I was quite excited to see the beloved Claire Foy reprise her role as young Elizabeth. A great throwback and link to wrap the whole show together. The Crown has done a great job of bringing to life some big historical figures. They knew it would be a big task with Thatcher and Diana and they really delivered.
18 Reviews
Scapegoat
Calicodreamin28 November 2020
Clash of the titans
niels-tjallinks26 January 2021
My absolute favorite this season
ckckyang28 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
From the opening scene alone, with Claire Foy and that famous broadcast made by Princess Elizabeth in 1947 coming to the picture, this episode has already become one of my favorites.
Not only does the opening shows just how important the Commonwealth nations mean to Her Majesty the Queen, but also emphasizes the different upbringing and values between Thatcher and Her Majesty the Queen by showing her days in Oxford University, setting their motives and confrontations later in the episode extremely well, not only by outstanding performance, but also by the fabulous production design, editing, direction, cinematography and soundtrack.
Olivia Colman and Gillian Anderson both has delivered some of the best performances this series has ever shown by far, but not only the actors are amazing, the direction and the cinematography of this episode are also some of the best I've ever seen: one scene in particular is the scene before the meeting (of the two women) in Buckingham Palace, director Julian Jarrold uses the stairs and the lighting to show us their mindset of "off to battle" (going up/arising from the dark), setting the mood of the coming arguments between the two. Peter Morgan's writing is at its best in 48:1, by demonstrating the juicy drama between Buckingham Palace and Downing Street and probing the integrity of the Commonwealth, this show has once again scrutinize the idea of sovereign's duty and its place in the British government and, of course, in the modern world.
The color palate and the script are also almost perfect in this episode, the dialogues are sharp and focused, the pacing is extremely well-crafted, it's definitely my favorite episode this season.
Not only does the opening shows just how important the Commonwealth nations mean to Her Majesty the Queen, but also emphasizes the different upbringing and values between Thatcher and Her Majesty the Queen by showing her days in Oxford University, setting their motives and confrontations later in the episode extremely well, not only by outstanding performance, but also by the fabulous production design, editing, direction, cinematography and soundtrack.
Olivia Colman and Gillian Anderson both has delivered some of the best performances this series has ever shown by far, but not only the actors are amazing, the direction and the cinematography of this episode are also some of the best I've ever seen: one scene in particular is the scene before the meeting (of the two women) in Buckingham Palace, director Julian Jarrold uses the stairs and the lighting to show us their mindset of "off to battle" (going up/arising from the dark), setting the mood of the coming arguments between the two. Peter Morgan's writing is at its best in 48:1, by demonstrating the juicy drama between Buckingham Palace and Downing Street and probing the integrity of the Commonwealth, this show has once again scrutinize the idea of sovereign's duty and its place in the British government and, of course, in the modern world.
The color palate and the script are also almost perfect in this episode, the dialogues are sharp and focused, the pacing is extremely well-crafted, it's definitely my favorite episode this season.
You Have to Blame Something
Hitchcoc10 January 2021
The Queen is quite proud of the British Empire and her role in the imperialist regimes (even though so many bodies were buried along the way). It turns out the Commonwealth has decided that enough is enough when it comes to South Africa and apartheid. Margaret Thatcher, interested only in the bottom line, believes that human suffering is insignificant if the country brings in lots of bucks. Elizabeth tries to convince her otherwise and then breaks the unwritten rule of royalty defying the Prime Minister (really, expressing any counter opinion on anything). This leads to the need for a scapegoat so she can ultimately save face. The other event that is taking place in the background is the marriage of Prince Andrew to Sarah Ferguson. The male children have a confrontation, showing how spoiled and shortsighted they are. Pomposity prevails in every scene. We also find out some of Thatcher's prejudices. Very well done episode.
Mounting tensions
TheLittleSongbird28 July 2023
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.
While not as good as "Terra Nullius" and "The Hereditary Principle", "48:1" is still very good and one of the better episodes of a patchy but mostly quite good Season 4. Although not one of the best episodes of 'The Crown' overall. It is brought down by the second story with Elizabeth's children, but the main plot with Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher was extremely well done and my opinion of one of the cast members did actually change in this episode in a good way.
As said, "48:1" does not fare as well with the Andrew's wedding plot, which was very well acted and shows the pomposity of the brothers off very well but the momentum and tension goes. Personally found the brothers' big scene rather awkward, melodramatic and lacking in tension with some of the insults not gelling that well with everything else in the episode. Edward's especially was very out of place.
Luckily, the tensions between Elizabeth and Thatcher are a lot more convincing and the tensions actually simmers without being soapy. Also appreciated that it didn't take sides too much, easy to do with a subject that is still controversial and relevant today while making valid points about the different viewpoints. The acting from all is excellent, with Gillian Anderson actually disappearing properly into the role of Thatcher for the first time. Showing a lot more depth than the try too hard caricature she was for most of the season. Olivia Colman gives a steely and dignified performance that didn't come over as too firm like she has been in some episodes.
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.
Overall, very good. 8/10.
While not as good as "Terra Nullius" and "The Hereditary Principle", "48:1" is still very good and one of the better episodes of a patchy but mostly quite good Season 4. Although not one of the best episodes of 'The Crown' overall. It is brought down by the second story with Elizabeth's children, but the main plot with Elizabeth and Margaret Thatcher was extremely well done and my opinion of one of the cast members did actually change in this episode in a good way.
As said, "48:1" does not fare as well with the Andrew's wedding plot, which was very well acted and shows the pomposity of the brothers off very well but the momentum and tension goes. Personally found the brothers' big scene rather awkward, melodramatic and lacking in tension with some of the insults not gelling that well with everything else in the episode. Edward's especially was very out of place.
Luckily, the tensions between Elizabeth and Thatcher are a lot more convincing and the tensions actually simmers without being soapy. Also appreciated that it didn't take sides too much, easy to do with a subject that is still controversial and relevant today while making valid points about the different viewpoints. The acting from all is excellent, with Gillian Anderson actually disappearing properly into the role of Thatcher for the first time. Showing a lot more depth than the try too hard caricature she was for most of the season. Olivia Colman gives a steely and dignified performance that didn't come over as too firm like she has been in some episodes.
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.
Overall, very good. 8/10.
compelling
skipperkd20 August 2021
Excellent episode. Every bit of it. Clear illustration of the tension between the Queen and the PM, and the hamstrung role the monarch plays in politics. I only wish Gillian Anderson could convey her role better. In my view, she doesn't work. I see Gillian Anderson, not Margaret Thatcher. I hear the actor, not the PM, even if the words themselves are Thatcher. Nice scene before Andrew's wedding, with the spoiled royals and the "fringe" insult. Poignant scenes with Martin and Michael Shea. I need to read one of his books.
8 stars for Margaret Thatcher, challenging the Queen.
Starfilmsgold2 March 2022
Great performances from the actress, Gillian Andersen and the real Mrs. Thatcher. The way Mrs Thatcher would say in a heavily accentuated voice "Your MAJESTY", dropping in tone and curtsy nearly to the floor, made me laugh and no doubt amused the Royal Family. But the Iron Lady was unflinching when it came to doing business and putting Britain first on the International scale. She was made to bend her Iron Will when it came to sanctions against South Africa for its apartheid atrocities. Two women in charge of the nation, of course, created some royal friction with the Queen (Olivia Coleman) being the more experienced of the two. Enjoyed watching those two women challenging each other in not too subtle tones.
Lesson in history. Perhaps Mrs. Thatcher was right that the Queen should not have given in to the flatteries of Third World leaders of former British colonies. However, the Queen was wise enough to preserve the Commonwealth, uniting English speaking nations round the world that remain loyal to the Crown, in a loyalty born out of affection for British habits.
Trivia: Margaret Thatcher was a striking beauty as an Oxford student and Party supporter. She also loved cooking and cooked for her Cabinet members, at late night meetings in 10 Downing Street. She cooked the nations' favourites, shepherd's pie, kedgeree and toad in the hole. Geoffrey Howe said 'yummy'.
Excellent and terrific lookalikes, actors Nicholas Farrell as Michael Shea (Press Secretary to the Queen from 1978 to 1987) and Paul Jesson as Sir Geoffrey Howe.
Lesson in history. Perhaps Mrs. Thatcher was right that the Queen should not have given in to the flatteries of Third World leaders of former British colonies. However, the Queen was wise enough to preserve the Commonwealth, uniting English speaking nations round the world that remain loyal to the Crown, in a loyalty born out of affection for British habits.
Trivia: Margaret Thatcher was a striking beauty as an Oxford student and Party supporter. She also loved cooking and cooked for her Cabinet members, at late night meetings in 10 Downing Street. She cooked the nations' favourites, shepherd's pie, kedgeree and toad in the hole. Geoffrey Howe said 'yummy'.
Excellent and terrific lookalikes, actors Nicholas Farrell as Michael Shea (Press Secretary to the Queen from 1978 to 1987) and Paul Jesson as Sir Geoffrey Howe.
IRON LADY
cohjoe19 November 2020
This season 4 of the crown and particularly this episode has done an excellent job of showcasing the substance of Maggie Thatcher and much better than the not so long ago movie with Meryl Streep.
The moniker comes alive when the rest of the commonwealth was emotional about doing what was right, the PM demanded a measured response that was going to accomplish multiple ends. A true leader and stateswoman.
The score is once again brilliant and comes in and out subtly.
The cinematography and opening and closing shots are breathtaking. Oxford and other familiar spots position us historically and the viewer feels submerged in the era.
The plot is so nicely paced - it's the first time I'm starting to break out of the feature movie length mode and I don't like it!
I appreciate this brave story telling which is absent of activism and emphasis despite what many in the film industry view as their right. The Crown continues to shine in many ways with sub plots and themes that speak to us in this current era and even go so far as to be a moral tale for our own lives.
I'm surprised producers didn't overplay a lack of compassion and instead treated her fairly getting to the bottom of conservatives views, which is that of peppering public policy with principles to bring people out of dependance. Provoking self reliance is a true act of love. They went a step further which was right out of her speeches about a safety net and how a strong economy can make broader decisions to be benevolent.
I'm just so impressed with this production I've changed my score from 9 to 10 which should be impossible because nothing is perfect but when you're attempting to be faithful to real life events, then maybe it can.
God Save The Queen....because nothing will save Charles.
The moniker comes alive when the rest of the commonwealth was emotional about doing what was right, the PM demanded a measured response that was going to accomplish multiple ends. A true leader and stateswoman.
The score is once again brilliant and comes in and out subtly.
The cinematography and opening and closing shots are breathtaking. Oxford and other familiar spots position us historically and the viewer feels submerged in the era.
The plot is so nicely paced - it's the first time I'm starting to break out of the feature movie length mode and I don't like it!
I appreciate this brave story telling which is absent of activism and emphasis despite what many in the film industry view as their right. The Crown continues to shine in many ways with sub plots and themes that speak to us in this current era and even go so far as to be a moral tale for our own lives.
I'm surprised producers didn't overplay a lack of compassion and instead treated her fairly getting to the bottom of conservatives views, which is that of peppering public policy with principles to bring people out of dependance. Provoking self reliance is a true act of love. They went a step further which was right out of her speeches about a safety net and how a strong economy can make broader decisions to be benevolent.
I'm just so impressed with this production I've changed my score from 9 to 10 which should be impossible because nothing is perfect but when you're attempting to be faithful to real life events, then maybe it can.
God Save The Queen....because nothing will save Charles.
Maggie had it right
Riddler9119 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While one could certainly understand the Queen's commitment to the Commonwealth, as we can very well see what happens today in South Africa, well.. Maggie had it right. Sure, Apartheid as a policy was disgusting but the change in power not only it didn't help anyone's lives, it made them even worse. She also had a point about the Queen basically legitimizing dictators. If I'd have one complain is that the show portrays the Queen as the "good guy" here and Thatcher as the "bad guy" while time has shown that Thatcher was right about most things. Again, not that the Queen's commitment to the Commonwealth isn't commendable, in fact that's the one thing where Thatcher got it wrong, the Commonwealth is very important to the British, as it should be.
Well directed but...
danielvinicius-e30 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
They didn't live up Thatchers character on the Apartheid Affairs, cause she never believe that those sanctions would amount to anything at that time despite herself been opposed to that regime. And no, her son would only go to South Africa in the lates 90's, so there was no conflict of interest as the episode heavily implied at that time. Mandela himself later, praised Thatcher: "She is an enemy of apartheid ... We have much to thank her for." Despite these obvious glaring historical errors, the episode was very entertaining.
Acceptable.
W011y4m523 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
For them to tackle the constitutional crisis that this evidently was, it's underwhelming for the resolution to be so inexplicably rushed. Events are set up & depicted competently but nothing really leaves the same impression as before.
There are however several moments of brilliant tension - mainly the confrontation between Margaret Thatcher & the Queen - but for this to be the first conflict between monarch & Prime Minister during Elizabeth's tenure - & the first time she expresses a public opinion, contradicting the very rules she's lived by for over 3 decades - one can't help but feel as though the profound gravity of such a situation (the uncharacteristic surreality of it) should've been felt more heavily - as it was unlike any other, presenting a complex dilemma - the likes of which people had never seen before from her.
There are however several moments of brilliant tension - mainly the confrontation between Margaret Thatcher & the Queen - but for this to be the first conflict between monarch & Prime Minister during Elizabeth's tenure - & the first time she expresses a public opinion, contradicting the very rules she's lived by for over 3 decades - one can't help but feel as though the profound gravity of such a situation (the uncharacteristic surreality of it) should've been felt more heavily - as it was unlike any other, presenting a complex dilemma - the likes of which people had never seen before from her.
Claire Foy
chunkylefunga20 November 2020
Ahh how much better Claire is at playing the Queen than Olivia. Really makes you miss season 1 & 2.
Just don't get how the British people were unhappy that the Queen was anti apartheid. Just very bizzare.
Interesting episode.
Just don't get how the British people were unhappy that the Queen was anti apartheid. Just very bizzare.
Interesting episode.
Absurd acting, ridiculous writing
jhochstny19 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Queen Elizabeth would never say anything like "Isn't that what I am? A tribal leader in eccentric costumes?"
And of course the portrayal of Thatcher as a gasping octagenarian who never speaks in any natural cadences continues.
And of course the fact that the countries Mrs Thatcher mentions did and continue to have deadly human rights records - much less of course the mass murder of South African farmers in the present as a sequel to the events - are not even remotely in view of the shabby propagandists posing as screenwriters.
And of course the portrayal of Thatcher as a gasping octagenarian who never speaks in any natural cadences continues.
And of course the fact that the countries Mrs Thatcher mentions did and continue to have deadly human rights records - much less of course the mass murder of South African farmers in the present as a sequel to the events - are not even remotely in view of the shabby propagandists posing as screenwriters.
Clashes of the ladies
dierregi25 November 2020
Main point of interest for this episode is the clash between Thatcher and the queen. Interesting to note that the queen was more concerned about Commonwealth countries, even when governed by dictators, than about Europe, which the UK abandoned with relish, without a peep from Her Majesty.
Europe may not be good enough for the UK, but there's no turning back the clock. The British Empire is long gone and won't be resurrected.
Europe may not be good enough for the UK, but there's no turning back the clock. The British Empire is long gone and won't be resurrected.
Yet another bad episode of this season
Waldorf-197918 November 2020
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