Am I the only one who saw a mouse walking through the room of Queen Mum in the first minutes of the episode?
32 Reviews
Mouse
freekverzijl15 November 2020
Best episode of this season so far
mijnnaamismarwaoke15 November 2020
Emma Corrin's Magnum Opus
littlebizzare15 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This installment introduces all the messiness leading up to Diana & Prince Charles' marriage. As well as acknowledges Diana's very tragic eating disorder. This episode's theme is quite obvious, the season's phrase is "change challenges tradition" and this episode proves that Diana is the change and the Royal Family is the tradition. Ever since her arrival at the palace, it's obvious that Diana is unlike any other member of the royal family. Not aware of her role in all of this, until her meeting with Camilla, that's where she realizes she is the public's distraction from Camilla and Charles' relationship.
Emma Corrin impresses
Michael Fargo16 November 2020
The trailer really doesn't do justice to Corrin's performance in the series. Her quick--and necessary--transformation from coy and vapid teenager to a scorned, used and resentful powerhouse, what?, in the matter of one scene was breathtaking. Her isolation and pity from the rest of the Royal family created the nightmare that eventually is played out in full display for the public. Her mother-in-law's passive participation in creating all she suffered is both sorrowful and cruel. And the comeuppance that's down the road was more than justified. The fact that Prince Charles is still living and portrayed as the victim he really isn't must be more punishment than is really necessary. But if you're going to make a mini-series of this Royal family, this particular very unhappy chapter--for everyone--can't be ignored. Or...if ignored, it presents an incomplete picture of the fair criticism where such unconditional privilege leads. Emma Corrin knocks this one out of the ballpark.
Heartbreaking Episode, Intriguing Performance
emerson3716 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The depiction of Young Princess Diana (played by Emma Corrin) is fresh, intriguing and she captures the soul of Young Princess Diana's eager for love from Prince Charles. It was an absolutely heartbreaking scene when she vomited over and over again due to her struggles with Bulimia. Heartbreaking episode that will linger on for a period of time.
How True Is This?
Hitchcoc11 December 2020
Emma Corrin is quite striking as Lady Di. Her face exudes what pain she is feeling. Charles has known all along that he is never going to be happy in a life chosen for him. Poor Diana is a real victim here. After the glow of fame leaves her, she is miserable. Her position is no fun.. Charles is rude and doesn't even try to give her a little affection. She is marrying the family, not him. Her lunch with Camilla is one of the most uncomfortable moments I've seen on film. The whole thing is sad as we've seen the Prince of Wales being driven into the ground by his own family. I wonder how he has managed as long as he has without going nuts.
Mouse (minute 1:16)
soleil-0149017 November 2020
Oh Diana
Calicodreamin27 November 2020
I realize this is only a show, but this episode can't help but make you feel for Diana. She was used and abused for the sake of the monarchy having a pretty face to show off to the world. Great acting and a heartbreakingly good storyline.
Absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful
rodrigues-3918920 November 2020
The soundtrack this episode was excellent, the perfect addition to the tone of heartbreak and self loathing that occurs in This episode. This episode portrayed a raw and moving depiction of Diana's inclusion within the royal family and household. It touched on her mental health and the emotions she was dealing with in regards to Charles and his ongoing live for Camilla and how she had to put a brave face on for the public who absolutely adored her. Emma corin is a powerhouse and definitely one to watch out for in the future.
She really was the Queen of Hearts
DvdSage119 November 2020
The question with The Crown is, "Does it do the characters and story justice". And the answer is undeniably yes. It is worth watching relevant documentaries and reading historical journalism to get a fuller picture, as the Crown only gets about an hour to portray a story which has been documented in all is minutiae elsewhere. Emma Corrin deserves an Emmy for her performance, and is well supported by the other actors. The story is how I remember it, and my it's a history lesson to my children who were not around at the time. Some starry eyed Royalists won't like it, but this is how it was, my dears.
Underwhelming.
W011y4m520 November 2020
I had very high hopes & expectations for this season - as it's the one we've all collectively been waiting for since the show's inception; despite our enjoyment of John Lithgow's incredible portrayal of Winston Churchill & other iconic historical figures throughout our recent past, undoubtedly, the viewership has been patiently anticipating the arrival of both Margaret Thatcher & Princess Diana - two women who have defined our nation's current society more than most others during peace time. Hence, considering the series' demonstrable abilities to deliver on its previous promises, it's fair to say the standard I personally thought they'd set would be high - as now more than ever, the execution of these installments will define "The Crown" (& how it's remembered) as much as the events depicted have shaped future generations after... So taking that in to account, as those involved in the production will also be mindful of that pressure, it's come as somewhat of a shock to see the quality suddenly stumble - at the exact moment when it had little margin for error.
Even with lead director Benjamin Caron at the helm - with his trusted cinematographer Adriano Goldman & meticulous editor Yan Miles - the script's lacklustre (& historically inaccurate) retelling fails to provide any real substance for him to work with effectively - regardless of his talent as an extraordinary filmmaker - & with so much to get through in so little time, it does seem as though writer & creator Peter Morgan is rushing to the finish line at an increasingly noticeable & unnatural pace, speeding up the story for the sake of it so as to condense the narrative until it fits within his unreasonable 6-season plan. One wouldn't question this decision if it had no perceptible impact on the calibre of the Netflix series but when such an endeavour forces the quality in to a preventable nosedive (undoubtedly after just 3 episodes), it could be argued that the wiser decision would've been to split the Thatcher era in to 2 seasons instead of one singular run of 10 installments - to provide those behind the camera with more time to flesh out the narrative, gifting crew with additional hours of television - aiding in the adaptation of this dramatic period's development.
Alas, no. It's the opposite - & frustratingly dissatisfying.
Even with lead director Benjamin Caron at the helm - with his trusted cinematographer Adriano Goldman & meticulous editor Yan Miles - the script's lacklustre (& historically inaccurate) retelling fails to provide any real substance for him to work with effectively - regardless of his talent as an extraordinary filmmaker - & with so much to get through in so little time, it does seem as though writer & creator Peter Morgan is rushing to the finish line at an increasingly noticeable & unnatural pace, speeding up the story for the sake of it so as to condense the narrative until it fits within his unreasonable 6-season plan. One wouldn't question this decision if it had no perceptible impact on the calibre of the Netflix series but when such an endeavour forces the quality in to a preventable nosedive (undoubtedly after just 3 episodes), it could be argued that the wiser decision would've been to split the Thatcher era in to 2 seasons instead of one singular run of 10 installments - to provide those behind the camera with more time to flesh out the narrative, gifting crew with additional hours of television - aiding in the adaptation of this dramatic period's development.
Alas, no. It's the opposite - & frustratingly dissatisfying.
A Difficult Watch.
crumpytv14 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
After series 1 and 2 the third series dipped, and the decline continues in the fourth series.
I like Olivia Coleman, but this is not her best work by far. All she does is look stern or perplexed.
This episode is rather awkward. The portrayal of Charles and Diana's relationship is more or less as we have become accustomed to believe.
I recall at the time that despite the "so much in love" comment it was clear that in the episode, Charles was not and Diana was more infatuated than in love.
Also, the writer has fiddled with the dialogue at the announcement of their engagement. Why, it's on YouTube? If you watch it there is no suggestion of the underlaying tensions that was portrayed in the episode.
Watch the video, make up your own mind.
So, what to believe and what not to believe?
I think this episode has symbolised tensions that lay in the future rather than at the time.
If the family steered Charles away from Camilla well before she got married, then they got what they deserved. In Camilla it would appear Charles found a kindred spirit, maybe his closest and only friend. A confidant and somebody he could always turn to. She would have made a good wife ...
God save the queen
Lt_Frank_Bullitt18 November 2020
Heart breaking fairytale
TheLittleSongbird12 October 2022
Seasons 1 and 2 were quite excellent on the whole, with even the weakest episodes still being good. Season 3 started off rather slow and finished underwhelmingly, but it did have high points with "Aberfan" for example being one of the best episodes of 'The Crown' in my view. Still liked the show well enough to watch Season 4 and coupled with having a high opinion of Gillian Anderson (after her wonderful acting in 'Bleak House') watching it was on the cards.
"Gold Stick" was somewhat disappointing, despite still not being a bad episode. "The Balmoral Test" was better, though still with a few issues. "Fairytale" however for me was very good, close to excellent, and one of the stronger episodes of Season 4 thanks to one particularly great performance and the emotion. "Fairytale" is not perfect by all means, but while not as good as Seasons 1 and 2 in my view Season 4 doesn't deserve the amount of dislike it gets. Can understand why totally, just don't agree respectfully.
There are still a couple of the issues present in the previous Season 4 episodes. For my tastes, Gillian Anderson never properly disappears into Thatcher's character and it does come over as too much of a Thatcher caricature and Anderson trying too hard.
Actually thought that Olivia Colman's acting improved a lot throughout Season 3 but here she comes over as too cold and firm.
However, a lot is truly great. Emma Corrin is an emotional powerhouse as Diana, very poignant performance. Josh O'Connor continues to shine as Charles, bringing out Charles' conflict of choosing royal duty or following his heart with a lot of nuance and in a way where his point of view is understood. Emerald Fennell's Camilla has settled very well, and she comes over particularly well in Diana and Camilla's lunch scene which did have a surprising amount of tension.
Furthermore, as ever the production values are superb. The production and costume design are both classy and sumptuous, but it's the photography that stands out in this regard. The music is not overbearing or low key. The scripting is thought provoking and intriguing, uncompromising yet sensitive in its handling of this subject without descending into melodrama, also doing well in showing more than one point of view and in a way where all are understandable. The storytelling continues to advance and while deliberate it is also very absorbing and emotional. The second half did break my heart emotionally and it was hard not to sympathise with Diana, without feeling like you had to do so.
In conclusion, very good and close to excellent with so many great things. 8/10.
"Gold Stick" was somewhat disappointing, despite still not being a bad episode. "The Balmoral Test" was better, though still with a few issues. "Fairytale" however for me was very good, close to excellent, and one of the stronger episodes of Season 4 thanks to one particularly great performance and the emotion. "Fairytale" is not perfect by all means, but while not as good as Seasons 1 and 2 in my view Season 4 doesn't deserve the amount of dislike it gets. Can understand why totally, just don't agree respectfully.
There are still a couple of the issues present in the previous Season 4 episodes. For my tastes, Gillian Anderson never properly disappears into Thatcher's character and it does come over as too much of a Thatcher caricature and Anderson trying too hard.
Actually thought that Olivia Colman's acting improved a lot throughout Season 3 but here she comes over as too cold and firm.
However, a lot is truly great. Emma Corrin is an emotional powerhouse as Diana, very poignant performance. Josh O'Connor continues to shine as Charles, bringing out Charles' conflict of choosing royal duty or following his heart with a lot of nuance and in a way where his point of view is understood. Emerald Fennell's Camilla has settled very well, and she comes over particularly well in Diana and Camilla's lunch scene which did have a surprising amount of tension.
Furthermore, as ever the production values are superb. The production and costume design are both classy and sumptuous, but it's the photography that stands out in this regard. The music is not overbearing or low key. The scripting is thought provoking and intriguing, uncompromising yet sensitive in its handling of this subject without descending into melodrama, also doing well in showing more than one point of view and in a way where all are understandable. The storytelling continues to advance and while deliberate it is also very absorbing and emotional. The second half did break my heart emotionally and it was hard not to sympathise with Diana, without feeling like you had to do so.
In conclusion, very good and close to excellent with so many great things. 8/10.
Prince Charles & Diana & Camilla, fairy messed up
Starfilmsgold25 February 2022
They should never have married. Netflix 'The Crown', series 4, made revealing insights about their relationships and how Prince Charles left Diana alone at Buckingham Palace for 6 weeks prior to the wedding. She had not a 'phone call from him but he called Camilla every day. He even sent Camilla over to tutor Diana in HRH's tastes, likes and dislikes. Camilla found Prince Charles old fashioned habits amusing. Diana found them stuffy and boring.
But then Diana was only a fresh 21 year old, escaping from home to a girls-only flat share in London. 'Cinderella' wanted a bit of fun, partying and dancing the nights away with her friends. She even took to roller skating inside the Palace when bored! Clearly, Diana and Charles were not compatible.
Everyone in the Royal Family knew about the ménage a trois and said they should have stopped the wedding. But it was too late. Camilla was already married to Parker Bowles. Charles was told to move on and do his duty, marry and produce heirs to the Crown. The wedding could not be called off as all the guests including members of every royal family in Europe had been invited, and the world was waiting outside St. Paul's cathedral for Prince Charming Charles and Cinder-diana, as they made their wedding vows with a sad Camilla watching.
The beginning of the end of a 'fairy tale' marriage.
(Excellent performances from lookalikes Diana (Emma Corrin), Prince Charles (Josh O'Connor) and Camilla (Emerald Fennell)).
But then Diana was only a fresh 21 year old, escaping from home to a girls-only flat share in London. 'Cinderella' wanted a bit of fun, partying and dancing the nights away with her friends. She even took to roller skating inside the Palace when bored! Clearly, Diana and Charles were not compatible.
Everyone in the Royal Family knew about the ménage a trois and said they should have stopped the wedding. But it was too late. Camilla was already married to Parker Bowles. Charles was told to move on and do his duty, marry and produce heirs to the Crown. The wedding could not be called off as all the guests including members of every royal family in Europe had been invited, and the world was waiting outside St. Paul's cathedral for Prince Charming Charles and Cinder-diana, as they made their wedding vows with a sad Camilla watching.
The beginning of the end of a 'fairy tale' marriage.
(Excellent performances from lookalikes Diana (Emma Corrin), Prince Charles (Josh O'Connor) and Camilla (Emerald Fennell)).
Kingdom Lifestle
ralphyhayes28 March 2021
Enjoyable
sarahc-4967418 November 2020
Wow! What an episode.
torkovervictoria27 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The 4th season is incredible. I love each one of the episodes. This one is just outstanding. The final minutes with all the preparations are just heartbreaking. They just managed to communicate to us the thoughts of each family member as they were leaving for the ceremony. No words were needed.
The soundtrack is amazing as well.
Believe it or not...
smartU22 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Do I believe that this episode is factual? Pretty darn close. It is quite tragic. Yes, even through this stand in actress who plays the soon-to-be-princess Diana - one can imagine how utterly beautiful and charming she was when this pact with the devil - Prince Devil - Prince Charles began. There's a lot of blaming to the royal family of what happened to Princess Diana. Yes, there a lot of culpability to spread around. But, honestly, nothing brings it home any stronger than this single episode how incredibly culpable Diana, herself, was for this heartbreaking tragedy. Yes, she was just a teenager, practically. But, come on - even as a teenager - how many of you would have hung onto this "promise" of a future - a fairytale - when absolutely sooooo many signs were there about what was going on between Charles and Camilla? I do not care how incredibly well she has served the royal family since marrying King Charles - she is at her core purely evil. And Diana? Would she really have taken all that horrific demeaning treatment from Charles had she not wanted to sign up for a life of opulence?
Dianna
bevo-1367820 November 2020
Never believed in fairytales
dierregi19 November 2020
Your liking of this episode may depend more on which side of the Charles-Diana saga you were on than in the actual performance, although Corrin does a good job. However, to me it looks very much like a classic case of "lying in the bed you made".
At the begging of the season, Diana was presented as a naive girl, without much (any?) education, drifting in her upper-class environment as a part-time cleaner (?!?) and nanny. Not exactly what I would consider fit for a throne or even suitable marriage material. At most, good for reproductive purposes, being young an healthy.
Yet, this dismal, albeit attractive creature, was selected to be the wife of a future king but, once selected, she was basically abandoned by the whole royal gang, to drift some more, with only the support of the "people". Surprisingly - or not - Diana did not care much for the lavishing affection bestowed by masses of strangers, but felt all alone and miserable in Buckingham Palace.
I agree it must have been disappointing for an inexperienced girl to find out that her soon-to-be husband was carrying on an affair with his "ex", but there are many much worse situations I can imagine young girls found themselves in.
PS and yes, there was a mouse in Princess Margaret house :-0
At the begging of the season, Diana was presented as a naive girl, without much (any?) education, drifting in her upper-class environment as a part-time cleaner (?!?) and nanny. Not exactly what I would consider fit for a throne or even suitable marriage material. At most, good for reproductive purposes, being young an healthy.
Yet, this dismal, albeit attractive creature, was selected to be the wife of a future king but, once selected, she was basically abandoned by the whole royal gang, to drift some more, with only the support of the "people". Surprisingly - or not - Diana did not care much for the lavishing affection bestowed by masses of strangers, but felt all alone and miserable in Buckingham Palace.
I agree it must have been disappointing for an inexperienced girl to find out that her soon-to-be husband was carrying on an affair with his "ex", but there are many much worse situations I can imagine young girls found themselves in.
PS and yes, there was a mouse in Princess Margaret house :-0
Edward, Margaret, now Charles and poor Diana
Danie1217 February 2023
This episode made me so emotional. I didn't know much about the royal family before watching this show, so seeing Margaret's story in the beginning following what happened to David/Edward pissed me off. By the time we get to Charles and Camilla I can't believe I'm seeing it play out again. As much as Charles' actions anger me, he nor Diana should have ever been in that position. Margaret says it best when she points out that the royal family CANNOT learn it's lesson.
Besides the heart breaking story, the acting and cinematography shine as usual. Diana roller skating through the palace, her scene alone in the ballroom, and the queen walking through the palace while it lights up with fireworks were all breathtaking. Camilla as a smoking silhouette at Highgrove was among my favorite shots as well.
Besides the heart breaking story, the acting and cinematography shine as usual. Diana roller skating through the palace, her scene alone in the ballroom, and the queen walking through the palace while it lights up with fireworks were all breathtaking. Camilla as a smoking silhouette at Highgrove was among my favorite shots as well.
If any of this is true . . .
jknousak4 March 2021
If any of the pre-wedding story is true -- engagement 'tween Chas and Diana at behest of queen, Margaret telling it like it is (Chas loves Camilla & shouldn't marry Di), the luncheon w/ Di and Camilla, the bracelet, that Chas left for 6 weeks before the wedding and took no/too-little time to get to know Di -- well, Diana should have run for the hills. I have less sympathy for and regard for her for being so weak -- here and in future when she is not strong enough to be on her own and w/ her boys, but must have lovers. Yes, she was young at 19 and 20, but c'mon.
And if Edward Viii couldn't have the crown for marrying Wallis, then Chas should not get the crown for having married Camilla.
The whole monarchy thing is anachronistic.
And if Edward Viii couldn't have the crown for marrying Wallis, then Chas should not get the crown for having married Camilla.
The whole monarchy thing is anachronistic.
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