Netflix Gems

 The Diplomat season 4

I don't know if I've blogged about this series before, but I've been totally invested since it debuted in 2023, and it continues to shock and awe.

The ever evolving plots are too complex to rehash, so I'll just describe this as statecraft in the form of an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster ride ( which sounds contradictory haha ).

Despite being a cerebral show with tonnes of political jargon, it's become a big Netflix hit and awards darling. I couldn't be happier. 😊

Season 4 offers more upheaval and intrigue, with multiple twists and white-knuckle power shifts.

There were moments when I found the overwhelming number of female characters jarring, but by the last 2 episodes, the dynamics made the gender issue completely moot.

Without revealing spoilers, let's just say women are fully capable of being as egoistic and s***ty as men, sometimes even more so.

Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell remain at the centre of the storm, but Allison Janney is magnificent as President Grace Penn, with her elegantly tall frame, stylish blond coiffure and steely cold stare.

Janney's already won an Emmy for this role. She deserves another one!

Bradley Whitford as First Gentleman is also given much more screen time this season, and is a huge delight.

Initially written as a peripheral figure in season 3, his promotion to "special envoy" causes quite a few stressful - and rather hilarious - incidents. I foresee an Emmy nomination in 2027. 😊

The finale ended with a bang, with another excruciating year-long wait for season 5 argh!!

Not for everyone, but super highly recommended if you're game to give it a try.

I'd been eagerly anticipating this series since it was first announced, because I loved the 1955 film which starred James Dean ( his tormented Cal was memorable and heartbreaking ).

I haven't read the John Steinbeck novel so I can't comment on how accurate the Netflix adaptation is, but it's starkly different from the movie, especially where Cathy's brothel madam days are concerned.

The 7-episode format is much better for a story that spans 3 generations, and the acting made my jaw drop, with too many gut-wrenching scenes to count.

Florence Pugh has been consistently exceptional since I first noticed her in Lady Macbeth, but Cathy Ames is her crowning achievement.

Steinbeck created a female character who defied convention in the most extreme manner - willingly chose to be a prostitute in order to be rich and independent, cruelly murdered the madam who mentored her, tried to kill her husband then ran away after giving birth to twin sons ( just to name a few ).

It's a lot to handle, even for a cynic like myself. I flinched multiple times at both visual and verbal onslaughts. It's a testament to Pugh's skill and Zoe Kazan's incredible script that Cathy still comes across as wounded and vulnerable despite her behaviour.

Christopher Abbott as Adam Trask is also phenomenal.

I've seen him in various shows ( Catch-22, The Wolfman ) but wasn't a big fan. However, East Of Eden finally gives him the opportunity to shine, and he absolutely dazzles.

Another actor who's received many accolades is Hoon Lee, who plays the Trask family's longtime caretaker ( also named Lee ). 

I find it most interesting that Steinbeck gave a Chinese man such a prominent place in the story. Lee didn't make an impression on me in the movie, but he is front and centre in the series, providing wise guidance to the Trask men and boys as they navigate familial and marital difficulties.

Hoon Lee gives a beautiful performance, quiet yet powerful. If he isn't nominated for an Emmy next year, I will be very upset.

Fun fact: I met him in New York City in 2015, where he played the King of Siam in a lavish Lincoln Center revival of The King and I ( taking over from Ken Watanabe ). We had a brief and humourous chat at the stage door, and he laughed heartily when I told him my mum and I are from Singapore ( there were multiple references to SG in the musical's script ). So glad I have his autograph and a wefie! 😁

Another cast member worth mentioning is Joseph Zada. I know him only from the upcoming Hunger Games prequel ( he's young Haymitch ) but he really impressed me as Cal Trask ( James Dean's role ).

Last but not least is Mike Faist as Charles Trask ( Adam's brother ). He has limited screen time but steals almost every scene he's in. There's a widely circulated clip of a heated argument between the brothers, and Faist's fiery delivery is spectacular. Emmy nomination for him too please!

( I also recommend Challengers, a deliciously entertaining professional tennis rom-com Faist starred in alongside Zendaya and Josh O'Connor. It was my favourite film in 2024, so you can imagine how great it is. )

I've watched other excellent shows recently, but I'll leave those for a future post.

p.s. Dexter: Resurrection season 2 begins on 30 October! 😀