The Diplomat — Season 1, Episode 8 Recap

In "The Diplomat" S1E8, Austin tells Kate that Trowbridge has approved Lenkov's arrest. They are surprised since he previously expressed dissatisfaction. Trowbridge only wants to capture Lenkov rather than the group of Russians. Austin and Ganon go to Paris to talk to the French authorities. Trowbridge only wants British Special Forces for a photo op. Kate to accompanies Anu Kapoor instead of Ganon. Billie tells Eidra that the CIA cannot enlist Hal because Kate is on a shortlist for the Vice President position. Stuart informs Kate that she will accompany Austin to Paris, and she responds with a nonchalant "Okay."

In another scene, Stuart steps into Eidra's cozy cabin and meets a tense atmosphere. Billie requests a briefing on Kate and her upcoming high-profile post. Eidra has to relay the message to Stuart.

Stuart's expression becomes serious as he shares the news: Kate was to become the next Vice President of the United States. However, there is a caveat - the U.S. authorities doubt Kate's readiness for the role. As a result, Stuart has to prepare her for the position. This means relocating to D.C. for four months.

Eidra's reaction was unexpected - she was furious that Stuart would prioritize work over their relationship. In a moment of emotion, she reminds him of the time he had pleaded with her not to go to Cairo. It seemed that history was repeating itself. Eidra was unwilling to wait for Stuart to choose between his career and their love.

Kate and Hal's relationship is on the rocks as Hal is jealous of Kate's upcoming trip to Paris with Austin. Kate invites Hal to join her, but he declines and asks to speak at Chatham House instead. Stuart is in shock to learn that Hal will be giving the speech in Kate's place. Additionally, he has requested a waiver of the rules and a copy sent to Billie. Following a passionate speech on communication at Chatham House, Hal meets a Tory MP. Meanwhile, Kate and Austin meet with the Minister of Interior, who disagrees with their plan to arrest Lenkov and warns it could strain relations with Russia. They plan to ask her again at an evening party but are interrupted by a call from Hal.

Kate and Hal discuss his speech and a meeting he has with a Tory MP. This causes an argument when Kate questions Hal's ambition for the Secretary of State post. Kate hastily tries to cancel the meeting and later goes for a walk with Austin. She confides in him about the potential end of her marriage. Meanwhile, Hal meets with Stuart and Ronnie and arranges for Stuart to have a five-minute meeting with the Tory MP. At an evening party in France, Kate wears a red gown and talks to Fournier about the Lenkov arrest. She learns that the British Special Forces plan to assassinate him instead. She confronts Austin, who claims to be unaware, and tries to find evidence on his phone before throwing her and his phone toward security.

Kate and Austin discuss how Lenkov's death only benefits those who hired him, leading them to conclude that Prime Minister Trowbridge was behind it. Meanwhile, a Tory MP refuses to meet with Stuart and Ronnie and dies in a car explosion shortly after opening his car door. Kate had contacted Margaret about Grove wanting to reach out to U.S. authorities, leading them to suspect that Margaret is responsible for the explosion.

The Diplomat is now streaming on Netflix.