When it comes to high-stakes diplomacy, one might think of intense negotiations and global politics.

In Netflix’s hit series “The Diplomat,” the show’s star Keri Russell, and the rest of the cast give viewers a powerful glimpse into the personal sacrifices made by real-life foreign service workers.

Asked what was the most surprising thing she learned about foreign service so far, Russell said it was "their intelligence and incredible sacrifice."

"What it does to their personal lives, and if any of them have kids or families, they are out in the world all over the globe," she said. "They've given their lives to the world of civil service, and it’s an incredible sacrifice. I am incredibly grateful for their service."

Russell’s admiration for those who work behind the scenes in diplomacy is obvious. It also shows in her masterful portrayal of Kate Wyler, a character who is highly intelligent and funny.

Keri Russell plays Kate Wyler in the Netflix series "The Diplomat." (Courtesy: Netflix 'The Diplomat')

Russell, who also gained critical acclaim for past shows “Felicity” and “The Americans,” admitted that the role is challenging.

"It’s dense dialogue. It is not something that comes easily to me," she said. "I wish I had a photographic memory; I do not."

The actress added: "But also, it is a fine line to play the meat of the scene and not lean too hard into the funny because a little bit can go a long way. You want it to be believable and real at the same time."

Walking that fine line between intensity and humor is what makes Russell’s award-nominated performance captivating.

And it’s not just her: it is also her on-screen husband, played by Rufus Sewell, who adds a layer of complexity and humanity to their dynamic.

"[It's] to play something that has a presentational edge, that someone who has to look like one of those guys that we see," Sewell said, "and behind it, a perfectly normal, crappy human with all of the strengths and weaknesses."

'Because we're all just trying to get by. The perfectly fallible human and the front that you want to be respected," the actor added. "It’s the dissonance between those two things that we explore."

“The Diplomat” Season 2 premieres on Netflix starting Oct. 31.