Ambassadors

Most of the times it is great to see a satire focusing on characters, international politics and simple and well-written plot. And this show is one.

There are some racial stereotypes, but they kind of get away with it as they criticize British diplomacy, as well.

I hope they make another series.

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.

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 cannot understand the odd really rubbishing reviews that have appeared here and there of Ambassadors ; almost as if there is a hidden agenda. There are so many 10 star reviews, of which I agree, that to give 1 star is really perverse. For myself (and my wife) we found Ambassadors the wittiest, most original production we have seen for a long time. It was interesting to read a former member of the British Diplomatic Service stating how near reality it was; I suspected that it was and it was good to have this underlined. Both Mitchell and Webb were superb here; I have not always been a fan of their skit shows, but this was clever comic acting at its best. I would love to see a further series, but if that is not forthcoming then another Mitchell and Webb production using this characterful and entertaining format would be a winner.

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.