The Diplomat (I) (2023) User Reviews

Set in Barcelona, Spain with some interesting stories.

[Avidviewer-02847 · 6/10 · 24 April 2023]

There were two TV series released in 2023 and they are both titled "The Diplomat" and they are very different series. This is the better one, though it has a lot of flaws. This series is set in Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain and centers on Laura Simmonds the British Consul to Catalonia, Aragon and Andorra as she likes to say. It shows different types of cases that a diplomatic consul handles, providing support to British subjects traveling in Spain and Andorra.

The flaw is that it makes Laura Simmonds out to be part diplomat, part investigator, part social worker, part spook...it's hard to swallow that a consul really plays all those roles and more. Sophie Rundle is always good, a RADA trained actress, last I remember seeing her was in "Bodyguard" where she played Richard Madden's wife. I like the rest of the British/Spanish caste and of course beautiful Catalonia, Spain.

Solid, fun, pleasantly paced spy drama

[jamie-50817 · 8/10 · 30 March 2023]

I think the heavy "by the producers of The Bodyguard" advertising is a mistake, because this is nothing like The Bodyguard.

If you picture an enjoyable easy-watching six-part political spy drama, as might be made by the team behind Murder In Paradise, then you'd be much closer to what to expect.

There's one overarching plot that covers all six episodes, and while it's not exactly John Le Carre, it still kept me hooked throughout.

And then each episode contains a separate subplot exploring the day-to-day dramas of visitors to Barcelona. These can be a bit hit and miss. Some genuinely pull at your heartstrings, some are a bit silly.

The characters are all likeable, the two lead actresses are engaging, the locations look great, and there's a nice paired back contemporary feel to it. It does sometimes drift into "daytime TV" dialog, but not often enough to be a problem.

Overall, a fun night of binging and it kept me a lot more interested than I was expecting. I hope there's more to come!

A very watchable, enjoyable series.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 4 May 2023]

The body of British boy Jay Sutherland is found floating in The Marina, his persistent father Colin refuses to accept the narrative given by The Police and powers that be, instead he looks for answers with the help of Laura Simmonds.

Every week The Consulate tackle a new case, all of which involve a British Citizen in Barcelona, but one case continues, The Sutherland case.

It is such an enjoyable series, it's one of those I'd class as a Sunday teatime show, I'd put it along with Mallorca Files and Father Brown, perfect viewing for Sunday teatime. It's light viewing, with a hint of grit thrown in.

It's a very well acted show, regulars Sophie Rundle, Steven Cree and Serena Manteghi are all great, and there are some fine guest performances too, Esther Hall and Lindsey Coulson stood out.

It looks great, with terrific location work, a City I would totally recommend visiting, it really is as gorgeous as it looks here.

Please let there be a second series.

8/10.

Reviews here are for 2 different series with the same name!

[jbelland-90229 · 6/10 · 11 May 2023]

The banner, description, image, number of episodes (6), etc on the page for this series of "The Diplomat" are for the UK version, NOT the 8 episode Netflix version. So why hasn't some moderator removed the reviews that pertain to the Netflix version??

This (the UK 6 episode series) is quite light entertainment if a bit confusing at the start. The mystery in the first episode continues beyond that episode while, in the subsequent episodes, there is a new - and solved - mystery per episode.

The first episode is confusing in that it introduces various characters without giving enough background on each to make it understandable as to exactly why they are there in the first place or the reason there is a "relationship" among them. I had to read a couple of recaps to finally get the drift or who was who in the zoo. Otherwise, it's a good enough series to spend a bit of time with if you can get over the initial confusion - particularly when you get to Episode 2 and it starts out with a completely different mystery and the new characters necessary for that plot.

But again, reading the reviews here will also confuse the heck out of people because some are for this series (as described at the top of the page) while others are for the 8 episode Netflix series. Can a mod PLEASE remove those?

Watched all in one sitting!

[Telbel31 · 8/10 · 1 March 2023]

My first ever review! I thoroughly enjoyed this. Good story lines. Enjoyed the acting. Was a bit confusing the overall story but all came together in the end. You don't have to have watched all of them as there's a new story to each one but there is one that follows through all 6 episodes. Easy watching and I found it difficult to turn off. The relationship between the consulate, police and "victims" is good and sometimes can bring a tear to your eye.

Only reviewing because this is the second show I've looked up on IMDb and there was no ratings and/or reviews?! What's up with the Now TV dramas on here?!

A delight

[cawob · 9/10 · 22 March 2023]

Big surprise. I Hope it's renewed for another series. Funny, smart. Contemporary. Good acting but even better dynamics and one-liners that skewer modern manners and obsessions. Sophie Rundle is great but whole roster work well together, particularly amongst the embassy staff Good observations about modern workplace hierarchies too. I like the concept of an overarching narrative with smaller embassy work dovetailed in between. And I'm happy for Spanish dialogue to be kept in rather than anglicise it or use accented speaking. Thanks. I didnt expect a huge amount but this cleared the bar easily !

Great MOR entertainment

[vvtmy · 9/10 · 13 March 2023]

Nothing that requires an on-screen warning with the exception of some random fruity dialogue that comes right out of the blue. It would suit an afternoon slot as much as a post-watershed placing. We watched all six episodes over 3 nights and thoroughly enjoyed the simple plot lines and great shots of Barcelona. The characters were straightforward and likeable and it wasn't difficult to spot the good guys from the bad guys. We found this a refreshing change from all of the complex stuff you get nowadays. We liked the lead characters and hope they all return for a second series. All-in-all this was a fun and easy watch.

A chore to watch

[jpearce-li · 2/10 · 21 March 2023]

If The Diplomat were a paint colour it would be magnolia. If it were an ice cream it would be supermarket own-brand vanilla. Crisps? Ready Salted. Prime Minister? John Major. You get the drift.

Let's start with the characters. Not a single one of them was interesting in any shape or form. From the 'mysterious' restaurant owner to the British/Catalan 'streetwise' assistant - they was no spark to engender any kind of empathy, no emotion or drama in any of the dialogue, no jeopardy, no intrigue, no cliffhangers.

The tired 'female protagonists doing it for themselves against the slightly old-fashioned stick-in-the-mud Consul General' trope is painted in 50ft high neon letters all around and just makes you think the writers cobbled it together during siesta.

It's pretty but banal. Paint-by-numbers telly. The kind of thing that belongs on BBC just after the lunchtime news.

You'd like to think Sophie Rundle (the only actor with any real clout) only did this due to some contractual obligation like Edward Norton in The Italian Job remake but maybe it was the lure of working in Barcelona. It certainly wasn't the script.

... different-styles both some of the best entertainment onscreen today

[bjarias · 9/10 · 5 June 2023]

... what are the odds.. two series, both released in 2023, both called 'The Diplomat'... one staring Keri Russell, other Sophie Rundel.. both well-done and VERY-entertaining

... English series produced by BBC Studios & World Productions released on Alibi Network of course to be overshadowed-dwarfed by the American production released on Netflix... actually think slightly-prefer the English offering over the American production... it's much less big-budget and cast & storlines more-interesting approachable-intimate-viewing

... yet they're equally looked forward to when awaiting next season series.. wishing both were just a little bit longer in episode number.

All the better for its humanism and light touch comedic moments

[rich-mac · 8/10 · 15 March 2023]

I feel pretty confident in saying that the writer's room for The Diplomat was a place of good humor - it shows in how they have deftly managed to avoid the trap of unrelenting drama. Instead we have a show quite deliberately punctuated with some great light touches and humorous exchanges - well executed and delivered with some subtlety.

It adds up to a watch that is quite compelling, easy to get invested in - all against the back-drop of the very photogenic Barcelona.

The comedic elements are not over played, but they do provide a perfect foil for the human dramas that the consulate has to navigate - and are well used to flesh out characterization and even minor plot points.

The end result is a show that is relaxing to watch and engaging - a great ensemble clearly enjoying their work. An easy 8.

Disappointing

[janemurrell-19464 · 3/10 · 12 March 2023]

I was looking forward to watching something new and different as I watch far too many repeats.

I'll start with the main character. She doesn't have the air of somebody with such a responsible job - she's more like a receptionist. She gets far more involved than a diplomat would and she has this daft expression on her face half the time.

The music is a strange choice for the type of programme.

The characters and actors are ok, but the storylines are a bit weak and mostly police not consular matters.

The overall story could have been grittier.

The setting was great and I loved that there was dialogue in Spanish or Catalan.

I binge watched in an afternoon. I wouldnt have bothered if I'd had to wait for each episode, week by week.

Shame as I was hoping for something new to get into.

Quite entertaining!

[npvarley · 8/10 · 9 April 2023]

Well, when I looked at the synopsis, I thought this would be rather tedious fare, but I gave it a chance and it surprised me!

Ok, it's hardly an all-time great, but it was really quite entertaining. The episodic storylines were interesting, with some sympathetic characters and some "Boo! Hiss!" ne'er do wells.

The season-long story arc held up well, even if some of it was a bit obvious and it wove in some personal life storylines quite effectively.

The principals all did a good job: Sophie Rundle, Serena Manteghi and Steven Cree were all very good. The Barcelona scenery was lovely and it was well shot.

Worth watching!

Dreadful

[georgekcharles · 2/10 · 4 April 2023]

This is dreadful in every respect. The acting is bordering on amateurish and too much time is taken up trying to make the cast look glamorous at the expense of the actual drama or story. This is American TV drivel masquerading as a British consul dramas. The actors have the most awful way of pronouncing their words, professionals in a consulate would not drop their 'T's neither would they should like they work in a north London cafe. It's a pathetic attempt at what could have been a really good story line, ruined by the acting, the annoying music. The director is obviously clueless about the subject.

I noticed a few negative reviews, but...

[suzpomz · 10/10 · 7 April 2023]

I thought it was great! Nice twists and turns to keep us guessing. GREAT views of Barcelona, of course, and the first time I ever hear Catalan spoken (yes, I had to read the subtitles to know what was being said).

Hope there's a second season...

Meanwhile, just a note that the TRAILER on the IMDb page is NOT the right one for this series... It's for a Netflix Series that is scheduled to being April 20th!

The confusion is that TWO TV series with the SAME title were/are released about a month apart... by two different production companies.

I suppose that neither had a look around to see if another series had the same title?

By the way, from what I've read on the page of "User Reviews", this one sounds way better than the Netflix offering! Just sayin'........

Brilliant

[janenpete · 10/10 · 14 April 2023]

This drama was brilliant. Thought the ongoing storyline was great and along with the other weekly crimes were good. Loved the relationships with the Consulate workers and Cassells was good and also full of good humour. This drama sits alone from others that we see, so it's unique in that way. I really hope that The Diplomat is renewed for a second series, I thought Sophie Rundle was exceptional as well. The scenery in the show made me want to go there too. So that's this show wrapped up so please Alibi renew for a second series. I need to say that you demand too many characters for your reviews and need to reign it in a bit!

Makes the case for closed borders

[somethingreal81 · 4/10 · 2 April 2023]

I went into this hoping for a fun thriller and a bit of international intrigue. Instead, it turned out to be the world's most ridiculous procedural. Yes, there is an overarching "mystery" that carries through the season, but essentially this is a case of the week series that happens to involve characters working in the consulate. If you're already scratching your head thinking "consulate? Cases?" then you're applying more logic than the writers have. The characters are diplomats meant to be assisting British tourists abroad. However, they instead behave like law enforcement, interrogating witnesses, chasing down leads, and trying to solve mysteries. It is utterly ridiculous. In one episode a woman comes into the consulate because her passport has been stolen by a much younger one night stand. A consulate worker's job would be to print her a temporary one and send her on her way. But not on The Diplomat! Instead, the consulate worker harasses the woman about how her bag was lost and makes it her mission to track down the thief--all while insisting she's teaching the very embarrassed woman a lesson about sex positivity. It is hilariously absurd. The consulate workers also act like horny teenagers, engaging in wildly inappropriate sex talk in the office and sleeping with people who come in for help. I wouldn't trust these idiots to send an email let alone "help" anyone.

Binged it but still prefer Mallorca Files

[nynphe · 8/10 · 15 April 2023]

There seems to be a preference for a young, serious female, British cop/lawyer and a fun, Continental counterpart. The drummer playing out in the castle, and it's not bad, but at times the dialogue between the staff (Laura, Alba and Carl) feels a bit amateurish. Laura's character doesn't involve the viewer as much as it could. They could've made Laura's character way more exciting. The rest of the characters are pretty good, even though I sniggered that the German had to be the villain in Spanish how to be the temptress 😆 Still believed that Majorca files are better and more fun as you get involved in the main characters relationship and story.

Daytime TV

[mrjolly1 · 5/10 · 15 March 2023]

This had so much potential, but sadly it has fallen short of drama, entertainment. The characters are good but some of their acting is so lame and wooden. I like the premise of the story but it's like if you made " Line of duty":for a children's channel. I will watch the the last 2 episodes as I want to see the outcome of the original/Main storyline. Actors Sophie Rundle and Danny Sapani stand out amongst the very weak acting of the others. For me this is what I would expect if I switched on to watch on the mainstream channels during the daytime to avoid loose women or cash in the attic! Harsh I know but please don't compare this to Bodyguard or line of duty, it's like offering me steak and ending with a Greg's sausage roll.

Brilliantly acted anthology format series with a recurring main storyline

[vjliberatori-51192 · 10/10 · 6 March 2023]

THE DIPLOMAT puts a satisfying twist on the standard anthology format by serving up a fascinating quartet of characters who work at the British Consulate in Barcelona in an ongoing narrative. Led by Sophie Rundle who delivers an expert and enchanting performance and many unforgettable scenes in her role as chief Consul, Laura Simmonds. Her side-kick Serena Manteghi is also outstanding with terrific comedic instincts adding lots of spice to the office dialogue exchanges. Strong story lines involving the Dutch and Spanish crime syndicates and the UK's spy network plus a sharply written romantic subplot. This is a superbly written series that takes on important topics with great sensitivity and balance. Binge it or watch it over and over. So good you will fall in love with these characters and their stories. *To correct a comment made in one of these reviews, the series was not written by a woman but by the creator, Ben Richards.

I hope there is a second season

[devitious-40109 · 10/10 · 5 April 2024]

Who will tell me?

I love the characters. Especially the not to be trusted Fabian. There's something quite interesting in his mannerisms. The interplay between the Barcelona staff is fun and the show should be renewed for a second season because I can't keep playing scenes over and over again. I hope there is a second season of the Diplomat although you should change the name to Diplomat in Barcelona. Or Consul in Barcelona, or The Consul . Sam and Fabian up to something in next year's Diplomat. Laura secretly watching. Is she pretending with Fabian or not? And what about Sam? Will he be looking around? We need a second season.

The receptionist ?

[flejklw · 4/10 · 20 March 2023]

Thank goodness for user reviews, having watched the 6 episodes I really found it hard to find anything good about this series. Then reading a previous review afterwards I realized instantly what was the issue.

So Sophie Rundle plays Laura at the British consulate in Barcelona who along with her associate Alba played by Serena Manteghi "use their diplomatic skills as lawyers, counselors and cops in a stream of cases".

Well thats what the synopsis says, however they are not exactly diplomatic, especially when it comes to sleeping and defending villains, their like borderline receptionists. No disrespect to receptionists, but I am guessing consulate jobs come with a high level of intelligence of which " Laura " does not have.

The main storyline justs loses itself has a father is searching for an answer to his sons death. The intensity just seems to keep getting flatter and flatter. In reality if any consulate member treated myself like in the series I certainly will not be hugging at the airport.

I loved the writing and chemistry of the actors

[sue-millman-372-373588 · 9/10 · 27 August 2023]

What a fortuitous random find by searching for something I might enjoy after not liking the American version I was sceptical. I REALLY enjoyed it. Felt some of the storylines were wrapped up a bit too quickly but guess there must have been.budget restraints. Barcelona was an outstanding location. (Is there such a thing as an unattractive Spaniard?) . Excellent guest stars .My fav character was the sidekick - she is hilarious and has the best lines. Interesting stories that could have been developed into a longer series. I sincerely hope there are future seasons and they also need to dress Sophie in some sexier gear - she is a knockout.

Excellent Series (UK version)

[stevecagneyfan · 8/10 · 12 July 2023]

I have just watched the six episodes.

Very impressed and I just hope that they make a second series.

I for one, will definitely watch it.

It was broadcast on Alibi channel.

This is NOT to be confused with Netflix series of same name about an American Diplomat (called Ambassador in USA), but Netflix decided to call their series The Diplomat - even though they knew the UK series was being made.

No idea why they couldn't call their series "The Ambassador" to avoid confusion.

Hopefully the fact USA version is due to make a second season will not stop UK version doing second season. It may not happen to avoid confusion with International sales.

Great cast, especially Sophie Rundle who plays the lead character, Laura and her deputy has some great lines, so I say well done to all of the the scriptwriters.

The last thing I saw Sophie in was Gentleman Jack, alongside Suranne Jones.

SOME reviews on this page relate to USA/Netflix production.

Excellent TV series

[stromsm · 10/10 · 16 March 2024]

Great character development. Excellent acting. Good plot lines. Love the international feel. Could not stop streaming till the very end. Well, except to take necessary bathroom breaks and get snacks. I am truly hopefull they have gained enough interest from viewers and the cast and have the budget they require for the making of many more seasons to come. Just can not say enough about how enjoyable this series was to watch. I would also love to know what kind of diving watch is featured. It was gorgeous. I could not find it on the internet. I see that America made another TV show by the same name. I hope it does not overshadow this series. I would definitely go for more of The Diplomat UK series.

Charming and Colorful story of UK bureau in Barcelona

[bonneyp-566-94305 · 10/10 · 26 April 2024]

I won't spend time telling you what it's about.. if you've gotten this far you probably have a pretty good idea of the storyline. Each episode has a vignette with an overall Arc storyline which gets revolved in episode 6. Let's face it, if it took place in Boise, idaho, ( no offense) it wouldn't be nearly as interesting. But it takes place in Barcelona.. a place most of us have never seen ..although the Brits seem to go there a lot. And get into a lot of trouble. Beautiful scenery good looking actors wearing very colorful pretty clothes. Lots of fast-paced dialogue which at times you need to rewind to get. But, I think this makes it all the more interesting. It really doesn't flag and holds your interest for all six episodes my husband and I watched it at dinner two nights each so we would always have something to look forward to the next night lol.