What I’m Watching: The Crown

The Crown: Season 3, Episode 6 “Tywysog Cymru” (B+)

I really think that this season is the best one yet of this show, so committed to profiling the different aspects of what its title means. I had read that some expected actor Josh O’Connor to be nominated for a Golden Globe in the supporting actor race, though I’m not entirely sure he would have been eligible given that this is his first appearance more than halfway through the season. Introducing him as an eager student and aspiring actor made him feel like a truly different kind of person than his parents, so immersed in regal business, and he didn’t seem too pleased that he apparently gets the brunt of the lectures instead of his sister. His initial meetings with his tutor Edward Millward were unfortunate since the anti-monarchist wasn’t impressed by the genuine energy the prince expressed that he mistook as disrespect toward tradition and the significance of his role in Wales. His wife wasn’t pleased at all when Edward took pity on him and invited him over for dinner, and it was very moving to see Charles’ transformation as he realized what he didn’t know and what he could do. It was sweet to see Edward show real pride in what Charles achieved, something that contrasted completely with the way that Elizabeth reacted when she found out what he had added in himself. Telling him that no one wanted to hear what he thought was harsh, and that was a truly stirring scene. I don’t know where O’Connor fits in awards-wise, but he deserves an Emmy for his work in the episode in whatever category he’s eligible.