The Crown Season 1
Created By: Peter Morgan
Grade: A
So at this point I can tell how much I like a television show simply by actually finishing it. And finishing it super quickly. To be honest I wasn’t originally interested in watching this Netflix show- based on the reign of Queen Elizabeth. I started watching with my mother and then couldn’t stop.
The show stars Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth, John Lithgow as Winston Churchill and Matt Smith as Prince Phillip. All of whom are excellent. I also became a big fan of Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret. She didn’t have a lot to do in the beginning but as the season went on and the crown got involved in her love life she was super impressive.
I especially loved her and Foy in the scene where they were parsing over who was daddy’s favorite and you could see how much Margaret needed it. It must be said Phillip of all of them is my absolutely favorite. He and Margaret can just be so vicious, so desperate and mean and catty but also disappointed and deflated. Loving and smart. I think there are times when both see the importance of certain issues that Elizabeth lets the old hands or the “smarter men” talk her out of.
That’s the thing about The Crown that really struck me though. There’s nothing overly big in here just human drama.
And if the show wasn’t based on real people I’d be so impressed with how human they made them. They didn’t ever feel like characters. But there are plenty of cases where that’s not the case even with the whole based on real people designation. I enjoyed The Greatest Showman but PT Barnum never felt like a flesh and blood human in that movie. Not like this.
Stephen Dillane also shows up in an episode that is mostly about Winston Churchill fighting his greatest battles with age and mortality.
Also completely enjoyed Alex Jennings as the Duke of Windsor. He and Wallis appear throughout season one. And there a great approximation of those catty always drinking relatives who have nasty nicknames for everyone, like to stir the pot and take money and then always wonder why no one wants them around.
I admit to I was Googling events and names throughout the shows so I felt like I learned something and squealed a little bit when the dogs started showing up!
Needless to say I completely enjoyed The Crown Season 1 & plan on jumping into Season 2 (knock on wood) right after Sharp Objects finishes.
Favorite Episodes: Windor, Smoke & Mirrors, Pride & Joy and Assasins.
Recommend: Yes. Absolutely!