Short Narrative Summary: The Diplomat Season 3 concludes with a dramatic bilateral summit at Chequers, where tensions between the U.S. and the U.K. are heightened due to accusations and threats involving a Russian submarine. Kate Wyler, played by Keri Russell, is passed over for the vice presidency in favor of her husband Hal, leading her to decide to remain as Ambassador to the U.K., living separately from Hal while maintaining a public facade of a happy marriage. This decision sets the stage for Season 4, with significant implications for Kate and Hal's relationship and their political futures.

Expanded Narrative:

The season begins with a pivotal moment: the death of the President, leading to Vice President Grace Penn's ascension to the presidency. In a surprising move, Grace selects Hal Wyler, Kate's husband, as her Vice President, bypassing Kate for the role. This decision sends shockwaves through Kate's life, both personally and professionally.

As the season progresses, Kate navigates her role as Ambassador to the U.K., facing numerous challenges, including complicated relationships with key figures like Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison and the ongoing political intrigue surrounding her husband's new position.

The climax of the season unfolds at a bilateral summit held at Chequers, a British estate. The summit is tense, focusing on repairing strained relations between the U.S. and the U.K. following public accusations by Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge regarding the late President Rayburn's involvement in the bombing of the HMS Courageous. Additionally, there is a pressing concern about a Russian submarine in British waters, equipped with a "salted bomb" known as The Poseidon, which could lead to catastrophic radioactive fallout.

During the summit, the Americans express anxiety about the British potentially seeking assistance from China, fearing the weapon could fall into Chinese hands. This scenario heightens the stakes and underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

In the aftermath of the summit, Kate is faced with the reality of her husband's new role and her own decision to remain in the U.K. as Ambassador. Despite the public appearance of a happy marriage, Kate and Hal will be living separately, a choice that reflects the deepening complexities in their relationship and the sacrifices they make for their careers.

As for the fate of the main characters, Kate Wyler is set to continue her role as Ambassador, navigating the challenges of her position while maintaining a facade of marital harmony. Hal Wyler, now Vice President, will likely face increased scrutiny and responsibility, further complicating his relationship with Kate. President Grace Penn's actions have significant implications for her presidency and the political landscape, setting the stage for Season 4.

The season ends on a cliffhanger, with these developments leaving viewers anticipating how these characters will navigate their intertwined personal and professional lives in the next season.

Yes, several characters die in The Diplomat (2023), primarily as a result of a car bomb explosion that occurs at the end of Season 1 and is addressed in Season 2.

Here is a detailed list of the characters who die and the circumstances of their deaths:

1. Merritt Grove
2. Who: British Member of Parliament (MP) Merritt Grove.
3. When: At the end of Season 1, confirmed in Season 2 premiere.
4. How: He is killed in a car bomb explosion that levels half of a street. He was in point-blank range of the blast, making his death almost certain.
5. Why: The explosion was a terrorist attack linked to political intrigue surrounding a British aircraft carrier and internal conspiracies. The exact mastermind behind the bombing is revealed later in Season 2 to be connected to high-level political figures, including American Vice President Grace Penn.

6. Details: Grove's death is a major catalyst for the plot and emotional fallout among the main characters, especially Kate Wyler and Dennison. His death is not shown on screen but is strongly implied and later confirmed.

7. Ronnie Buckhurst

8. Who: US embassy aide and a beloved member of Kate Wyler's team.
9. When: Dies in the Season 2 premiere, shortly after the car bomb explosion.
10. How: She succumbs to injuries sustained in the car bomb after hours of surgery.
11. Why: She was caught in the blast radius of the same car bomb that killed Merritt Grove.

12. Details: Her death deeply affects the team, highlighting the personal cost of the political violence and raising the stakes for Kate and her colleagues.

13. President William Rayburn

14. Who: The President of the United States during Season 2.
15. When: Dies in Season 2, after Hal Wyler informs him of a critical political betrayal.
16. How: He suffers a fatal heart attack, likely triggered by the shock of the news delivered by Hal.
17. Why: The President's death is indirectly caused by Hal's decision to bypass the Secretary of State and inform the President directly about the Vice President's treachery. The President had a known heart condition (atrial fibrillation) that made him vulnerable to such stress.

18. Details: His death leads to Vice President Grace Penn becoming President, which significantly shifts the political landscape and sets up future conflicts.

19. Hal Wyler and Stuart Hayford

20. Who: Kate Wyler's estranged husband (Hal) and deputy chief of mission (Hayford).
21. When: Caught in the car bomb explosion at the end of Season 1.
22. How: They survive the blast but are seriously injured and hospitalized.
23. Why: They were near Merritt Grove and Ronnie Buckhurst during the bombing.
24. Details: Their survival contrasts with the deaths of Grove and Ronnie, but their injuries add to the emotional and political tension in Season 2.

In summary, the key deaths are Merritt Grove and Ronnie Buckhurst due to the car bomb explosion, and President Rayburn due to a heart attack triggered by political betrayal. Hal and Hayford survive but are seriously injured. These deaths are pivotal to the series' political thriller narrative and character development.