Ambassadors

Although it only had a three episode run, this was a truly well done program. It was realistic and dramatic, but it contained so much genuine humor as well. Definitely worth the watch.

As a former member of the British Diplomatic Service I found this series ticked a lot of boxes. I recognised a number of the characterisations as being similar to people I had come across in my own career, and the balance of realistic scenarios and humour was cleverly done. I found myself empathising with several of the characters in the Embassy who struggled to maintain a semblance of normal life amid conflicting, usually urgent and sometimes dangerous, calls on their time. Reviewer journalist1 clearly has a different interpretation of "politically correct" than me. The programme deliberately poked fun at institutions and individuals, from the British Royal Family to the ruling clique of the semi-fictitious country where it is set. Of course there were errors - the Union Jack regularly being flown upside down, for example, something that the producers should really have got right - and it had to be a bit "over-the-top" to be funny, but overall it was an amusing but realistic peek into the world of modern diplomacy at the day-to-day level. I hope there will be another series.

I'm not a die-hard follower of these guys, but enjoy them both. The other actors were really good, too. Well-done, engaging story line. We'd welcome more!

I tend to have a short attention span, but I watched all three episodes back to back. Highly recommended although unexpectedly serious and definitely not Peep Show.

It's a new genre for Mitchell and a Webb and I think they pull it off really well despite the fact that you're waiting for those side glances from Webb at the end of his scenes. Budgets looked fairly big as it seemed all to be shot in Turkey or surrounding regions. Therefore I hope the mixed reviews don't affect a decision about follow up shows.... I'm hoping they make a second series which I think will learn from the first, and will see the characters mature and grow further.

A fascinating mix of political satire, relationship drama and intelligent comedy, the Ambassadors was well acted by a quality cast and developed nicely over the 3 episodes. The absurdities of service in the FCO were well balanced by the consideration of some interesting themes and the inevitable moral quandaries that arise when trying to meet the often multiple and incompatible requirements of the diplomatic service.

Both Mitchell and Webb delivered enjoyable performances, and the production values were excellent, providing a realistic backdrop for the supporting cast to develop their characters.

I was genuinely disappointed to find out that there are only 3 episodes - it deserves more.