37/39
The only off-limits location was Winfield House, the real-life residence of the US ambassador
Scenario
In the midst of an international crisis, Kate Wyler, a career diplomat, is offered a prestigious position that she is not suited for, with tectonic consequences for her marriage and political future. The producers convinced the US and UK governments to allow them to use real locations for filming the series, including the US embassy (at Nine Elms), which opened in 2018. The UK allowed filming in the Foreign Secretary’s office, a rare distinction for any film or screen production, especially an American one. Although it is accurately described as occupying the largest residential plot (11 acres) in London other than Buckingham Palace, the producers used a country house outside the city for filming.
Shown at the 75th Emmy Awards (2024)
There was a moment, probably halfway through the first season of the series, when one of the subplots went in a slightly different direction than I expected, and that was good. Otherwise, the dysfunctional relationship—both personal and professional—between the leads works, and I like that. The writers did a good job of keeping the action clearly focused. Both the characters and the plot work.
Are they believable?
Of course, it’s not very believable, but it’s occasionally funny and suspenseful. “Madam Secretary of State” it’s not; and it’s not “Vice President.” And that’s very good. I have to mention that the acting and dialogue are also quite good. The casting was well done.
But that’s normal
Again, no. I realized very quickly that this is fantasy, not reality. Netflix did a good job with this. I can’t wait for Season 2.