Warning: MAJOR spoilers ahead forThe Diplomatseason 2.The Diplomatseason 1 introduced a huge storyline for Rufus Sewell’s Hal Wyler, but the latest run of the Netflix political drama makes absolutely no mention of the pivotal twist. By theend ofThe Diplomatseason 2,Hal has apparently completely moved on from one notable motivationfrom the show’s first outing. However, the plot point is never openly abandoned onscreen. Instead, it is simply never mentioned in any of the latest six episodes. As such, Sewell’s role inThe Diplomatseason 2 castlooks very different from what it was at theend ofThe Diplomatseason 1.
Hal has flitted between being an enormous thorn in his wife’s side to one of her biggest resources. It’s unlikely that Keri Russell’s Kate Wyler would have been able to achieve some of the things she has during her time in London if not for her charismatic on-again/off-again soon-to-be ex-husband. That being said, their uncertain dynamic has also presented more than its fair share of challenges. Although they seem to be much more of a team by the end ofThe Diplomatseason 2, there’s one big betrayal that has been swept under the narrative rug.
The Diplomat Season 2 Forgets About Hal’s Secret Campaign To Become Secretary Of State
Rufus Sewell’s character quietly takes a step back from his previous goal
An accomplished ambassador in his own right, Hal Wyler’s role inThe Diplomatseason 1 is supposed to amount to little more than being the supportive spouse. Although he does have some official responsibilities, they’re nowhere near as prevalent as in the jobs and titles he has boasted in the past. Aware of how restless Hal is and how unpredictably he can act, Kate tries to offload some of her lesser jobs to her husband. She only realizes too late thatHal is using the platform given to him to launch a campaign to snag a much more prominent role.
Kate’s revelation happens deep intoThe Diplomatseason 1, and it comes to an abrupt end after the Notting Hill car bombing.
Kate’s revelation happens deep intoThe Diplomatseason 1, and it comes to an abrupt end after the Notting Hill car bombing. Hal’s persistence and endless ambition would certainly allow him to resume his plan to take the Secretary of State job from Miguel Gannon as soon as his injuries had even shown signs of healing. Weirdly,the storyline doesn’t even receive a tiny mention inThe Diplomatseason 2. While this could mean Kate’s theory was wrong, the presentation of the reveal was far too dramatic for it to just be her paranoia.
Why Hal Doesn’t Continue His Campaign In The Diplomat Season 2
Hal’s experience with the car bomb in the season 1 finale seems to have softened his lofty ambitions
The Diplomatseason 2 writers choosing to move on from Hal’s sneaky campaign is difficult to explain, but there is a viable theory that pertains to Hal’s experience at the end of season 1. Although he does his best to put on a brave face and act like the bomb hasn’t left any mental scars, Hal’s visible discomfort at the Fourth of July fireworks inThe Diplomatseason 2, episode 3,“The Ides of March,” proves he has certain triggersthat bring the fear of that night back into his mind.
Kate being so forgiving of Hal’s implied betrayal and taking advantage of his wife’s posting may have made him feel guilty.
So, Hal may simply not feel up to campaigning for the position anymore, and find it more rewarding to help his wife. The fireworks scene also gives Kate and Hal a chance to reconnect, as the love between them is still evident when Kate shows a level of sensitivity to his plight that the show hadn’t yet revealed. Therefore, Kate being so forgiving of Hal’s implied betrayal andtaking advantage of his wife’s posting may have made him feel guilty. If so, it would make sense he would abandon his previous goal and focus on being an ambassador’s husband.
The Diplomat Season 2 Finale’s Big Twist Makes It Even Less Likely That Hal Will Resume His Plan In Season 3
President Grace Penn won’t want Hal Wyler has her Secretary of State
Hal’s plan fromThe Diplomatseason 1 looked less and less likely to be picked upthe longer season 2 went on. When Michael McKean’s President Rayburn dies in the season 2 finale, “Dreadnought,” if Hal had any ambition to resume his campaign, it was surely swept aside.Allison Janney’s Grace Pennbeing elevated to the position of President of the United States of America is awful news for several characters, but mainly the Wylers.
The Diplomat Season 3: What Will The Next Season Be About?
While The Diplomat season 2’s cliffhanger ending raises all sorts of questions for season 3, some key details can already be speculated.
President Penn is now fully aware that Hal and Kate know about her involvement in the attack on the HMS Courageous, and by extension, her connection to the recently executed Roman Lenkov. Even if Grace wanted to replace Gannon and choose a new Secretary of State as part ofThe Diplomatseason 3’s story, the odds of her naming Hal Wyler as his successor are very close to zero - no matter how strong his campaign would be.
The Diplomat
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Set within the high-stakes world of international diplomacy, The Diplomat follows the challenges and intricacies faced by an ambassador as they navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. The series explores the delicate balance between personal and professional responsibilities amidst global tensions and the pursuit of peace.
