As the sixth episode of The Diplomat's third season unfurls, Kate, Eidra, and Hal touch down at the Penn household in Amagansett, immediately illuminating the episode's title. This moment also affords Todd the opportunity to assume the role of "first gentleman" with poise and grace.
Todd, fresh from his 50-lap swim sessions twice a day, whisks Kate away while Hal and Grace delve into business. Yet Kate's longing gaze betrays her desire to be part of the conversation.
Her wish is granted, albeit circuitously, as Kate catches up with the President. Grace is caught in a whirlwind of emotions, struggling to find the right path forward.
Hal advocates for revealing that an American was involved, as were his fellow citizens, believing that unity between Trowbridge and Grace would fortify their claims. Their public declaration of launching "the biggest investigation in the history of the world" would buy them time for a global manhunt that, although futile, could stretch on for years, eventually obscuring the whole affair.
Grace, however, clings to the mantra that honesty is the best policy. But this is a tall order that could spell career doom. When Kate learns of Grace's intention to come clean with Trowbridge, she shares her concerns with Hal. It's clear that the Second Lady's opinion carries little weight here, and Hal is quick to remind her of her earlier dismissal from the room.
As the air between them begins to calm after a brief moment of cool reflection, Hal and Kate find themselves engaging in a more measured exchange. However, the same cannot be said for Todd and Grace, whose heated exchanges are audible from the other side of the house. When Todd inadvertently slices his hand, spattering blood on the shucked oysters and offering them to the guests as a peculiar apology, the evening's double date descends into an awkward silence.
As the four sit together, Todd frets that this course of action could lead to Grace's impeachment, fearing its dangerous implications. Kate, on the other hand, explains that Trowbridge's irrationality makes it unlikely for him to remain silent about this news.
The matter is such that if the President is dismissed, Hal would immediately ascend to the presidency. But Hal quickly dissuades this idea in private with Grace, while the administration has grown weary of Kate's meddling and wishes her off to London.
For Billie, Kate's accusation of Hal as a liar in front of Grace is a deeply personal slur, not at all in line with the behavior expected of an Ambassador. Before leaving the estate, Kate speaks with Todd and ends up diving into the swimming pool with him, where she lays out her plan to throw Rayburn under the bus.
Todd realizes this could be the right move and heads over to share it with Grace. In doing so, he also publicly advocates for Billie's removal, calling her a problem for the administration. Todd continues, drawing attention to the absurdity of the situation, with Kate booted off despite her efforts to protect the President.
The next morning, Dennison and Trowbridge arrive at the estate and are briefed by Eidra. Grace follows Kate's plan, blaming Rayburn, while Billie remains silent. As for Dennison, he catches up with Kate later and explains that unfortunately, Trowbridge now holds serious leverage over the Americans.
In straightforward terms, Trowbridge envisions the trade deal with America as the dawn of a new era between the two nations, where America will be compelled to acquiesce to every British request in the foreseeable future. The notion of the US president allegedly coercing Roylin into launching a false flag operation is a bitter pill to swallow, a horror so profound it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
Kate's intention here is to convey a message of unity, and as he meticulously examines every word of his upcoming speech, Trowbridge decides to go off-script and rogue. With the nation watching and cameras rolling, he boldly claims that Rayburn orchestrated the attack, conveniently omitting our Roylin from his speech entirely.
