Netflix Summary:
Amid an international crisis, a career diplomat juggles her new high-profile job as ambassador to the UK and her turbulent marriage to a political star.
FYA Summary:
Okay, so what if Felicity turned into a toughass ambassador and was married to, like, a Greg who was actually smart but also kinda terrible? And she had to solve global conflicts while also dealing with a manchild (Greg) and her growing attraction to a handsome, aloof dude (Ben)? Y’ALL ARE IN RIGHT?!
For those folks who haven’t watched Felicity (you have homework to do!!!): Kate Wyler is an expert in Middle Eastern affairs, but she is absolutely ignorant when it comes to navigating social graces, public speeches, and marriage (specifically due to her husband, Hal, who’s also an ambassador and like kind of an asshole?!). So when she’s suddenly given a post in London and thrust into a game of thrones, Kate has to balance her duty to maintain world peace with her desire to maintain her personal sanity.
Familiar Faces:
Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler, Keri Russell as Kate Wyler
Keri Russell, NO NOTES. CLEARLY. It’s great to see her play an awkward yet tenacious genius who constantly fumbles social situations but is always the smartest person in the room. Any other actor might drive you crazy in this role, but Keri makes Kate the gal you want to be besties with (but still jab with your elbow from time to time).
Hal, on the other hand, constantly makes me roll my eyes. AND YET. This show is not just about political diplomacy, it’s about managing romantic relationships, and the unique situation of Hal and Kate is fascinating to see play out.
Ali Ahn as Eidra Park, Ato Essandoh as Stuart Heyford
Speaking of interesting duos, Eidra works for the CIA while Stuart works as the #1 to Kate, and surprise, they’re also dating! I love Eidra’s no-nonsense attitude, and Stuart is SUCH a sympathetic character, trying to do what’s best for Kate while constantly being driven bananas by her behavior.
T’Nia Miller as Cecilia Dennison, David Gyasi as Austin Dennison
David, who you may recognize from Interstellar or Annihilation, plays the British foreign secretary, and he’s a total smokeshow. But I honestly can’t tell who’s hotter, him or his sister, played by T’Nia Miller (Foundation, Sex Education). I can’t EVEN with how dynamite she is.
Couch-Sharing Capability: No Nation Is an Island
If it’s not clear by now, allow me to inform you that this is not a party show. It has funny moments, and there’s certainly a lot of attractive people in the mix, but there is nothing rowdy about it. In fact, because there’s so much to follow, I do recommend watching with one or two people so you have a think tank to keep track of things.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Stone Cold War Sober
Y’all, I NEVER say this but… don’t drink while watching this series. There are a thousand things to keep track of! And many of the plot developments, just like a UN negotiation, are subtle as hell. You would also be in line with Kate, who admits that she “doesn’t metabolize red wine really well.”
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Mutual Assured Destruction Enjoyment
The beauty of this series is all in the details. It’s not showy; it’s not romantic; it’s invested in the nooks and crannies of diplomacy, both on a global, political level as well as on a personal scale. While it’s a bit of a slow burn, I think ultimately the show is deeply satisfying and very different from anything else on TV.
Also, FELICITY!
We published this review during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. This work would not exist without the labor of writers and actors, and we support their goals.
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Long-time reader, first time-commentor. Loved this show! Obviously loved all the political intrigue and stuff, but all my thoughts are about the romance. (I know, I’m mad at myself too.) Keri Russell, per usual, is ON POINT, and I don’t know why Rufus Sewell being a morally gray a**hole does it for me, but… And David Gyasi? Can I take him home with me? Discovering him might be the best part of this show. I’ll be back in 473 hours–going to watch Interstellar now.
Amy!! Yay for your first comment! While I’m not on the Rufus Sewell train, I am absolutely WITH YOU on needing more David Gyasi in my life.
And I think the whole point of the show is that it’s about relationships, whether between countries or people, so no guilt on caring about the romance.