What I’m Watching: The Crown (Season Finale)

The Crown: Season 1, Episode 10 “Gloriana” (B+)

This show deals with things on a remarkably simple level, yet their implications are quite grand. Margaret’s desire to get married was something well known all around the nation, and it was clear that she and Peter had a real connection that has already been hopelessly disrupted and postponed. Elizabeth is a woman of her word, and therefore the dismay she felt when she learned that there were even more hurdles to her sister’s happiness was palpable, expressed best by her question about why no one told her or directed her attention to it since it had always been there in black and white. Elizabeth did her due diligence, discovering that four members of the Cabinet were divorced and trying to enlist the new prime minister to convince them to support the request on behalf of her sister. Yet it’s duty and the crown that continue to pull Elizabeth back to what she believes to be right as learned from her father and supported reluctantly by her uncle, leading to her ultimate decision not to advocate for her sister. Peter gave a graceful press conference acknowledging his continued service and the lack of a marriage, and what stung most was seeing Philip and Margaret eagerly bond over being sidelined by the queen’s regal allegiance. Philip’s response to being asked to go to the Olympic games was typically childish, and the reason that he agreed to do it was spiteful. “Don’t dress betrayal up as a favor” was a haunting quote. I’m not sure I’ve made it clear just how great the music is that ends most of this show’s episodes, and that was fully on display again here. I wouldn’t call this show the best drama of the season or anything close to it, but it is a solid series that I plan to continue watching when it returns in December.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Claire Foy