Actress Allison Janney Channels Hillary Clinton in Powerful New Role

The Diplomat: An Examination of Power and Responsibility

As the second season of The Diplomat premieres, Janney’s character, Grace, makes a striking arrival, distinguished by her steely blonde bob, an aesthetic that was not entirely intentional. According to Janney, her model for the character is Hillary Clinton, noting that "it’s unbelievable, the experience that woman has and how incredibly smart she is, yet she’s still polarizing—she’s respected, she’s admired, she’s hated."

A Complex and Unapologetic Approach to Politics

Creator Cahn has taken a different approach to politics, focusing on the complexities and nuances of real-life diplomacy. "Let’s take away the easy answer of ‘a bad guy did that’ and say, ‘No, a bunch of really good people did that. And how the fuck does that go down? How did we get here with the good guys?’" she says. This approach informs the dynamic between Kate, who’s trying to stop the stream of bad decisions, and Grace, her figurehead for those diplomatic mistakes.

A Glimpse into the World of Politics

Cahn wrote and shot the second season with President Joe Biden still running for reelection, with Vice President Kamala Harris in mind while developing Grace as a character. "How the smartest and most experienced and most capable women wind up shuttled out the side door was very, very important for me to think about," Cahn says. But with the show premiering just days before an election that may see Harris becoming the president herself, Cahn acknowledges the timing is a little bit scary. "We did not see this coming."

A Conclusion

The Diplomat’s second season delves into the grave geopolitical mistakes being made right here at home, offering a complex and unapologetic examination of power and responsibility. With the show’s unique approach to politics and its thought-provoking themes, it’s clear that this season will keep audiences engaged and curious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the basis for Janney’s character, Grace?
  • Hillary Clinton
• How does Cahn approach politics in the show?
  • Complex and nuanced
• What is the timing of the show’s release?
  • Just days before an election that may see Kamala Harris becoming the president
• What is the tone of the show?
  • Complex and thought-provoking