I Am the Ambassador

Rufus Gifford, a former Hollywood production executive who served as the finance director for Obama's 2012 reelection campaign, was appointed U.S. ambassador to Denmark in 2013, becoming one of the few openly gay men to hold such a post, where he remained until 2017. In 2014-15 Gifford was the focus of this 10-episode series produced by the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, which straddles the line between reality TV show and documentary as it follows Gifford performing his official duties. While there are some activities that are specifically diplomatic—such as arranging for Danish participation in anti-terrorism operations, or preparing a statement about the beheading of an American reporter by ISIS—most of Gifford's work simply involves interacting with locals to promote goodwill and understanding. Viewers see him, for example, struggling to learn a bit of Danish in order to speak at functions like a gay pride celebration, or hosting an outdoor screening of an HBO program at his residence for a large crowd of invited guests. Much of the series concerns Gifford's private life, particularly his relationship with Dr. Stephen DeVincent, a veterinarian he met some years before his appointment. The series concludes with their marriage in Copenhagen in 2015, an occasion that brought together members of their families and Danish royalty. Very little drama occurs in I Am the Ambassador, which is essentially an easygoing, meandering portrait of an affable, well-intentioned man doing a State Department job in a comfortable and hardly stressful European posting. An engaging if also undemanding series, this is a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)