"The Diplomat"

I had heard good chatter about this series but didn't get around to it until Keri Russell got nominated for a SAG award.  Have to say, really liked it.  Ran through all eight episodes in less than 24 hours.  It's a delightful mix -- the politics and pace of "West Wing", the intrigue of a John le Carre novel, the marital complexities of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"  Ms. Russell is outstanding in her portrayal of a smart, hard-working woman ... who often has to navigate a world of low expectations, not to mention a husband who has his own ambitions.  Personally, I really like the fact that she is a woman who wants to do the job, not be judged for how she dresses when she does the job.  It's a rich, layered tale.  I wouldn't recommend this as a workout or "check your email" show ... you really need to pay attention.  Also, a familiarity with world politics wouldn't hurt.  This may be fiction, but it is grounded in today's events.  Short hand?  It becomes even better when you see the twists they put on things we know about -- Ukraine, Russia, Iran and more.  Definitely a worthwhile way to spend a long afternoon.  And I can't wait for season two.  Season one has quite the cliffhanger.  And I only partly saw it coming.  Lots and lots of moving pieces.