The Crown (TV Series) Ruritania (2023) User Reviews

The only way

[dierregi · 7/10 · 22 December 2023]

There is something schizophrenic in the people's wish to have a more "approachable" monarchy and then despise them when they behave like everybody else. As pointed out by the queen in this episode, the monarchy must remain a bit detached from reality. After all, the "people" did not love Diana for being normal, but for being "special"...

This episode is also funny, presenting Blair at his top popularity (King Tony) and some of the most bizarre "jobs" done for the crown. My favourite was the Swans Master, or whatever the title was.

Well made and entertaining and finally out of the shadow cast by Diana.

Of Course They're Not the Same

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 25 December 2023]

When you've established a monarchy over centuries, there are lots of things that become traditional foundations. Here, it has been decided that the Queen and her people have lost touch with the commoners. Really? For heaven's sake, they are the Royals. They are a separate entity from the government. Some come in and do surveys and listen to the thoughts of the people and consider whether something needs doing. In the middle of this is the young, handsome Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who seems nearly like royalty himself. He and the Queen meet and the results turn out to be interesting. The Queen is extremely popular and while the two coexist, there are some pretty solid factions. Nicely done, realistic episode.

Get better

[vecheren · 10/10 · 23 December 2023]

I have missed the spirit of the good old episodes of The Crown. Jumping out of the long row of episodes about Charles and Diana, finally we have a strong story about social problems and human values - with all allegorical mighty the show is proudly known for.

What if you were in the queen shoes? It's hard to ignore that people have strong doubts in your role and your institution as a whole. Imagine that you truly want to fix it, starting right from this day. Is it possible to get things better? Why do you need the watcher of swans? Should all things have rational meanings?

This episode raises a lot of questions and has very interesting dialogues. Also you can watch it as a separate movie - like the best episodes of The Crown too.

The monarchy trying to open up

[glizze1 · 9/10 · 2 January 2024]

I really enjoyed this episode! Imelda Staunton playing the queen really shines here. We see in the beginning of the episode, how incredibly knowledgeable and quick witted she was. There's experience here shown that cannot be taught. There's an incredibly strong woman with history that goes far beyond Toni Blair however, that being said this episode shows a queen in her older years showing a little bit of vulnerability to a Prime Minister, that was more popular than she. I love this actress as a relates to the micro facial expressions. My very most favorite is when Tony Blair says "do you mean if I were king." Anyone watching this episode should rewind the look that she gives after he says that there's so much going on there, but I love the micro-expression which clearly shows distain regarding his question. Like how dare he say that to her in plain words. And then again, her vulnerability and replying a simple "yes," which is clearly difficult for her. It was so poignant as a relates to just about everything going on in the world at that time.

Superb defense of tradition

[andymartin000 · 9/10 · 23 December 2023]

Truly one of the more perfect episodes in the series in that both positions, royal tradition vs modern political prerogatives are equally weighed.

The very popular PM Tony Blair is charged with updating the monarchy and cutting costs. As skilled and detailed as his analysis is, the micromanaged, efficiency expert bullet points prove to be a complete fail.

Blair brings everything but humanity and understanding to the monarchy.

The queen rightly and admirably reminds Blair of the special, durable, and august reasons for each of these archaic (but charming) positions he wishes to cut, such as Keeper of the Swans.

The viewer sees maybe for the first time that the monarchy is certainly more than just an old family, but instead a work of timeless art, a fine aging wine, or a holy relic worth preserving and protecting.

Heavy is The Crown

[essentialmedia-46547 · 10/10 · 9 March 2024]

A master class synopsis of politics, british life and the monarchy!

History comes alive with the modern struggle between parliament and crown. The fine balance of tradition and constituent expectation is played out for the small screen by larger than life characters who play their part perfectly.

Thanks to the producers for such care with the script and casting. The locations and production values give us a real fly on the wall feel.

The fact that such ancient traditions can be sold and to the British peoples at home and abroad is a huge testimony to the quality of their forefathers despite the mixed history.

The Blair phenom was quickly resolved with the fickle nature of politics and such a great contrast to the continuity of the English crown.

The crown must always win & it does again here.