It's no exaggeration to say that Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell are two of the greatest actors working today. Russell has been a standout since her breakout role in the '90s drama Felicity, but she's perhaps best known for playing Russian spy Elizabeth Jennings in The Americans, a role that earned her three Emmy nominations. Sewell's career is equally impressive, spanning everything from A Knight's Tale to The Man in the High Castle and the Tony-nominated play Rock 'n' Roll.
Together, they're pure magic in Netflix's The Diplomat, where they play the deeply complicated married couple Kate and Hal Wyler. Their relationship is often toxic, yet their chemistry is so intense you can't help but root for them. Season 4 pushes their bond to the brink, especially after Hal and Grace's controversial move to steal the Poseidon in the Season 3 finale. Between shocking shootings, devastating accidents, and jaw-dropping resignations, the political landscape they're navigating has never been more complex.
In a recent interview, Russell and Sewell opened up about the wild Season 4 cliffhanger, the tragic death of Dennison (David Gyasi), and why Kate and Hal keep inviting Grace and Todd (Bradley Whitford) to dinner.
Reactions to the Shocking Finale
“It kind of blew us away,” Sewell admitted when asked about reading the season's ending. The cast often gets redacted scripts until the readthrough, and Sewell noted that watching co-star Ato Essandoh's reaction is like “seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child.” He added, “Reading a script, being able to watch Ato's reaction, and then being able to experience it ourselves but also feel an audience's reaction was really exciting.”
The stakes have never been higher for Kate and Hal, and the line between marriage and politics is blurrier than ever. When Hal decides to resign, Sewell explained that it's a rare moment where Hal is forced to make a clear moral choice rather than play multiple angles. “This is one time when he doesn't get the chance to do that, and he has to make a 'wrong versus right' [decision],” Sewell said. “It takes Kate to force him in that moment to do that.”
Dennison's Death and Its Impact on Kate
Russell also reflected on how Dennison's death affects Kate throughout the season. “It's a huge loss,” she said. The actress highlighted the intense bonds formed in foreign service, comparing them to the connections made in war journalism or the Peace Corps. “Those bonds and relationships you forge with people are so heightened because you're far away from all your things, and your people, and your responsibilities, so it just becomes bigger and more intense.”
One particularly moving moment for Russell was a scene where Kate lets out a small sob after learning of Dennison's death, a moment that broke viewers' hearts. Russell admitted she doesn't even remember that specific take, but she loves what the loss does for the story.
For fans who want to catch up before diving into the new season, check out our Season 3 recap. And if you're curious about how this season stacks up, read our full review.
As for that disastrous dinner with Grace and Todd, both actors seemed equally puzzled. “Why do they keep doing that?” Sewell joked, echoing fans' sentiments. But it's those messy, human moments that make The Diplomat so compelling.
Season 4 of The Diplomat is streaming now on Netflix.
