By Kim Juyoung, freelance journalist
(Former Climate Change Specialist, UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Georgia Office)
Netflix’s political thriller The Diplomat is a gripping watch. But once you’re hooked, it’s hard not to wonder: “Is this really how diplomacy works?” For this The Diplomat review, I watched Wolfgang Ischinger, Germany’s former ambassador to both the United States and the United Kingdom, assess scenes from the show. His commentary made me notice the procedures and day-to-day work that rarely get the spotlight.
Spoiler note: I won’t reveal specific details of the ending, but I will discuss a few scenes.
Teureosuteu Men’s Fall/Winter Suit Set with Elastic-Waist Pants — Group Events, Interviews, and Wedding Guest Attire
Teureosuteu
naver.me
The Diplomat Review: A Season 4 Ending That Tested My Principles
As someone who takes rules and principles seriously, I found the final scene of Season 4 pretty baffling—and deeply frustrating. (My MBTI personality type? ESTJ through and through.) Yet that very discomfort kept the tension running right to the end. I couldn’t quite accept what happened, but I still wanted to know what came next. That feeling stayed with me.
Still, the better a drama is, the more I want to keep its distance from reality in mind. A character’s choices can feel convincing on-screen without suggesting that the same thing would happen the same way in actual diplomatic work.
Even Diplomatic Gifts Have to Follow Protocol
Ischinger found one scene unrealistic: the British prime minister tries to personally hand the U.S. ambassador—a senior American official—a Bible presented as ideal for a president to rest a hand on while taking the oath of office. In real life, he explained, a gift would go through staff and security personnel for screening first.
On-screen, someone approaching with a gift creates tension. In real life, the preparations leading up to that moment would already involve rigorous security procedures.
He also took issue with senior officials personally squabbling over seating arrangements. In his experience, aides sort out those details. International diplomatic protocols exist precisely to prevent unnecessary clashes over who sits where.
A Gutenberg Bible from 1455—now that is an extraordinary gift.
Church Bible and English Scripture Copying Study Book — Christian Supplies, New Testament, and Praise Study Materials
Pik Market 6
naver.me
Ambassadors Are Managers Who Review Staff Performance, Too
Some scenes, though, did ring true—particularly those showing the ambassador evaluating staff and managing the organization. Ischinger explained that performance reviews for senior staff who report directly to the ambassador are part of the job.
He also recognized the practice of asking aides to signal when it’s time to wrap up a speech. Tucked between the high-stakes negotiations, these everyday moments seemed to offer a more authentic glimpse of the profession.
But asking the president—the head of state—to cut a speech short? He said nobody would dare.
Real-Life Diplomatic Mishaps Can Be Just as Stressful
A scene involving borrowed clothing reminded him of a hat mishap while he was accompanying the German chancellor.
Before a visit to a Jewish cemetery, the chancellor realized he hadn’t brought a hat and borrowed one from the ambassador posted there. Unfortunately, it didn’t fit.
Ischinger ended up cutting the back of the hat so it would fit the chancellor’s head. The event went ahead, but the ambassador was furious that his expensive hat had been ruined.
It turns out diplomatic tension doesn’t always require a grand conspiracy. One small mistake can derail a carefully planned schedule, and someone has to fix it on the spot.
Enjoy the Drama—But Don’t Treat It as a Guide to Reality
What I appreciated about Ischinger’s The Diplomat review was that he didn’t simply dismiss the show as inaccurate. He pointed out unrealistic scenes while still giving it credit for being entertaining and suspenseful.
I’m still annoyed by the Season 4 ending. Even so, I think that reaction is part of what makes it a well-crafted story. From now on, I’ll be thinking not only about the lead characters’ bold moves, but also about the people behind them who would have to handle the procedures and smooth over the conflicts.
At the end of the video, Ischinger recommends the Munich Security Conference’s YouTube channel to anyone curious about real diplomacy. If you’re an aspiring diplomat, it could be worth subscribing and dipping into a video whenever you need a break from studying.
Frustrations aside, the Season 4 finale was excellent. While I wait for the next installment, I’ll be paying a little more attention to international affairs myself.
Reference video: Top Diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger reacts to “The Diplomat”
Note: I’ve summarized the interview and added my own reactions. His observations reflect his experience, so they shouldn’t be treated as rules that apply equally to every country and situation.
VA Stud Pigment-Dyed Baseball Cap — Black
VARZAR
naver.me
You’ll find more TV drama reviews on my blog—feel free to browse.
I also regularly share updates from my travels on YouTube.
I’d love for you to follow along.
Written by
Jigubyeol Sigoljwi (“Earth’s Country Mouse”) — blogger and YouTuber sharing books, reading, travel, and everyday life