“5 Key Reasons ‘The Diplomat’ Season 2 Distinguishes Itself as One of Netflix’s Finest TV Series of 2024”

# 5 Reasons Why Season 2 of Netflix’s *The Diplomat* is Among the Best TV Series of 2024

Netflix’s *The Diplomat* has burst back onto screens with its second season, enchanting both viewers and critics. This political thriller, crafted by Debora Cahn, has rapidly ascended in Netflix’s US rankings, affirming its status as one of the top TV series of 2024. For enthusiasts of political narratives intertwined with elements of espionage, *The Diplomat* deserves a prime spot on your watchlist. Here are the reasons why Season 2 is essential viewing and what distinguishes it in Netflix’s lineup for this year.

## 1. *The Diplomat* Marries Elements of *Homeland* and *The West Wing*

If you’ve appreciated the swift-paced political intrigue of *The West Wing* or the high-stakes espionage featured in *Homeland*, then *The Diplomat* presents an ideal fusion of both. This blending is intentional, as creator Debora Cahn has contributed to both series, infusing her narrative acumen into this Netflix success.

In Season 2, the story tracks American ambassador Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) as she maneuvers through the perilous realm of international diplomacy, with a storyline centering on a perilous false flag operation. The show’s signature walk-and-talk format paired with intense political engagements renders it a captivating experience for aficionados of both genres.

## 2. Supporting Characters are Just as Engaging as the Leads

While Keri Russell’s depiction of Kate Wyler undeniably anchors the show, the ensemble in *The Diplomat* is equally engaging. For example, Ali Ahn shines as CIA station chief Eidra Park. Her steady competence makes her a character to cheer for, while her interaction with Kate enriches the narrative.

Rory Kinnear’s portrayal of UK Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge is another notable aspect. His erratic and impulsive demeanor keeps viewers guessing, particularly as he becomes a leading suspect in the false flag incident that propels much of the season’s action. The strong supporting characters are so intricately crafted that they could easily dominate their own storylines, adding depth and richness to *The Diplomat*’s viewing experience.

## 3. A Skillful Misdirection in the Storyline

Season 2 excels in its capacity to maintain suspense among its viewers. The false flag operation, acting as the season’s core mystery, demonstrates an impressive skill in misdirection. Throughout much of the season, it appears that Prime Minister Trowbridge is orchestrating the attack, but the show executes an impressive twist: the true architects are rogue factions within his administration, attempting to unify the nation and halt Scotland’s independence movement.

This surprise not only keeps the audience engaged but also deepens the complexity of the political interactions involved. It showcases the series’ writing prowess, ensuring that even when you think the puzzle pieces align, *The Diplomat* successfully manages to astonish.

## 4. Allison Janney Delivers a Scene-Stealing Performance

One thrilling addition to Season 2 is Allison Janney as Vice President Grace Penn. Janney, familiar with political dramas from her legendary role in *The West Wing*, presents a performance that is both commanding and subtle. Her character, entangled in a scandal that jeopardizes her career, introduces new tension to the storyline.

Janney’s moments are among the most unforgettable, and her role in the false flag operation yields one of the season’s most significant revelations. Ultimately, Grace emerges as the orchestrator behind the attack, believing it essential for maintaining world order. Her final confrontation with Kate in the season’s concluding episode offers a masterstroke of political drama, as both grapple with the moral quandaries of their decisions.

## 5. An Astonishing Cliffhanger

If the conclusion of Season 1 had you in suspense, Season 2 escalates the tension to new heights. The final episode presents a shocking turn of events: upon discovering Grace’s role in the false flag operation, Kate’s husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) alerts the President of the United States. This stunning revelation triggers the President’s heart attack and death, paving the way for Grace to ascend to the presidency by default.

The season concludes with security racing towards Grace, while Kate processes the devastating news. It’s a daring and unforeseen finale that lays the groundwork for an even more riveting Season 3. The stakes have never been higher, and fans are abuzz with speculation about the future paths for Kate and Grace.

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## Final Thoughts

Season 2 of *The Diplomat* is

How to Control and Decrease Unwanted Political Texts

**The Surge of Political Campaign Texts: Why You’re Receiving So Many and What Actions You Can Take**

In the approach to the 2024 presidential election, a considerable number of Americans are experiencing an influx of political campaign texts on their phones. Whether you’ve already made your choice or remain undecided, it seems there’s no way to avoid the flood of messages urging you to contribute, volunteer, or simply cast your vote. This trend has escalated to the point that even *Saturday Night Live* humorously addressed it, with Maya Rudolph portraying Kamala Harris making jokes about texting every voter across the U.S.

But what is causing this overwhelming influx of political messages, and more significantly, can anything be done to stop them?

### What Is Causing the Increase in Political Texts?

Political campaigns have increasingly embraced text messaging as a method to connect with voters directly. Unlike emails, which frequently end up in spam, text messages almost always get noticed. Political strategists claim that text messaging provides a direct conduit to voters, enabling campaigns to sidestep traditional media and convey their message promptly and effectively.

However, this tactic has resulted in an avalanche of texts that many voters find burdensome. From urgent requests for donations to exaggerated allegations against opponents, these messages can often feel more like junk than valuable information. While some voters value the direct outreach, many more are left questioning how their phone numbers were acquired by political campaigns in the first place.

### How Do Campaigns Acquire Your Number?

The brief answer is data brokers. These businesses gather and sell personal data, including phone numbers, to political campaigns, advertisers, and various organizations. Your number may have been collected when you signed up for a loyalty program, made an online purchase, or participated in a survey. Once your information is handed over to a data broker, it can be sold and resold to multiple parties, including political campaigns.

This practice raises privacy issues, with numerous voters feeling their personal information is being utilized without their permission. Regrettably, the sale of personal data is largely unregulated in the U.S., leaving you with limited options to prevent your phone number from being sold to political campaigns.

### What Steps Can You Take to Reduce the Texts?

While there is no surefire way to completely eliminate political campaign texts, you can take a few actions to decrease their frequency.

1. **Reply with “STOP”**: Many political text messages provide an option to opt-out by replying with “STOP.” This is the simplest and most direct method to take your name off a campaign’s contact list. However, keep in mind that this only applies to the specific campaign that sent you the message. You might still receive texts from other campaigns or political organizations.

2. **Report Spam**: If you’re getting unwanted political texts, you can file a report with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). To report, forward the message to the short code 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on your device). This assists the FCC in monitoring and examining spam messages, though it may not provide an immediate solution to stop the texts.

3. **Use an App for Blocking**: Several applications exist that can help filter out unnecessary texts, including political communications. Apps such as RoboKiller, Truecaller, and Hiya enable you to screen out unwanted spam messages and calls. While these apps may not eliminate all political texts, they can appreciably lessen the number of unsolicited messages you receive.

4. **Register on the National Do Not Call Registry**: While designed mainly for telemarketing calls, the National Do Not Call Registry may also help limit the volume of unsolicited texts. However, it’s important to note that political campaigns are exempt from the Do Not Call regulations, so the impact on political texts might be minimal.

5. **Reach Out to Your Carrier**: Some cellular providers offer services that can aid in blocking spam texts. For instance, Verizon has a service called Call Filter, while AT&T provides a comparable service named AT&T Call Protect. These services can assist in identifying and blocking spam messages, including those from political sources.

### The Persistence of Political Texts

Sadly, political texts are probably here to stay. Text messaging has demonstrated itself to be a potent instrument for campaigns, allowing them to connect with voters directly and galvanize support. As long as this approach continues to succeed, campaigns will persist in utilizing it.

Furthermore, political messages enjoy protection under the First Amendment, implying that attempts to regulate or ban them face significant legal obstacles. Although some voters, like Jared Isaacman, have advocated for the prohibition of political fundraising texts, it’s improbable that such a ban would survive judicial scrutiny.

### The Future of Political Messaging

As technology advances, so will the strategies political campaigns employ to interact with voters. While text messaging is currently a favored approach, it is plausible that future campaigns may explore other channels, such as social media or messaging applications, to

Archaeologists Uncover 2,000-Year-Old Sunken Temple

# Archaeologists Discover a 2,000-Year-Old Temple Submerged Beneath Water

In a finding reminiscent of an *Indiana Jones* adventure, archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old submerged temple off Italy’s coastline. The temple, constructed by Arabian migrants from the Nabataean civilization, was located near Pozzuoli, close to Campi Flegrei, approximately 10 miles east of Naples. This ancient structure, hidden underwater for centuries, represents a crucial discovery that illuminates the historical ties between the Nabataean society and the Roman Empire.

## The Nabataean Civilization and the Temple’s Historical Importance

The Nabataean civilization is renowned for its remarkable rock-cut structures, especially the “Treasury” in Petra, Jordan, which gained international recognition after being depicted in *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade*. The Nabataeans formed a trading society that was instrumental in linking the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean region. Their reach extended well beyond their homeland, and Puteoli (today’s Pozzuoli) served as a vital port in Roman Italy, making it a fitting site for Nabataean merchants to build a temple.

The finding of the temple was anticipated, as scholars had suspected its presence based on artifacts collected in the area since the 18th century. However, its precise location remained hidden until recent underwater mapping initiatives uncovered its submerged remains.

## The Discovery: Mapping the Underwater Terrain

The temple’s discovery resulted from comprehensive mapping of the seabed near Pozzuoli. Researchers uncovered two sizable rooms, each featuring Roman-style walls approximately 32 feet by 16 feet. These submerged areas are believed to have once been part of the temple complex. In addition, two white marble altars were discovered leaning against one wall, further validating the site’s religious significance.

The altars displayed rectangular indentations, which likely held sacred stones utilized by the Nabataean community in their spiritual rites. This find highlights the cultural interchange between the Nabataeans and Romans, as Puteoli was a thriving port and the second largest city in Roman Italy during that era.

## Volcanic Activity and the Temple’s Submersion

The coastline surrounding Pozzuoli has experienced considerable transformations over the ages due to volcanic eruptions in the area. Much of the ancient Roman harbor, including the temple, was submerged as the shoreline altered. Nevertheless, around 1.2 miles of Roman-era warehouses and structures have been preserved underwater, providing a window into antiquity.

The submersion of the temple is thought to have transpired gradually as the land sank due to volcanic disturbances. Scholars speculate that the temple may have been deserted by the Nabataeans following the conquest of Arabia by Roman Emperor Trajan in 106 A.D., although the exact cause of its abandonment remains uncertain.

## Intentional Burial and Conservation

Remarkably, the temple seems to have been intentionally buried in a combination of concrete and shattered pottery during the second century A.D. This conscientious interment may have aimed to protect the site or to reuse the materials for other construction endeavors. The underwater preservation of the temple’s remnants has enabled archaeologists to examine its design and artifacts with exceptional clarity.

## A Window into the Past

The revelation of this submerged temple offers crucial insights into the cultural and religious customs of the Nabataean people and their engagement with the Roman Empire. It also emphasizes the significance of underwater archaeology in revealing hidden elements of history that have been obscured by time and natural forces.

As scholars persist in their examination of the site, they hope to uncover additional information about the temple’s significance in Nabataean society and its meaning within the greater framework of Roman Italy. This discovery serves as a reminder of the rich and interconnected history of the ancient world, where trade, faith, and culture transcended borders and left enduring legacies that continue to fascinate us today.

## Conclusion

The revelation of the 2,000-year-old submerged temple off the Italian coast is a remarkable archaeological milestone. It not only enhances our understanding of Nabataean culture but also emphasizes the dynamic interactions among ancient societies. As technology in underwater exploration continues to advance, we can anticipate further discoveries like this, disclosing hidden treasures from the annals of history.

### Image Credit: byarnoldus / Adobe

Evaluation of the Hisense U7N: Outstanding Performance at a Budget-Friendly Cost

# Hisense U7N Review: Exceptional Value for Your Money

**Introduction**

Hisense has been making incredible strides in the mid-range television segment for years, providing high-quality screens at prices significantly lower than those of premium brands like Samsung and LG. The Hisense U7N is a prime example of this phenomenon. Although it may not boast as many features as the flagship Hisense U8N, the U7N still offers outstanding performance at a more affordable price tag, making it an attractive choice for budget-minded shoppers who seek quality without the hefty price.

In this review, we will delve into the essential features, design, performance, and overall value of the Hisense U7N to assist you in determining if it aligns with your viewing needs.

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## **Hisense U7N Specs**

| **Feature** | **Details** |
|——————-|——————————–|
| **Display Size** | 55, 65, 75, 85 inches |
| **Resolution** | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| **Display Type** | Mini-LED ULED |
| **Refresh Rate** | 144Hz |
| **Ports** | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, Optical, Ethernet, Aux |
| **HDR Support** | HLG, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| **Software** | Google TV |
| **Price Range** | $799.99 – $2,199.99 |

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## **Design**

The Hisense U7N features a sleek and contemporary design, although it may lack the high-end appeal of some pricier rivals. The bezels surrounding the display are relatively narrow, leading to a more immersive viewing experience. The stand, while straightforward, is practical and can be adorned with a plastic cover to create the illusion of a broader, more upscale base.

A minor drawback in the design is the fixed positioning of the feet, which may complicate the setup of a soundbar. Nevertheless, the soundbar can still be positioned on the stand or feet with relative ease, although it might leave a slight gap between the TV and your furnishings.

While the U7N isn’t the slimmest television on the market, it doesn’t appear overly heavy either. It presents a solid compromise in design that should fit comfortably in most living rooms.

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## **Ports and Connectivity**

The Hisense U7N is equipped with a solid array of ports, including four HDMI connections—two that support HDMI 2.1 and two that are HDMI 2.0. This is consistent with the layout provided by the higher-end U8N model, and while having all four HDMI ports as HDMI 2.1 would have been ideal, this configuration is adequate for the majority of users.

The HDMI 2.1 ports support modern gaming features such as 4K at 144Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These capabilities make the U7N an excellent choice for gamers seeking a seamless and responsive gaming experience.

Other included ports feature an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection, an optical audio output for older audio systems, and a USB 2.0 port for media playback or powering external devices.

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## **Remote Control**

The remote included with the Hisense U7N is practical but not particularly innovative. It has quick-access buttons for popular streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Tubi. Additionally, there’s a customizable button that can be programmed for services like Hulu or Peacock.

Regrettably, the U.S. version of the U7N comes with a standard remote that operates on AAA batteries, unlike the UK variant, which includes a more modern solar-powered remote with USB-C charging. Though the AAA batteries are provided in the packaging, this is a feature that Hisense could enhance in future U.S. versions.

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## **Software: Google TV**

The Hisense U7N operates on Google TV, a platform that is thoughtfully designed and user-friendly. Google TV simplifies the process of locating and accessing your preferred content, and its interface is clean and intuitive. If you’re already integrated into the Google ecosystem, you will appreciate the harmonious connection with Google Assistant and other Google services.

In addition to Google TV, Hisense has incorporated some of its own software features, such as the Game Bar. This feature enables gamers to modify settings like HDR, refresh rate, and latency, allowing for greater control over the gaming experience. While a lot of modern titles automatically manage these adjustments, the Game Bar is a pleasant addition for those looking to optimize their setup.

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## **Performance**

### **Image Quality**

The Hisense U7N shines in image quality, particularly for its price bracket.