I went into this episode expecting a stereo typical performance from actors playing Egyptians, because as i remember the crown had an episode about jamal abdel nasser and the 52 revolution that led to Egypt independence from the British empire , and i wasn't impressed with it to be honest, but for my surprise this episode they got it right, from the accent and the Arabic dialect specific to Egypt, to the superb acting of Khaled Abdallah playing dodi and the actor playing mohammed al fayed, even the costumes of that period ( 1940's) in Egypt they got right, not to mention the argument that mohammad el fayed had with his father about how Egyptians truly saw the British at that time, they were colonists yet some Egyptians were eager to please them.
23 Reviews
The best episode of this series so far...
MazzyMayhem-117-54451124 November 2022
Well I have meandered through this current series, just going through the motions of watching it because I have watched the other four series, but this episode was really, really fascinating.
Top marks to the actors who played Mohammed senior and Dodi. Al-Fayed's story (I know a lot was omitted, but this is 'The Crown' not 'Al-Fayed') is interesting, especially his fascination with the British Royal Family.
Although the RF aren't the focus in this storyline, when they do appear it isn't in a favourable light. Was the Queen really so rude to Al-Fayed at the polo? Their behaviour towards him at Villa Windsor?
Don't get me wrong, Mohammed wasn't portrayed as an angel either. He was shown to be rascist, controlling and someone used to getting his own way. However, it paves the way for the Al-Fayeds in subsequent episodes.
Top marks to the actors who played Mohammed senior and Dodi. Al-Fayed's story (I know a lot was omitted, but this is 'The Crown' not 'Al-Fayed') is interesting, especially his fascination with the British Royal Family.
Although the RF aren't the focus in this storyline, when they do appear it isn't in a favourable light. Was the Queen really so rude to Al-Fayed at the polo? Their behaviour towards him at Villa Windsor?
Don't get me wrong, Mohammed wasn't portrayed as an angel either. He was shown to be rascist, controlling and someone used to getting his own way. However, it paves the way for the Al-Fayeds in subsequent episodes.
Sydney Johnson
Kingslaay7 April 2023
A great and wholesome episode. I was engaged from start to end. The Crown comes full circle as it takes us back to how the show started with the Duke of Windsor from the earlier seasons. We see the old cast effortlessly ease into their roles. One of the reasons I love this show is to get glimmers into the rich past and see certain moments. We see life through the young and older eyes of Mohamed Al-Fayed.
But the star and heart of the episode to me was Sydney Johnson. A simple yet loyal man who won two influential men from different worlds. First he earned the respect from the Duke and later a wealthy man who also came from humble beginnings. Both saw the value in his loyalty and quality of service. It shows how quality and quiet dignity can win over almost anyone and gets you recognised. I liked the moment when Sydney was sick and it was Mohamed Al-Fayed who brought and served him tea. A gem of an episode.
But the star and heart of the episode to me was Sydney Johnson. A simple yet loyal man who won two influential men from different worlds. First he earned the respect from the Duke and later a wealthy man who also came from humble beginnings. Both saw the value in his loyalty and quality of service. It shows how quality and quiet dignity can win over almost anyone and gets you recognised. I liked the moment when Sydney was sick and it was Mohamed Al-Fayed who brought and served him tea. A gem of an episode.
Refreshing air for the Monarchy
emmababy-5789410 November 2022
Finally, the story also focuses politically. Mou Mou shows the transition of white class privilege and how the oppressed in a capitalist system would climb the social ladder and their obsession with white rich families like the British Royal Family. The writing, acting, and editing are very emmy worthy. This episode itself evolves its relationship to *S1-3 character with cameo* and future implications in Season 6 with Diana and Dodi. This feels like a stand alone film on the success of Al Fayeds and its definitely amazing. Guest Actor for Emmy should start now!!! Will not spoil anything but this episode really raised the interest and possible extension of The Crown Cinematic Universe.
Brilliant episode
puimare198010 November 2022
This show has been consistently good, with each season having some moment of brilliance - an episode where the story, the writing and the acting just stood out and filled you with the utmost pleasure of viewing. Without having to see the remaining episodes, I can tell this has been it for season 5.
It stirred an immense curiosity in the actual story. I was left wondering who and how the characters really were, how much of what I've seen was true. I was amazed with the elements I did not know (like the Oscar, the Harrods or the Villa Windsor stories). Above all, I loved the chemistry of the characters.
It stirred an immense curiosity in the actual story. I was left wondering who and how the characters really were, how much of what I've seen was true. I was amazed with the elements I did not know (like the Oscar, the Harrods or the Villa Windsor stories). Above all, I loved the chemistry of the characters.
The Best Portrayal of Princess Diana
williamwindsor-8700912 November 2022
This episode means a lot to people who interested in Royal Family. And The Moment between Princess Diana and Mohamad is just so sweet and it could imagine as really happened in Real life. Elizabeth is the best actress who played princess Diana since I've seen. She got the mannerisms, the look, the voice, the acting everything is perfect. The tribute to sydney is really good and I'm very happy to see it. This season gave us the pressure and the sadness that Royal Family been through in the 90s and it's really good. I wish that they all god every award they deserve.10000 out of 10 from me. A great show that worth to watch.
My favorite episode this season
christianagbalaskas12 November 2022
How beautiful was Mohamed portreyd!! I adored every scene of this. The monarchy took a step back again by beign judgemental and unfair,exept Diana,of course. Mr. Mohamed,a self-made king, althrough he was judgemental at first with Sydney and selfhis with his son shows humbleness and kindness with the first and respect and flexibility with the second. Mr. Mohamed is learning constantly,he is not fixed in his beliefs and this is why he wins against the qween in people's eyes.
Diana gets along with him because she also has all those qualities...good people qualities!
This episode just saved this season for me.
Diana gets along with him because she also has all those qualities...good people qualities!
This episode just saved this season for me.
Mou Mou was best best
cfchicka16 November 2022
It really was such a touching, interesting part of this story. With truth being stranger then fiction. So much of the show is the imagined perspective of the crown looking out. But this episode was someone who loved the crown looking in. People that don't like it are just exactly why we can't have nice things. The complexity of the episode eludes them. Great acting by all. This might be my favorite episode in my new favorite season of the crown.
I especially loved the duke teaching a new personal security how to do "kinging". Every aspect of the episode was change, bending, Grace. Fitting for... your Grace.
This felt like the most historical accurate episode of the whole season. Of course people think it's boring, it's real.
I especially loved the duke teaching a new personal security how to do "kinging". Every aspect of the episode was change, bending, Grace. Fitting for... your Grace.
This felt like the most historical accurate episode of the whole season. Of course people think it's boring, it's real.
Pleasantly surprised
jellycupman19 November 2022
Definitely not expecting this type of episode from the Crown. Not only is this the cream of the crop for this show, it's definitely up there with the best episodes of tv this year. Terrific feel to the episode and enlightening. An absolute masterpiece. More tv like this please. I don't leave reviews lightly. A terrific introduction to the Al Fayed family and brief history lesson. I'm sure most of the dialogue is dramatised, much like the rest of The Crown. But it just leaves a good feel. Well acted, great script, and I suspect some well deserved awards coming their way. This is television done right!
The egyptians are there
AvionPrince162 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
An episode more focused on the egyptians and how they know more about the royal family from Sydney the valet. We see also some discriminations about Sydney because he is black. I enjoyed the episode and we know more about the egyptians and their greediness. And the way they want to approach the royal family. And we will know more about the relationship about the son and the dad and how the dad have a big autority on his son. We saw also how the son had a reward trough the movies industry. And they will own also the service from Sydney. We see also the death of the duchesse of Windsor. And we will witnessed how the egyptians will have more and more power.
Quite Moving and Beautiful
helenahandbasket-9373411 November 2022
Sydney was such a wonderful, gracious and kind person who took Mr. Fayed under his tutelage much the same and Edward did him, despite Fayed's reprehensible initial reaction to him.
This was a wonderful tribute to Sydney's character and essence- and for the most part is incredibly accurate in its portrayal of the Fayed family, the formation of a relationship between the royal family, and Muhammad's desperate attempts to be welcomed into proper English society.
From his humble beginnings all he craved was acceptance and a sense of belonging- yet those in higher society were loathe to accept him or his family. This sets the stage for many who didn't realize the long connection Dodi and Diana had until death locked their names together in perpetuity, leaving Muhammad alone again, with no stronger a connection to the status he longs for now than he did then.
I will say, the royal reaction to the summary existence of belongings presented after Wallis' passing is understandable, however, their ingratitude to the renovation and restoration at his own expense is the part many find reprehensible. Yes, Edward did many things to bring shame upon the house of Windsor, and his permanent exile was well deserved in light of his strong admiration for and willingness to assist Nazis, but the lengths the royals went to in order to 'keep up appearances' is precisely why so many still feel their existence in current times a futile and expensive gesture.
This was a wonderful tribute to Sydney's character and essence- and for the most part is incredibly accurate in its portrayal of the Fayed family, the formation of a relationship between the royal family, and Muhammad's desperate attempts to be welcomed into proper English society.
From his humble beginnings all he craved was acceptance and a sense of belonging- yet those in higher society were loathe to accept him or his family. This sets the stage for many who didn't realize the long connection Dodi and Diana had until death locked their names together in perpetuity, leaving Muhammad alone again, with no stronger a connection to the status he longs for now than he did then.
I will say, the royal reaction to the summary existence of belongings presented after Wallis' passing is understandable, however, their ingratitude to the renovation and restoration at his own expense is the part many find reprehensible. Yes, Edward did many things to bring shame upon the house of Windsor, and his permanent exile was well deserved in light of his strong admiration for and willingness to assist Nazis, but the lengths the royals went to in order to 'keep up appearances' is precisely why so many still feel their existence in current times a futile and expensive gesture.
Episode 503
bobcobb30131 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The latest episode of The Crown titled "Mou Mou" delved into some fairly bizarre elements of the monarchy at the time and focused on international perception as opposed to the things that I think truly resonated with people who followed the group in The UK and internationally.
I feel like they think the 90's are a more important and exciting topic than they actually are. I say that as a huge 90's music and TV fan, but when it comes to the royal family as we saw here tonight it is maybe not the best aspect of their dynasty to focus on if your end goal is the most entertaining content on Netflix.
I feel like they think the 90's are a more important and exciting topic than they actually are. I say that as a huge 90's music and TV fan, but when it comes to the royal family as we saw here tonight it is maybe not the best aspect of their dynasty to focus on if your end goal is the most entertaining content on Netflix.
Filler
dierregi12 November 2022
All you want to know and some stuff you won't, about Mohamed Al-Fayed, the billionaire who married first and briefly Samira Khashoggi and then a Finnish model/socialite.
They skip over the part of brother-in-law and arm dealer Adnan Khashoggi, because the love story with Samira was very short-lasting, even if it produced the ill-fated Dodi.
Having glossed over some uncomfortable allegations, this episode is filled with nostalgic love for the departed Dukes of Windsor, but especially their valet Sydney, a rather sweet and endearing character, who was educated into the English upper class way of life by the Duke and then transfused his knowledge into Al-Fayed.
All very well, but what's got to do with the crown? Not much, apart from paving the way to what Netflix will probably construct as the stars-crossed romance of the century, the Diana/Dodi summer fling that got stuck into eternity because of its end.
They skip over the part of brother-in-law and arm dealer Adnan Khashoggi, because the love story with Samira was very short-lasting, even if it produced the ill-fated Dodi.
Having glossed over some uncomfortable allegations, this episode is filled with nostalgic love for the departed Dukes of Windsor, but especially their valet Sydney, a rather sweet and endearing character, who was educated into the English upper class way of life by the Duke and then transfused his knowledge into Al-Fayed.
All very well, but what's got to do with the crown? Not much, apart from paving the way to what Netflix will probably construct as the stars-crossed romance of the century, the Diana/Dodi summer fling that got stuck into eternity because of its end.
Pretty sure this is the best episode of the season
veryimportantperson12 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I can't imagine that any other episodes are going to be as good as this one this season. I experienced the same touching emotions as the episode with Churchhill getting his portrait painted, when Charles went to Wales to learn the language and connect with the people he would represent, and when Philip's fantasies about how far we've come and the moon landing were crushed by a couple astronauts with colds. I wanted to dislike this character. He was obsessed with royalty. He wanted to be as close and connected to it as possible to truly feel successful. His desire for this never went away. He wanted to promise the world to his son, who didn't care about the same things he did. But in the end, without needing to go any further, his son was introduced to who would become a huge part of his world.
Magnificent Acting and Storytelling
Hitchcoc16 November 2022
If nothing else comes from this episode, the thing I will always remember is the sight of those pompous asses walking into the villa and taking all the stuff with them. The man standing there paid to renovate that mansion out of his own pocket. The Queen and the Queen Mother come off as the stuffed shirt self important people they are. Prince Phillip doesn't take a moment to even ask who this Al-Fayed guy is, just that they want their junk back. Not ever a letter of thanks. At the horse show, Elizabeth won't even sit with the guy when the sponsors always get to sit with the queen. She sees some guy and chooses to be with him instead. I totally disagree that this was a throw away episode. It again shows what went on historically outside the palace and the shallow entitlement of people living in the past.
Brilliant episode
maismais6 December 2022
What a beautiful cinematic episode. I was positively surprised, it caught my full attention and drove me into the world of Mou Mou and his attempts to climb up the social ladder of the privileged condescending white society.
The chemistry beween the characters, especially with Sydney, whether it was the duke or Mou Mou, was charming and warm, they made me care about all of them.
I am writing this review to express how this episode has been my favorite this season, and the acting cast, especially Elizabeth as Diana, are all talented and deserve recognition and praise. Hats off to the director and the working staff, I would have enjoyed this as a stand alone movie as well. Bravo!
The chemistry beween the characters, especially with Sydney, whether it was the duke or Mou Mou, was charming and warm, they made me care about all of them.
I am writing this review to express how this episode has been my favorite this season, and the acting cast, especially Elizabeth as Diana, are all talented and deserve recognition and praise. Hats off to the director and the working staff, I would have enjoyed this as a stand alone movie as well. Bravo!
How the mighty have fallen
guyzradio10 November 2022
Perhaps Season 4 with its uncanny resemblances to real-life faces and mannerisms spoiled me. None the less, Season 5 has been a disappointment, now having achieved the status of an expensive soap opera.
Characters seem to be caricatures of themselves. A frumpy Queen. A grumpy Philip. An unconvincing portrayal of Princess Diana that quickly wears out as she overuses casting her head down and peeking upward through her bangs. Poor Charles... so misunderstood. An entire episode chiefly about the Al Fayed family seems like filler.
After anticipating Season 5 with high hopes and always hoping for some sort of closure at the end of a season, I now see S5 spills over to a Season 6. Will it never end?
Characters seem to be caricatures of themselves. A frumpy Queen. A grumpy Philip. An unconvincing portrayal of Princess Diana that quickly wears out as she overuses casting her head down and peeking upward through her bangs. Poor Charles... so misunderstood. An entire episode chiefly about the Al Fayed family seems like filler.
After anticipating Season 5 with high hopes and always hoping for some sort of closure at the end of a season, I now see S5 spills over to a Season 6. Will it never end?
Tedious... should have and could have been better
elisa-grant10 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This should have been a truly interesting episode detailing the trajectory of Mohamed Al Fayed's life and accomplishments but too much is skipped over quickly or not explained properly. Luckily the internet can fill in blanks and guide one through so there's a lot of pausing required for this one.
The man is clearly very intelligent and a great businessman with determination and motivation and the episode does show this to be the case.
The timeline of the episode - of most of them actually- is not explained in enough detail and the historical points of significance could be better highlighted.
Mostly though, this episode is insanely slow with a very lacklustre score. Hard to get through which is a shame as there's honestly value in this story line.
The man is clearly very intelligent and a great businessman with determination and motivation and the episode does show this to be the case.
The timeline of the episode - of most of them actually- is not explained in enough detail and the historical points of significance could be better highlighted.
Mostly though, this episode is insanely slow with a very lacklustre score. Hard to get through which is a shame as there's honestly value in this story line.
Off the Rails
stsorrell11 November 2022
So far, I'm having trouble really getting into Season 5. The first 4 seasons had me hooked. But this season...meh. And this episode certainly didn't help. Focusing on the Fayeds, it seems to have lost focus, but hopefully only momentarily.
Maybe this season will get better, but I've found myself falling asleep far too often, and I'm only 3 episodes in. Maybe it's because nothing of note has really happened yet. Perhaps when something major occurs, it'll hook me again.
I'm also having trouble with the new cast. I came into this season with no preconceived ideas.... I had an open mind. But every time I see the Queen, all I can picture is Delores Umbridge. That's hard to shake.
Maybe this season will get better, but I've found myself falling asleep far too often, and I'm only 3 episodes in. Maybe it's because nothing of note has really happened yet. Perhaps when something major occurs, it'll hook me again.
I'm also having trouble with the new cast. I came into this season with no preconceived ideas.... I had an open mind. But every time I see the Queen, all I can picture is Delores Umbridge. That's hard to shake.
The Birth of Dodi?!
coldfeet200014 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Did we really need to see all this? Up until this series there has been a solid narrative to the series of it being about the relationship between the crown and the government, but everything has always circled back round to the queen. This series, and this episode especially seems so far removed from that idea that I'm struggling to stay focused and interested. It couldn't feel more like a filler episode if it tried. The Al-Fayed actors are very good, but this series isn't about them. Dodi needs 1 episode, tops?! It doesn't fit. It was fascinating how it lead me to finding out more about Sydney Johnson but that was it.
In a word: confusing
jonesgareth-8649812 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Ok, this is got to be the most confusing and poorly written episode in the show so far. Why you ask? Well, let's get into it.
Let's start with Mohammed Fayed. He's established almost straight away as hating the British, and yet he's so intent on integrating into British society. Why? Why would you want to be popular with the class of people you hate? The episode doesn't explain this. Is it because he wants to be more powerful than the family who kept his people downtrodden for so long? That would make a lot of sense but then he seems delighted at the thought of making the Queen happy, so that's confusing. What also adds to the confusion is why would he want to give back so many of Edward VIII's belongings? It just doesn't make any sense for him to essentially worship people he supposedly hates. Unless he doesn't hate them now, in which case, what changed and why?
Next, the time jumps. This is honestly the worst part of the episode. Why was the Queen shown to be the same age in 1979 as she is in the 1990s? The audience is told that we have gone from 1946 to 1979 and we are shown the Queen but she looks the same as she did in the previous episode...so are we back in the 1990s now? But that couldn't be the case as Chariots of Fire was made in 1981. It came across as if the writers had forgotten when Chariots of Fire was made. It seems that the producers couldn't be bothered to show a younger Queen when it was needed. This is an objective mistake in the episode and it was honestly jarring.
As someone who didn't know anything about the Fayeds this episode was honestly the most confusing episode of the show. As an audience member you kept hoping that the episode was leading somewhere but it doesn't and leaves you feeling utterly bewildered.
People criticised the previous season for being too much like a documentary but at least there was enough information provided to fill the gaps. This season so far has the same problem but there isn't enough information. So unless you know who the Fayeds are and what their deal is, this episode will just feel empty, pointless and confusing.
So to conclude, the writers have really dropped the ball in this one. You can still enjoy the episode but there are writing issues left and right and this is by far the worst episode of the show.
Let's start with Mohammed Fayed. He's established almost straight away as hating the British, and yet he's so intent on integrating into British society. Why? Why would you want to be popular with the class of people you hate? The episode doesn't explain this. Is it because he wants to be more powerful than the family who kept his people downtrodden for so long? That would make a lot of sense but then he seems delighted at the thought of making the Queen happy, so that's confusing. What also adds to the confusion is why would he want to give back so many of Edward VIII's belongings? It just doesn't make any sense for him to essentially worship people he supposedly hates. Unless he doesn't hate them now, in which case, what changed and why?
Next, the time jumps. This is honestly the worst part of the episode. Why was the Queen shown to be the same age in 1979 as she is in the 1990s? The audience is told that we have gone from 1946 to 1979 and we are shown the Queen but she looks the same as she did in the previous episode...so are we back in the 1990s now? But that couldn't be the case as Chariots of Fire was made in 1981. It came across as if the writers had forgotten when Chariots of Fire was made. It seems that the producers couldn't be bothered to show a younger Queen when it was needed. This is an objective mistake in the episode and it was honestly jarring.
As someone who didn't know anything about the Fayeds this episode was honestly the most confusing episode of the show. As an audience member you kept hoping that the episode was leading somewhere but it doesn't and leaves you feeling utterly bewildered.
People criticised the previous season for being too much like a documentary but at least there was enough information provided to fill the gaps. This season so far has the same problem but there isn't enough information. So unless you know who the Fayeds are and what their deal is, this episode will just feel empty, pointless and confusing.
So to conclude, the writers have really dropped the ball in this one. You can still enjoy the episode but there are writing issues left and right and this is by far the worst episode of the show.
Didn't live up to expectations
ayirpuna12039 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Super slow and too much focussed on non- Crown people.
In between the recaps of Edward and his valet and the Fayeds, the plot seems to be lost.
Could have been edited better.
Undoubtedly, this episode doesn't live up to the expectations.
Hopefully, the further episodes are better and provide much needed pace and importance to the story. This was more about Fayed trying to get close to the Queen and get more power and opportunity. Sydney was the saving grace of the episode. No Prince Philip, No Prince charles, No Princess Diana in the episode- even Queen Elizabeth had a small appearance here.
In between the recaps of Edward and his valet and the Fayeds, the plot seems to be lost.
Could have been edited better.
Undoubtedly, this episode doesn't live up to the expectations.
Hopefully, the further episodes are better and provide much needed pace and importance to the story. This was more about Fayed trying to get close to the Queen and get more power and opportunity. Sydney was the saving grace of the episode. No Prince Philip, No Prince charles, No Princess Diana in the episode- even Queen Elizabeth had a small appearance here.
Skip this episode
lindsayaddie11 November 2022
What a boring, dull, unimportant filler episode.
Extremely disappointing. There are only so many episodes per season and this entire episode is skippable. I'm watching this show for the royal family. Not a completely unrelated family.
This episode focuses solely on the el Fayeds and them learning how to integrate into British society and it is an absolutely snooooooze.
I wish they hadn't made this episode.
I understand Diana had a brief connection to them but to have an entire episode devoted to them is silly and a huge disappointment.
It wasn't even interesting. Just him learning how to integrate.
Extremely disappointing. There are only so many episodes per season and this entire episode is skippable. I'm watching this show for the royal family. Not a completely unrelated family.
This episode focuses solely on the el Fayeds and them learning how to integrate into British society and it is an absolutely snooooooze.
I wish they hadn't made this episode.
I understand Diana had a brief connection to them but to have an entire episode devoted to them is silly and a huge disappointment.
It wasn't even interesting. Just him learning how to integrate.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
