The Diplomat - SPOILERS Allowed - Read at your own risk!

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There’s been a lot of attention to season 4 of The Diplomat so this thread is intended to discuss AFTER WATCHING. (Unless you like spoilers.)

And talking of spoilers, I enjoyed seeing Doctor Who 13 as the new Prime Minister (Jodie Whittaker). Actually, within the Doctor Who universe, it wouldn’t be out of potential for Doctor Who to become Prime Minister.

And fun describing the show to husband, who isn’t watching it. Well, the Russian spy wife from The Americans (which he only watched the first two seasons) is now the Ambassador to Great Britain, and CJ Cregg, former Press Secretary in West Wing, is married to that Deputy Chief of Staff… Overall, a fun cast for sure.

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I just finished the current season today. One of my favorite shows of all time! What a great ending! Kind wish that some of the people in our current administration would have the same guts.

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I’ve watched the last 20 minutes of the season finale 4 times now. Such a great ending.

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I definitely think they were trying to send that message!

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Any thoughts on what Hal is going to say to the press? All sorts of theories out there, including invoking the 25th Amendment.

I think Hal started his break from the President earlier in the episode. Iirc, they were all at the patio dinner table and Grace essentially dismissed Kate. Hal started to stand up as Kate walked away, and Grace snapped, sit down. Like he was a dog. I think that festered until the G7 meeting when he decided that was the time for the break.

Anyway, every episode ended with enough of a cliff hanger that I went on to the next episode instead of stopping for the night more than once! Then stopped somewhere in that next episode to get some sleep.

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I think Hal is going to say that the president isn’t fit for office. My question is since he resigned, does he still automatically become the president if Penn is removed from office? And what’s the process for removing a sitting president for medical/mental issues? Is it still impeachment?

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I don’t think we can say for certain that he resigned, which would make him the next president if they invoke the 25th.

The problem is going to be Todd. I can’t keep straight how much he knows. For instance, does he know that Hal has been aware of all this for a while, which means he should probably step down as well.

This whole cast is so strong. I’m sure that they’ll find a way to get back the DCM.

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This is what AI says:

  • Declaration & Transfer: The Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet (or another Congressional body) can declare the president disabled, immediately making the Vice President Acting President.

  • Contest & Vote: If the president disputes this, power returns in four days unless the Cabinet re-asserts the disability, forcing Congress to convene within 48 hours and vote within 21 days. A two-thirds majority in both chambers keeps the Vice President in power; otherwise, the president returns. Section 4 has never been invoked

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True, they were careful with their language.

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In fact, she introduced him to the press as the Vice President. There’s a chance Ganon didn’t resign either, and he can rally the Cabinet to oust her.

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I think he’s invoking the 25th amendment

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It’s left vague. I don’t think he resigned and I don’t think Ganon resigned either.

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Right, we only know for sure that Billie resigned. As Chief of Staff, she could not have continued in that role after breaking with the President. Miguel was taking off his badge as he walked up to the table, but I don’t think we heard him officially resign his position. Unless Grace immediately fired him, he was still Secretary of State. He was undoubtedly aware of potentially invoking the 25th maybe so kept his position. And all we know is that Hal wasn’t wearing a badge, but not what he did or said inside.

Of course, it’s always possible that season 5 could start with Grace firing the entire cabinet, in which case there could be impeachment proceedings started. Or she could appoint Todd to act as every Secretary.

And poor Stuart! The most morally upright and honest diplomat of them all! Punished for speaking truth to power through allowed legal channels.

I will say, the last two episodes almost make you forget all the excitement earlier in the season. So many secrets to keep track of! And blurt out. And tell everyone else. And blackmail people about. And have hallucinations out of guilt.

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Just finished S4 so can hop on this thread now! Great ending. One of the few shows we have continued watching past a 2nd season. (The Americans was another!)

Well, you know they joke that there are only 20 actors in the UK :rofl: (f any of you watch a lot of British shows, you’ll get this)

And agree, we never actually saw Hal resign.

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Let’s keep politics out of the thread for safety’s sake; please self edit.

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I don’t watch Dr. Who but I looked up the actress playing the prime minister because I thought she was excellent. Really great cast all around this season. I think there was one too many Hal and Kate “breakups” but I like how it ended and can’t wait to see how they resolve it.

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Just finished watching it.

Really enjoyed seeing CJ and Josh as a married couple the last couple of seasons, now living in the Residence of the White House. What happened to Donna?

This was a great season except for Hal worrying about being fired in the last episode. The VP is the one person who cannot be fired by the President, because he is also elected by the people. A popular President can request a resignation, and there will be immense pressure for the VP to accept. A President as unpopular as CJ is here can only sideline the VP, but that’s it.

Other than that, really enjoyed the season.

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This vice president was not elected, he was appointed after the president died and the sitting vice president became president. At least that’s my recollection

So no idea if he could be fired. He could be pressured to resign.

Also and it’s been awhile since I’ve taken a civics class. If the vice president and the majority of the cabinet wants to invoke the 25th amendment, they wouldn’t resign because they would need a majority to remove the president.

Both scenarios require consent of congress. At least that is what Google says

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In the real world, the VP - whether elected or appointed - can’t be fired. They can resign or pressured to resign or removed via impeachment, but can’t be fired

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We binged the last three episodes last night – I agree that we didn’t see Hal resign, but the show isn’t usually that tricksy about things. I’m glad Kate resigned, of course it had to be a big showy resignation (I am not always rooting for Kate, tbh)

But Eidra’s “proposal” to Stuart? That was so completely in character, I am proud of the writers!! And Stuart’s monologue about why a proposal matters, why marriage matters, made me smile.

No idea what happens next. So many secrets flying around, don’t know how Grace could possibly keep a lid on all of them at this point. And speaking of blackmail/extortion/coercion – Frances telling Stuart was another “yes, that’s what she would do” kind of moment. (And love Frances’ jacket, btw)

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