The Crown season four is proving popular. And in recent days, prominent UK figures have called for Netflix to place a disclaimer on the verity of the show. But here’s the thing, the entire premise of the show is a look behind the curtain. And as such much of what we see or at the very least hear is conjecture. Unless, of course, the Queen’s many palaces and estates have bugs and the makers of The Crown are privy to recordings from the guest rooms in Sandringham; I think we can all agree we’re watching a version of events of which we cannot know the full details. And what a version of events we have in season four of The Crown.
Here I reflect on what I found noteworthy – the interesting and the uncomfortable. Don’t worry, no spoilers! Although honestly, if you don’t already know how this story ends, I’m at a loss.
1. The Thatcher Era
Margaret Thatcher is known as the Western world’s first female prime minister. But I must admit I do not know much about her life or personal views. And so Gillian Anderson is by far the most incredible addition to the show. I am now aware of her misogynist and xenophobic outlook. But to alleviate these stark traits, we get Freddie Fox as the doting and delightful scene-stealing Mr. Thatcher. Again I know much of this is conjecture, but where there is smoke, there is usually fire. And watching the relationship between The Queen and Madame Prime Minister was captivating. Mr. Thatcher sums it up best, “Two menopausal women – that’ll be a smooth ride.”
2. The History Is Too Recent
Diana died. Young. In a horrible way. And 23 years isn’t long enough a time to make the whole Charles-Camilla-Diana fiasco palatable. The showrunners try to show everyone plays a part, and no one person is at fault. I’m all for calling a spade a spade, but it’s still cringy. We know it wasn’t a good marriage. And like any marriage that devolves, there are many reasons for it. Both sides of the scale carry the weight. The popularity of this season correlates to the addition of Diana. But, for me, her presence and all stories revolving around her were uncomfortable. It is difficult to digest the goings-on of season four as entertainment. The prescience of the fallout and tragedy to come never far as watching the Princes William and Harry mature and grow their own families serves as a prevalent reminder.
3. The New Cast Members
Gillian Anderson as Margaret Thatcher is incredible. She brings a physicality to the role. Her portrayal is fascinating to watch. I could say more, but if there is a reason to watch season four, it is Anderson. So I will leave you to it.
Emma Corrin went a bit ham with her imitation of Diana. There is a head nod/tick of sorts that is attributable to Diana. Corrin overutilizes it. Because many of Diana’s scenes are media carbons – publicity and paparazzi shots alike – we know that the head nod is not something she did continually. I suppose it doesn’t matter, as season five will introduce Elizabeth Debicki in the role.
4. The Trouble with Andrew
In the episode titled Favorites, The Crown, acknowledges that Andrew is a miscreant. Further, the Queen is aware of her son’s proclivities, and while it disturbs her, it doesn’t do much to change her overall favorable opinion of him. A significant inclusion, given recent events.
And perhaps my favorite moment of the season also has Andrew at the center, or should I say in the fringes. Charles arrives late at Andrew’s wedding. And then proceeds to give Andrew a much-needed reality check with the line, “You can hardly blame the newspapers for wanting to write about something other than the wedding of a fringe member of the family who will never be king.”
