Gloriana
- Episode aired Nov 4, 2016
- TV-MA
- 54m
Margaret and Peter are reunited, but another obstacle stands in their way. Elizabeth is torn between her duty as Queen and her love for her sister.Margaret and Peter are reunited, but another obstacle stands in their way. Elizabeth is torn between her duty as Queen and her love for her sister.Margaret and Peter are reunited, but another obstacle stands in their way. Elizabeth is torn between her duty as Queen and her love for her sister.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe speech given by Group Captain Peter Townsend in this episode was actually a statement issued by Princess Margaret.
- GoofsIt is suggested that the Abdication was a whim that occurred on December 10 1936 as indicated by the opening title and the subsequent scene. The document was merely signed on that date after a week of discussion. Wallis Simpson had gone to France on December 3 to escape the press and therefore was not present.
- Quotes
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Oh, dear. Don't tell me, my wife?
Princess Margaret: Yes. Your tie.
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Thank you.
Princess Margaret: It's not easy.
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: I'm a little fed up with her myself, truth be told.
Princess Margaret: Why? What's she done to you?
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Don't get me started. Is she making life difficult for you and Peter?
Princess Margaret: Yes, she wants to delay the engagement.
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Well, it serves you right quite frankly. You both seem far too happy and far too in love.
Princess Margaret: Do we?
- ConnectionsReferenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #34.30 (2017)
One thing which has detracted from this series in a major way for me, however, is Margaret. The actor is fine, but I find that the way she was written leaves much to be desired. We're supposed to sympathize with her and Peter Townsend, so that it is all the more devastating when Elizabeth is forced to make interventions in their relationship. The problem is... I don't. In my opinion, the show did not do enough to develop their relationship. To me, it comes across as very one-dimensional. And since the connection is not felt, Margaret just becomes annoying as she repeatedly puts her sister in impossible situations and then fails to empathize with her dilemma whatsoever.
The reason I find it so disappointing that Margaret comes off as annoying and underdeveloped is that this series has set such a high standard for subtlety with every other element. I have been repeatedly amazed by the sheer elegance, simplicity, and subtlety achieved in the development of almost every character, relationship, and situation. I believe that Margaret and Peter's relationship may be the only significant weak link. Unfortunately, it is also the central story of both this episode and in some ways the season as a whole. As a result, I find this to be one of the weaker episodes of the season. However, because it is the central story-line of the episode, all the other characters tie into it, and their parts are very strong. Elizabeth's dilemma strikes at the heart of her arc, her conflict between herself as a person and herself as a sovereign. Edward also has a surprisingly touching scene. And really, despite all the problems I have with the Margaret and Peter story-line, I must admit that it provides a very natural point on which to conclude the season.
I look forward to the next season. I hope it finds a central story-line more befitting of the fantastic writing, acting, and cinematography that has come to typify the first one.
- TouchTheGarlicProduction
- Nov 9, 2016
Details
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime54 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1