The global situation is chaotic, with nations in conflict and politicians struggling to navigate the turbulence.

There’s a lot of noise and excitement surrounding this topic.

I’m not referring to the upcoming 2024 election, but instead to the new season of Netflix’s political drama “The Diplomat,” starring Keri Russell ( ★★★ out of four), which is currently available for streaming. Its release coincides perfectly with this pivotal electoral year.

If you’re someone who seeks an escape from the complexities of real-world politics and prefers a fictional narrative filled with outrageous plots and suave government officials exchanging flirtations, then “The Diplomat” is sure to entertain you.

Allison Janney, known for her role on “The West Wing,” joins the cast this year, making a strong impact. To elevate the series beyond casting Russell, who portrayed a beloved Russian spy on “The Americans,” there’s really no one better than C.J. Cregg.

The second season of “Diplomat” picks up right where the dramatic Season 1 finale left off. The finale ended with a tense moment, featuring four characters gathered around a car just before it exploded on a London street.

Kate Wyler, a dedicated foreign service officer, has found herself in quite a predicament since becoming the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom during a troubling time for the nation. The situation has deteriorated rapidly. Alongside her intrusive husband Hal and U.K. Foreign Minister Austin Dennison, Kate is on a mission to find out who is behind an attack on a British aircraft carrier. As they dig deeper, it becomes increasingly clear that there may be ties to an insider within the government, potentially implicating Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge.

Following an explosion, Hal, along with Kate’s assistant Stuart (Ato Essandoh) and another embassy staff member, is rushed into emergency surgery. Meanwhile, Kate and her CIA director Eidra Park (Ali Ahn) work to uncover the conspiracy behind the incident. Their approach mirrors Kate’s chaotic style from Season 1, but this time the risks are even greater. “Diplomat,” like the finest dialogue-driven thrillers, can transform a casual gathering into a scene filled with tension akin to a battlefield.

Each surprise that emerges is both profoundly surprising and strangely expected.

In the upcoming season, Janney joins the cast as Vice President Grace Penn. Her character makes a surprise entrance in London, stirring up chaos with an assertive approach reminiscent of her role from “The West Wing.” Fans of the Emmy-winning actress will appreciate seeing her back in tailored pantsuits and passionately interacting with government officials. “The Diplomat” successfully taps into this nostalgia while also delivering a captivating plot twist.

The show’s visuals are captivating and engaging (and don’t worry, no spoilers ahead).

Aside from the special guest star, everything that made “Diplomat” enjoyable remains intact and even slightly improved. Russell shines with her vibrant energy, charm, and unexpected humor, continuing to be the main attraction even as her fellow cast members receive more in-depth storylines.

Sewell returns as his suave self once again.

slightly humbled by his close call with death at the conclusion of Season 1. Ahn impressively portrays the most unfortunate CIA station chief in the world as Eidra becomes embroiled in Kate’s diplomatic dilemmas, jeopardizing her job. Ahn infuses her spy character with a restrained intensity that is so believable, you’ll likely forget she also plays a carefree rocker witch on Disney+’s “Agatha All Along.” This time, the writing aligns perfectly with Ahn’s abilities.

“Diplomat” may not accurately depict international relations, but it provides an engaging narrative.The series is exciting and captivating. The dialogue flows quickly, matching the fast-paced story. The characters are engaging, and the cast delivers strong performances. Each episode is just the right length, set against beautiful backdrops. Moreover, the outrageous diplomatic twists in the plot make it even more thrilling to watch.It could very well be the political fantasy that resonates with our times: it feels genuine and captivating, yet the events are too bizarre to be taken literally.

Engage with the real world.

At least, for the time being.