The Trailer for 'The Diplomat' Season 2 Is Explosive in More Ways Than One

The first season of Netflix's The Diplomat ended with a bag. Literally. Just as the new U.S. ambassador Kate Wyler (Kerri Russell) discovered that the call may in fact be coming from inside the British government when it comes to a recent deadly terrorist attack, a car bomb was detonated in the heart of London, leaving the lives of several major characters hanging in the balance and viewers everywhere wondering what on Earth might happen next. 

A year and a half later, we're finally set to find out. And if the newly released trailer is anything to go by, The Diplomat's second season is set to be just as volatile and surprising (dare we say, explosive?) as its first

Luckily, Netflix knows what the people are really here for, and the trailer immediately reassures viewers that Kate's husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) just fine. Sure, he's a little roughed up from the explosion but the rugged injury thing is a good look on him, and it means that television's most interesting will they/won't they even though they're already married personal and professional partnership will continue to fascinate viewers in Season 2. 

There's also a blink-and-you-'ll-miss-it shot of Kate's as deputy chief of mission Stuart Hayford (Ato Essandoh), which presumably means he can also be marked safe from a shocking death. But what of office clerk Ronnie (Jess Chanliau) and Tory MP Merritt Grove (Simon Chandler)? Their fates are less clear, and the fact that neither of them shows up in this clip isn't exactly a great sign for their survival odds. 

Season 2 will pick up in the aftermath of the explosion, as Kate investigates her suspicions about who might be responsible for both the car bomb that injured her husband and the original explosion on the H.M.S. Courageous that brought her to the U.K. in the first place. And while we know Kate certainly has her suspicions that the answer is a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government, there's the small matter of the fact that she doesn't have any proof.

Hal's near-death experience will undoubtedly complicate things even further in the Wylers' marriage. Kate had been considering leaving her husband while exploring an attraction to the U.K. foreign secretary, and generally becoming exhausted by everything that comes with marriage to someone as ambitious and morally flexible as she is. But, it's obvious that the pair still love one another and, for all his flaws, Hal is one of the only people she feels she can trust.

In the midst of all this, Kate will also find herself clashing with the often-mentioned-but-as yet-unseen Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney), who appears to know that Kate's considering going after her job. 

Here's the Season 2 synopsis. 

A deadly explosion in the heart of London shatters US Ambassador Kate Wyler’s world. Struggling to rebuild the lives that broke and the team that split apart, Kate’s worst fears unfold: The attack that brought her to the UK didn’t come from a rival nation, it came from inside the British government. As Kate chases the truth, her only real ally is her almost-ex-husband Hal Wyler, very much alive, and very much involved. She faces a fraught marriage, a complex dynamic with British Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison, and a threatening visit from Vice President Grace Penn. Stately homes. State secrets. High treason. High tea.

The series A-list cast also includes Rory Kinnear (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) as Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge, David Gyasi (The Sandman) as U.K. foreign secretary Austin Dennison, Ali Ahn (Agatha All Along) as CIA chief Eidra Park, Celia Imrie (Keeping Faith) as Meg Roylin, Nana Mensah (Presumed Innocent) as White House Chief of Staff Billie Appiah, Miguel Sandoval (Sugar) as U.S. Secretary of State Miguel Ganon, and Michael McKean (Station 19) as President William Rayburn.

The Diplomat was created by The West Wing alum Debora Cahn, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer. Russell also executive produces alongside Janice Williams, Alex Graves, and Peter Noah.

All episodes of Season 2 will premiere on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The Diplomat Season 1 is currently streaming on Netflix.