Sunday, November 27, 2022

What I’m Watching: The Crown

The Crown: Season 5, Episode 3 “Mou Mou” (B+)

I’m someone who watches this show and tends to recognize the actors cast in off-one parts more than to identify the history covered in each episode. I was pleased to see actor Salim Daw, who has recently appeared in Israeli, Palestinian, and American projects including “Let It Be Morning” and “Oslo,” as Mohamed Al-Fayed, who got a full spotlight in this hour. It was interesting to see how he asked to have Sydney removed only to then learn about his time spent in service to Edward, where he was taught so much that he could then impart to his new employer. He spent a long time working his way up and then seemed only to want to be able to be of service to the Queen. He expressed that sentiment when the many possessions supposedly belonging to the crown were collected from his home, and he couldn’t even get an audience with the Queen when he paid for the privilege. But, looking on from afar, she seemed content with the fact that he and Diana were a perfect match for each other, both rejected in their own ways and able to have a great time together. I wasn’t expecting to see Alex Jennings, a cast member from the first season, back again as the Duke of Windsor, bringing some continuity to a series with an ever-changing and aging ensemble. In another notable performer sighting, I enjoyed recognizing Philippine Leroy-Baulieu from “Emily in Paris” in a very different role as Madame Ritz.

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