38/25
Embassy (at Nine Elms) in 2018
Plot
In the midst of an international crisis, Kate Wyler, a career diplomat, ends up in a high-profile job she’s ill-suited to, with tectonic implications for her marriage and political future. The producers convinced both the American and British governments to allow them to use real-life settings as filming locations for the series, including the newly opened U.S. Britain allowed filming to take place in the Foreign Secretary’s office, an honor rarely bestowed on any film or screen production, especially an American one. One location that was missing was Winfield House, the actual residence of the U.S.
Presented at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards (2024)
ambassador. Although it is accurately described as the largest residential estate in London (11 acres) besides Buckingham Palace, the producers used a country house outside the city for filming. The characters are phenomenally written and all of them are, to some extent, enigmas. Their dialogue is fast-paced and engaging, and the story keeps developing in chaotic political directions.
It felt similar to Night Agent, but much better
It doesn’t have a strong tone like other shows like it. I want to compare it a little to House of Cards, but it doesn’t fit. It has a hint of Succession, but again, it doesn’t quite fit. I see reviews complaining about the lead and his messy appearance and abrasive demeanor, but that’s his hole!
She’s good at her job, so no one thinks about her behavior
“You want people in power who don’t *want* to be in power.” Kate is focused on the task at hand and the issue where people’s lives hang in the balance. What she’s wearing, how she looks, and even if she sleeps are secondary to the primary task. I thought her style was a perfect fit for the narrative, and it was a refreshing pace. The best thing about the show is all of their relationships with each other.
Really hopeful we’ll see s2
It’s rare that I like all of the characters in a show, but this one did it for me.