'The Crown' started off great and managed to get better and better throughout the whole of Season 1. From the very beginning, 'The Crown' managed to be an exceptionally well made, written and acted series, always compelling even when deliberately paced and became one of 2016's major hits when it first began. Period dramas are my kind of thing, so there were no doubts in seeing it. Anybody interested in the Royals should consider seeing at least one episode.
With its fifth episode "Smoke and Mirrors", we have one of the best of the first season and possibly of the whole series. It continues to progress what went on in previous episodes while introducing new material as we delve further into Elizabeth's life. It was great to see more of the Duke of Windsor and also more development to Phillip. All the great things of before are here and even if it did take liberties with the truth it and the whole series are incredible on their own merits.
"Smoke and Mirrors" once again has superb production values. The production and costume design are both classy and sumptuous, but it's the photography that stands out in this regard. Much of it is quite stunning and some of the best of the whole of Season 1, the ever beautiful Westminster Abbey looks great. The music is neither too intrusive or too low key.
It's on point in the writing as well, it always intrigues and provokes a lot of thought. The story is deliberately paced but not dull, the Duke of Windsor is not too one-dimensional but it is not hard to see why he was hated. Any politics is not over-emphasised or laid on too thick. There is a big emphasis on the preparation for the coronation and Phillip's character development, why he acts the way he does and his conflict was very believably done and appreciated.
All the performances are top drawer again, with Alex Jennings taking top honours this time. His performance being smarmy but subtle. Love the nuance Matt Smith brought to Phillip and Claire Foy's very telling expressions and eyes are very moving to watch.
Concluding, brilliant and one of the season's and show's best. 10/10
With its fifth episode "Smoke and Mirrors", we have one of the best of the first season and possibly of the whole series. It continues to progress what went on in previous episodes while introducing new material as we delve further into Elizabeth's life. It was great to see more of the Duke of Windsor and also more development to Phillip. All the great things of before are here and even if it did take liberties with the truth it and the whole series are incredible on their own merits.
"Smoke and Mirrors" once again has superb production values. The production and costume design are both classy and sumptuous, but it's the photography that stands out in this regard. Much of it is quite stunning and some of the best of the whole of Season 1, the ever beautiful Westminster Abbey looks great. The music is neither too intrusive or too low key.
It's on point in the writing as well, it always intrigues and provokes a lot of thought. The story is deliberately paced but not dull, the Duke of Windsor is not too one-dimensional but it is not hard to see why he was hated. Any politics is not over-emphasised or laid on too thick. There is a big emphasis on the preparation for the coronation and Phillip's character development, why he acts the way he does and his conflict was very believably done and appreciated.
All the performances are top drawer again, with Alex Jennings taking top honours this time. His performance being smarmy but subtle. Love the nuance Matt Smith brought to Phillip and Claire Foy's very telling expressions and eyes are very moving to watch.
Concluding, brilliant and one of the season's and show's best. 10/10