With The Diplomat returning to the office for Season 3, all eyes turn to U.S. Ambassador to the UK, Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), and her attempt to prevent war following an attack on a British aircraft carrier. At last glance, Wyler discovers who was responsible for the attack, setting up an intense showdown when Season 3 returns in 2025.

At the heart of the conflict lies a mysterious character named Ronnie Buckhurst (Jess Chanliau), an emissary officer who fans may remember from the harrowing Season 1 finale and Season 2 premiere. In addition to identifying Ronnie and recollecting their role in Season 1, explaining their role in Season 2 will help fans understand what transpired with their character. It’s also important to note whether Ronnie has survived long enough to appear in Season 3.

What Is The Diplomat About?

Debora Cahn created The Diplomat, an American political thriller series that debuted on Netflix in April 2023. The drama concerns Kate Wyler, a United States diplomat appointed UK Ambassador. Kate is married to Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), a disgraced former US Ambassador to Lebanon who struggles to accept his wife’s political influence. Once Kate travels overseas, she is pressed into diplomatic action when the British aircraft carrier HMS Courageous is bombarded. Doing all she can to prevent a full-fledged European war, Kate demonstrates shrewd geopolitical maneuvering to broker peace.

Apart from adjusting to her new life abroad and getting to know who to trust in the British government, Kate investigates who is responsible for attacking the aircraft carrier. By Season 2’s end, Kate identifies US Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney) as the culprit. In Season 1 of the acclaimed Netflix original series, Hal Wyler was one of four victims who nearly died from a mysterious car explosion. Another victim was Ronnie Bckhurst (Jess Chanliau), a low-level US emissary officer who worked with Kate under Stuart Heyford (Ato Essandoh), Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in London.

Who Is Ronnie Buckhurst in The Diplomat?

Played by non-binary American/French actor Jess Chanliau, Ronnie Buckhurst appeared in The Diplomat‘s first nine episodes. Introduced in the pilot, “The Cinderella Thing,” Ronnie is an American emissary officer to London who works with Kate Wyler and Stuart Heyford. Plucky, idealistic, and enthusiastic, Ronnie brought new energy to the office, a refreshing change of pace from the crass cynicism pervading the emissary.

Unfortunately, Ronnie’s goodwill was not reciprocated when they accepted a mission on behalf of their boss. When British PM Merrit Grove (Simon Chandler) invites Hal to meet him privately in London, Kate sends Stuart instead. Ronnie informs Grove about Kate’s decision and Grove storms out and heads toward his car, claiming he will not speak to any US ambassador. Ronnie accompanies Grove to his car, with Hal and Stuart approaching from opposite streets.

Once Grove opens the car door, the vehicle explodes, injuring Grove, Ronnie, Hal, and Stuart. The incendiary crash occurred in the Season 1 finale, “The James Bond Clause,” leaving fans wondering what happened to Ronnie following the intense cliffhanger.

What Happens to Ronnie in The Diplomat, Explained

A classic case of collateral damage, Ronnie Buckhurst did not survive the assassination attempt of PM Grove. Ronnie died as an innocent bystander who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, despite upholding their diplomatic duties. Although Hal and Stuart survived the blast, Ronnie died along with PM Grove.

Ronnie’s tragically senseless death leaves Stuart in emotional tatters. As Stuart vows to identify the culprit and bring them to justice, the ripple effect of Ronnie’s death touches everyone working in the emissary. While Ronnie has not been onscreen since Season 2, Episode 1, “When a Stranger Calls,” their death directly informs the plot. At last glance, Ronnie was shown to be conscious but moribund, hardly responding to the EMTs who put her on a stretcher for medical assistance.

In Ronnie’s final moments, a medic asks “Can you open your mouth?” to gauge their breathing ability. After stating “No,” the medic asks, “Does it hurt to move?” Ronnie tragically grumbles “Yeah” before fatally succumbing to their injuries. The sad and shocking demise reminds viewers of the high-stakes sacrifices made by even lower-level political activists and diplomats seeking to keep the peace abroad.

With Ronnie Buckhurst’s confirmed death, previewing The Diplomat Season 3 will help fans heal from the tragedy. According to Keri Russell via People, she has read all the Season 3 scripts for the popular political TV show and assures fans, “It’s so good in the way I want things to be good, and I just can’t believe that it’s still getting better.” While details are scant, creator Debora Cahn added, “Season 3 flips the chessboard. In Season 3, Kate Wyler lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want.”

As for Jess Chanliau, they can be seen in The Riven, Inmate Zero, and Brave New World.