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.

It was a nice surprise to stumble upon AMBASSADORS because I am such a fan of Mitchell & Webb - their sketch show and then PEEP SHOW are both terrific. What was refreshing was that the tone and pace and humor in AMBASSADORS is very different from their previous stuff. This show is like a mix of Yes, Minister, Veep and In The Loop. What is also impressive is the superb supporting cast - Keely Hawes, Matthew MacFayden, Tom Hollander, Amara Karan, Susan Lynch and Shivani Ghai. Don't expect the raunchy, will comedy of their sketch show/Peep Show. This is engaging, smart, measured and there are certainly laughs.

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'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!