Netflix: “The Crown,” season 6, part 2
“The Crown” (Netflix) came to an appropriately majestic conclusion this month. And whether you’re a republican (small r) or flaming monarchist, there’s no denying this has been superb TV.
Season 6, Part 2 takes place in the late 1990s-early 2000s. It includes the aftermath of Diana’s death; the rise and fall of Tony Blair (Bertie Carvel); and the evolution of Prince Wills (Ed McVey) into a handsome young man with a crush on a pretty schoolmate, Kate Middleton (Meg Bellamy). Prince Harry (Luther Ford), the “spare,” continually gets into trouble, once famously wearing a Nazi uniform to a Halloween party. Princess Margaret (Leslie Manville), having led a dissipated lifestyle, finally pays the price.
At the center of all remains the Queen (Imelda Staunton). Not for her the abandonment of court traditions (e.g., the royal falconer, the folder of the napkins). One concession to modernity is the reluctant blessing she gives to the marriage of Prince Charles (Dominic West) and Camilla (Olivia Williams). The Queen also possesses a savage wit which she reveals at the speech she gives at the wedding reception. The only drama for the guests: will she abdicate? We all know the answer to that one.
If you’ve never watched “The Crown,” the holidays may be a time to start binge-watching. All three actresses who play the Queen (Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and Staunton) are excellent as are the two Princess Dianas, especially Elizabeth Debicki. And really, haven’t you seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” enough by now?
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