Keri Russell on the phone as Kate Wyler in The DiplomatThe Diplomat season 3 could feature a surprising villain, played by an actor who has done surprisingly little so far. Although there were several bit players in The Diplomat season 2’s cast, this particular figure has a strong connection to Keri Russell’s Kate Wyler, and their role so far suggests they could become far more prominent in The Diplomat season 3’s story. If The ending of The Diplomat season 2 is anything to go by, the future of the Netflix political drama is looking very exciting.

Kate’s Vice Presidential aspirations took a huge hit in The Diplomat season 2, episode 6, “Dreadnought.” Although the newly-ascended Grace Penn (Allison Janney) could still appoint Kate as her second-in-command, it would be more of a twisted power move than anything else. As such, it remains unclear what showrunner Debora Cahn has in store for the future of Russell’s character. However, Cahn may have hidden clues to a major upcoming twist in the first two seasons.

Laurel Lefkow As Carole Lengetti Has Done Almost Nothing In The Diplomat So Far

Carole has served as Kate’s VERY occasional confidante

Laurel Lefkow as Carole Lengetti on the phone in The Diplomat

Carole Lengetti has appeared in just two episodes of The Diplomat so far – one in each of the available seasons. Laurel Lefkow’s character seems to have a relatively close friendship with Kate due to their shared professional history. The show hasn’t gone into great detail about their dynamic, but the conversations they have tease an immense level of trust and respect for one another. In short, Carole could be far more important in The Diplomat season 3 than many might expect.

After debuting in The Diplomat season 1, episode 2, “Don’t Call it a Kidnapping,” Carole doesn’t return until The Diplomat season 2 finale, when she comes to stay with Kate at Winfield House. It’s tough to believe that Carole is as much a side character as she initially seems, especially with Kate inviting her to be a guest at her UK place of residence. As such, it’s not an unreasonable assumption that Lefkow’s workload will increase in the next batch of episodes.

What Carole’s Bigger Role In The Diplomat Season 3 Could Be

Carole may not be the ally she appears to be (at least, not to Kate)

Laurel Lefkow looking serious as Carole Lengetti in The Diplomat Keri Russell looking confused as Kate Wyler in The Diplomat Allison Janney as Grace Penn outside standing on the balcony in The Diplomat season 2, episode 5 The Diplomat season 3 Keri Russell as Kate Wyler talking on the phone
Keri Russell on the phone as Kate Wyler in The DiplomatLaurel Lefkow looking serious as Carole Lengetti in The Diplomat Keri Russell looking confused as Kate Wyler in The Diplomat Allison Janney as Grace Penn outside standing on the balcony in The Diplomat season 2, episode 5 The Diplomat season 3 Keri Russell as Kate Wyler talking on the phone Keri Russell on the phone as Kate Wyler in The Diplomat

Showrunner Debora Cahn continues to tease the possibility that Kate will still become Vice President in The Diplomat season 3. If so, Russell’s character will need to rely on the people she trusts more than ever, especially under President Penn’s leadership. Therefore, Carole could become one of the few people that Kate can confide in and turn to for advice – especially with how much of a loose canon Rufus Sewell’s Hal Wyler can be.

Alternatively, it could be that Carole has been in Grace Penn’s back pocket all along, which would be an incredibly hurtful twist for Kate. It’s arguably too coincidental that Lefkow’s character showed up just as Kate started to suspect something was more than a little awry with what was going on with the attack on the HMS Courageous. So, it remains a possibility that Carole could have been dispatched by Grace to keep an eye on Kate during the investigation that has taken up most of The Diplomat‘s story so far.