Janney’s captivating character never intended for anyone to lose their lives, but unfortunately, it happened. As a result, she decides to step down and allow Kate to campaign for the VP position instead.

Despite Wyler having no interest in the job, Hal successfully convinces her that it might be beneficial for her.

In a continuous pattern, they frequently switch between admiration and disagreement, with moments of deep respect one instant and intense dislike the next. This cycle escalates until they reach a climactic argument on the lawn, where Kate seems to relinquish her aspirations for the Vice Presidency. However, Grace discerns that it’s a facade, accusing Wyler of manipulation, or as she puts it, “gaslighting” her.

Absolutely, the competition between these mothers was intense, a true battle of maternal strength. Could it have been more intense? Perhaps not.

In a sudden outburst, Hal shouts urgently to reach Kate over the phone, evidently upset due to an incident that had just transpired. It seems he may be responsible for it…

“Kate, I didn’t talk to [Miguel] Ganon. I talked to the President.”

It didn’t go as expected, but Hal always enjoys breaking the rules. Typically, this works out well for him due to his charisma and good looks, but his recent bout of disorder has led to a catastrophic outcome.

The Diplomat season 2 ends with an even bigger, more absurd cliffhanger than season 1

Hal, clearly agitated, found it difficult to find the right words. It’s evident that things are severe when Hal gets flustered like this, Kate.

“What does that mean?” asks Kate.

Then, it appears as if a multitude of undercover agents pour out from the residence and swiftly traverse the yard towards where Kate and Grace are positioned.

“He died, Katie. The President is dead. Grace Penn is President”

Switch to a close-up of Kate, visibly startled and short of breath, as the lens focuses intensely on Grace. The moment of understanding between them becomes evident, altering their lives irrevocably. Dramatic music swells (clearly identified in the captions) to escort us towards the end credits.

And that’s exactly what happened. Hal, in a chilling manner, assassinated the President, while at the same time, Kate thwarted Grace’s plan to back her own succession when the President resigns or passes away.

The Diplomat season 2 ends with an even bigger, more absurd cliffhanger than season 1

Leaving aside the extraordinary event of Hal apparently assassinating the President via a telephone call, this unexpected, over-the-top plot development, resembling daytime soap opera drama, drastically alters the ending of the season, creating an even more shocking climax than the actual car bomb explosion from season one.

Instead of aiming to surpass that dramatic cliffhanger with even higher life-or-death situations, the writers cleverly steer clear of such comparisons by focusing more on the melodrama that viewers expect from this show. The over-the-top performances and strategic power plays are what draw us in, so wrapping up season two in this manner was a shrewd decision for “The Diplomat.

In the upcoming season of “The Diplomat,” Penn won’t stand for the sudden shift of the titular character into the role of Vice President, as she now has a voice in the decision. This means sparks are likely to fly.

If you enjoyed watching Keri Russell and Allison Janney during the latest season, brace yourself (and the rest of the Western world), as their characters are set to engage in a grand, albeit absurdly comical power struggle when The Diplomat comes back for its third season.

The Diplomat seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Netflix.

2024-10-31 20:49