Four seasons in, The Diplomat has become a masterclass in political thrillers, and its latest installment might just be its best yet. Created by Debora Cahn, the Netflix hit follows career diplomat Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) as she navigates the treacherous waters of international politics while juggling a volatile marriage to her husband, Vice President Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell). Season 4 ended with a bang—literally and figuratively—leaving fans with more questions than answers. As we wait for Season 5, let's dive into the six biggest mysteries that have us on the edge of our seats.
Is President Grace Penn About to Start World War III?
Season 4 picked up right where the previous one left off, with the threat of the Russian Poseidon submarine looming large. Kate managed to convince UK Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge (Rory Kinnear) to join forces to bury the weapon, but President Grace Penn (Allison Janney) and Hal had other plans—they secretly sent an American sub to snatch the Poseidon for themselves. That move backfired spectacularly when Trowbridge resigned, and new PM Bethan Vaughn (Jodie Whittaker) allowed Russia to retrieve their lost sub, which means they'll soon discover their nuke is missing. The final scene at the G7 showed Grace threatening to attack any nation that gets in her way, with warships already in European waters. As Janney told Tudum, Grace is not one to back down: "She doesn't like to be seen as weak... She's going to double down on whatever she thinks is right to do." With tensions at a boiling point, Season 5 could very well see the world plunge into conflict.
What Did Hal Say to the Press?
The G7 summit was a whirlwind, and after four key figures—Kate, Secretary of State Miguel Ganon (Miguel Sandoval), Chief of Staff Billie Appiah (Nana Mensah), and Hal—resigned in protest, Hal couldn't resist the spotlight. The episode ends with Hal facing the press, his back to the camera, about to speak. Creator Debora Cahn told Deadline, "I knew what I wanted to do at the end of the season... It was just a question of how to get there." The big question is: what did Hal say? Is he finally having a moment of genuine revelation, or is this part of a long con to invoke the 25th Amendment and seize power? Given Hal's history of manipulation, we wouldn't put anything past him.
Where Does Todd Penn Stand?
Bradley Whitford's Todd Penn returned as the First Gentleman, and he's not content to just stand by. After being made special envoy to the UK, Todd finds himself in way over his head, making disastrous moves that could have serious repercussions. His alliance with Kate is fraying, and his loyalty to Grace is questionable. Will Todd become a pawn in Grace's game, or will he finally step up and do the right thing? His next move could be pivotal.
Can Kate and Hal's Marriage Survive?
Kate and Hal's relationship has always been a powder keg of ambition, betrayal, and grudging respect. Season 4 pushed them to the brink, with Hal's secret dealings with Grace and his public resignation. Kate is left to pick up the pieces, but can she ever trust him again? The show has hinted at a possible reconciliation, but with Hal's true motives still unclear, their future together is anything but certain.
What Happens to the UK Now?
With Trowbridge out and Vaughn in, the UK is in a precarious position. Vaughn's decision to let Russia retrieve their sub was a bold move that could backfire, and her relationship with the US is strained at best. Will she become an ally to Kate, or will she align with Grace? The political landscape is shifting, and the UK's next move could tip the scales.
Is There a Bigger Conspiracy at Play?
Throughout the series, there have been hints of a larger conspiracy involving the assassination attempt on Grace and the Poseidon's true purpose. Season 4 revealed that Grace was behind some of the chaos, but is there someone pulling her strings? The show has a knack for surprises, and Season 5 could uncover a web of deceit that goes all the way to the top.
As we eagerly await the next chapter, one thing is certain: The Diplomat knows how to keep us guessing. With its sharp writing, stellar performances, and jaw-dropping twists, it's no wonder the show has become a fan favorite. For more on the series, check out our ranking of the characters from Season 4. And if you're in the mood for more political intrigue, you might want to catch up on Gladiator II when it hits Netflix later this year.
