The Diplomat's New British PM Is a Mirror for Keri Russell's Kate
The Diplomat's Kate Wyler has a new prime minister to deal with this season, and she might be a tougher match than expected. TVLine reports that Jodie Whittaker plays Bethan Vaughn, the ambitious young politician who replaced the scandal-plagued Nicol Trowbridge.
Showrunner Debora Cahn told the outlet that Vaughn is exactly what Kate thought she wanted. They share similar values and attitudes, which should have made for a perfect partnership. But, per Cahn, that immediate harmony just wasn't in the cards, creating the necessary friction for Kate's latest diplomatic challenge.
Star Keri Russell explained that the character was designed as a peer to Kate, unlike the more experienced Grace Penn. This creates a dynamic where the two can look each other in the eye and directly disagree. Russell noted a key cultural clash, with the British PM's polite pleasantries grating on Kate's direct American style of communication.
Cahn added that throwing Kate off-center was the honest move for the story, mirroring the real-life diplomatic practice of moving on just as you master a posting. Whittaker's debut as the sharp and savvy PM Vaughn is now streaming in the show's new season on Netflix.
