Keri Russell teasesThe Diplomatseason 2’s new Vice President character, saying she’s “three steps ahead.” Premiered in 2023, Netflix’s political thriller follows Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, the newly appointed United States ambassador to the United Kingdom, as she navigates international crises, builds strategic partnerships, and adapts to her new role in the limelight. Releasing later this month,The Diplomatseason 2is set to introduce Allison Janney as a new character, Grace Penn, the Vice President of the United States.
In an exclusive interview withScreen Rant,Keri Russell teased Allison Janney’s new Vice President character inThe Diplomatseason 2. The actress expressed her admiration for Janney’s effortless capability and confidence in a male-dominated environment. She also highlighted the contrast between her character, Kate Wyler, who is typically in control, but finds herself impressed and outpaced by Janney’s new character, who she says is “so three steps ahead.” Read her full comments below:

Well, I think she’s dazzled by her. I think she thinks she is f–king prepared and cool. She’s f–king Allison Janney! She does it all with ease and is in this man’s world, and [Kate] really thinks she’s great and is stunned by how capable she is.
I think Kate is a very capable workhorse. I think she’s used to giving everyone the information and running the show. And Allison’s character is so three steps ahead. She’s like, “Yeah, keep going, keep going…” Which is great when things turn a little bit. It’s just such good writing. And it’s Janney! I mean, come on.

What Keri Russell’s Comments Mean For The Diplomat Season 2
What To Expect From Allison Janney’s New VP Character
The second season is set to pick up afterThe Diplomatseason 1 endingas a car bomb explodes and potentially kills several key characters, though Kate’s husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) has survived. The introduction of Vice President Grace Penn in season 2 hints thatthe higher levels of the United States government get involvedand, as a result, Kate begins to suspect a broader conspiracy behind the explosion. Based onThe Diplomatseason 2 trailer, Vice President Penn quickly establishes herself as a new adversary for Kate and their relationship appears to be antagonistic from the beginning.
The Diplomat Cast Guide: Where You Know The Actors Of Netflix’s Breakout Hit From
Led by Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell, the cast of Netflix’s The Diplomat features an eclectic mix of fresh faces and television veterans.
Vice President Penn should make an intriguing adversary for Kate in season 2, especially sinceJanney is an Oscar-winning and 15-time Emmy-nominated actress, six of which were for her performance as White House Press Secretary C.J. Cregg inThe West Wing. In turn, she has plenty of experience with political drama and her connection toThe Diplomatcreator Debora Cahn goes all the way back toThe West Wing, where she started her career as a writer and producer on the show’s fourth season in 2002.
Our Take On Allison Janney’s New VP Character In The Diplomat Season 2
She Is An Inspired Casting Choice
Allison Janney is an inspired casting choicefor the Vice President inThe Diplomatseason 2. Though her well-intentioned press secretary onThe West Wingis very different from her Machiavellian vice president inThe Diplomat, her rich experience in political drama should bring a certain gravitas and nuance to the role. Her character, described as sharp and always three steps ahead, should also create a compelling dynamic with Kate who is used to being in control. Having Kate face off against an equally formidable adversary should lead to tense moments that elevate the drama inThe Diplomatseason 2.
The Diplomat
Cast
Set within the high-stakes world of international diplomacy, The Diplomat follows the challenges and intricacies faced by an ambassador as they navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. The series explores the delicate balance between personal and professional responsibilities amidst global tensions and the pursuit of peace.