{
  "id": 2181678,
  "title": "Rufus Sewell Defends His Sneaky Character in ‘The Diplomat’: He’s Not Bad and He’s Not Wrong",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/rufus-sewell-defends-his-sneaky-character-in-the-diplomat-hes-not-bad",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T17:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/industry-news/awards/rufus-sewell-the-diplomat-season-3-interview/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Season 3 of Netflix's \"The Diplomat\" concluded with a major shock involving Rufus Sewell's character, Hal Wyler. Initially introduced as a disgraced former ambassador, Hal has since usurped his wife, ambassador Kate Wyler, and become vice president himself. Unbeknownst to Kate until the final moments of the season, Hal had helped the president carry out an illegal undercover operation involving a crippled Russian nuclear submarine. Despite his underhanded schemes, Hal's motivations are often altruistic, and his political tactics are driven by a desire for power and access. The series balances political intrigue and personal dynamics, exploring the consequences of Hal's actions and the blurred lines between right and wrong in his pursuit of power.",
  "summary": "TheWrap magazine: “Very often, (he’s) far more altruistic than it might appear,” the actor says of his underhanded vice president The post Rufus Sewell Defends His Sneaky Character in ‘The Diplomat’: He’s Not Bad and He’s Not Wrong appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Rufus Sewell's character Hal Wyler is not inherently bad or wrong.",
    "Hal helped the president with an illegal operation involving a Russian submarine.",
    "The series explores Hal's motivations and the moral ambiguity of his actions."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}