The previous Margaret-centric episodes in 'The Crown' left me somewhat mixed. Didn't care for her or her subplot on the whole in Season 1, primarily in "Gelignite". Season 2 however saw a vast improvement in the way she was written, far more interesting and mature as well as easier to root for. With one of the best episodes of Season 2 being "Beryl" showing most that growth and is still one of the best Margaret-centric episodes of 'The Crown'.
"Matrimonium" however could have been better than it was. It is certainly worth watching and has a lot of very recommendable things. To me, it is one of the weaker episodes of an on the whole very impressive indeed Season 2 and is more on "Lisbon's" level rather than "Vergangenheit" as far as previous episodes of Season 2 goes. As a Margaret-centric episode, "Matrimonium's" character writing for Margaret is closer to that of "Beryl", but her story is more akin to "Gelignite".
What brings "Matrimonium" down is the Margaret and Townsend subplot, which doesn't go very far, doesn't engross that much, is quite derivative and it slows the episode down.
Some of the pacing is a bit over-deliberate as a result and some of the writing could have been tighter.
All of that is a shame, because the rest of the storytelling is great. Elizabeth's story is very compelling and has tension and poignancy. Much of me did still relate to Margaret's dilemma and her chemistry with Antony still scintillates. Claire Foy and Vanessa Kirby play Elizabeth and Margaret absolutely beautifully and Matthew Goode is strong casting as Tony.
Furthermore, 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. It's on point in the writing as well, it always intrigues and provokes a lot of thought. Most of the story and character writing are fine.
Concluding, good but not great. 7/10.
"Matrimonium" however could have been better than it was. It is certainly worth watching and has a lot of very recommendable things. To me, it is one of the weaker episodes of an on the whole very impressive indeed Season 2 and is more on "Lisbon's" level rather than "Vergangenheit" as far as previous episodes of Season 2 goes. As a Margaret-centric episode, "Matrimonium's" character writing for Margaret is closer to that of "Beryl", but her story is more akin to "Gelignite".
What brings "Matrimonium" down is the Margaret and Townsend subplot, which doesn't go very far, doesn't engross that much, is quite derivative and it slows the episode down.
Some of the pacing is a bit over-deliberate as a result and some of the writing could have been tighter.
All of that is a shame, because the rest of the storytelling is great. Elizabeth's story is very compelling and has tension and poignancy. Much of me did still relate to Margaret's dilemma and her chemistry with Antony still scintillates. Claire Foy and Vanessa Kirby play Elizabeth and Margaret absolutely beautifully and Matthew Goode is strong casting as Tony.
Furthermore, 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. It's on point in the writing as well, it always intrigues and provokes a lot of thought. Most of the story and character writing are fine.
Concluding, good but not great. 7/10.