Diksha Sundriyal
Each season of Netflix’s ‘The Diplomat’ ups the ante, with the political figures dragging themselves out of one crisis to land in another. Kate Wyler is constantly under pressure to ensure that nothing, especially the mess-ups from the American side, jeopardizes the amicable relationship with the UK. However, with each shocking step Grace Penn takes, it becomes increasingly difficult to defend her. Still, Kate’s connections in the UK government, particularly her rapport with PM Trowbridge, work to her advantage. But then, circumstances shift drastically, and a new political figure enters the picture in the form of Bethan Vaughn. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Bethan Vaughn is a New Challenge for Kate and the Penn Administration
The fictional British politician Bethan Vaughn comes in the second half of ‘The Diplomat’ Season 4 in an entirely unexpected turn of events. Nicol Trowbridge, after a series of extenuating circumstances, decides he is no longer fit to serve as the country’s prime minister. His resignation leaves the country, as well as the Penn administration, in uncertainty. They hope and pray that the next PM is much more amicable to them, as it would really help their cause. In the end, only two opponents remain, one of whom is a man known for his radical views and who wouldn’t be a good match for the Americans.
Bethan Vaughn, on the other hand, is much more personable, with views that align with the Americans. So, when she is elected the next PM, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Kate thinks she will be able to form a connection with Vaughn more quickly than she did with Trowbridge and get the Posiedon crisis under control. However, when Kate eventually meets Vaughn, she realizes she has grossly underestimated the new PM. Vaughn has already been read in on all the debacles, and she is quick to start clearing up the mess. She fires people left and right, and soon, Kate realizes that all the connections she had formed over the years are of no use now.
She will have to start from scratch with the Vaughn administration, but even that proves impossible. The new PM is not as easily swayed as Trowbridge, particularly because the Americans don’t have anything against her. She sees the theft of Poseidon as the American problem and doesn’t feel responsible for the consequences of their actions. She is more concerned about her country, and she definitely does not like to bow down to bullies, no matter who has the bigger gun. Her integrity makes her quite a challenge for Kate, who also cannot help but accept that Vaughn isn’t exactly wrong to take an aggressive stance after the way her allies have treated her predecessor.
Jodie Whittaker Brings Fire and Wit to Bethan Vaughn
Jodie Whittaker plays the role of Bethan Vaughn in the fourth season of ‘The Diplomat.’ The actress is best known for playing the thirteenth Doctor in the iconic British sci-fi drama series, ‘Doctor Who.’ Before that, she took on the role of Beth Latimer in the crime drama series, ‘Broadchurch.’ For her devastating portrayal of a grieving mother, she was nominated for Best Actress at the RTS Television Awards. Her more recent roles include the BAFTA-nominated role of Susan McIntyre in Netflix’s ‘Toxic Town,’ and Brett Goldstein’s character’s incarcerated sister in ‘Office Romance.’ A native of Skelmanthorpe, West Yorkshire, in northern England, Whittaker was raised in a working-class family with no connection to the film or television industry.
She revealed that she never had much interest in academics, but she did find an affinity for acting early in her life. After school, she enrolled in the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where she honed her wide range of acting skills. As soon as she graduated, she landed a role next to Peter O’Toole in the British comedy-drama, ‘Venus.’ Her debut performance brought her the nomination for Best Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards. Soon, she starred alongside acting royalty, Judi Dench and Imelda Staunton, in BBC’s period drama, ‘Cranford.’ Over the years, Whittaker she has established herself as a versatile performer who can jump from sci-fi and dystopian stories like ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Attack the Block’ to crime dramas like ‘Accused,’ classic adaptations like ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles,’ and medical dramas like ‘Trust Me.’
The actress has also voiced video games and podcasts, particularly the ones featuring the 13th Doctor. Apart from the screen, she has also made the theatre her home, working at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Royal National Theatre, the Trafalgar Studios, and the Almeida. Some of her theatre credits include productions like ‘The Storm,’ ‘Antigone,’ ‘Bash,’ ‘The Duchess,’ and ‘Enemies.’ With shows like ‘The Diplomat,’ she continues to add more unique characters to her already illustrious filmography. She is next set to appear in the sixth season of the Hulu comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ where she will continue to dazzle audiences with her quick wit and humor.
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