Some fans of the period piece may be more interested in fanciful works of romantic fiction than anything based on true events, decrying the by-the-numbers approach many biopics and historical films embrace. However, Netflix’sThe Crownis far more than just a textbook reinterpretation of history. The biographical history of the English Royal Family’s various members is packed with scandals, controversies, affairs, and emotional breakdowns, all of which make for richly entertaining television.
The Crownis the perfect series for history buffs, whose interests might veer toward seeing these seminal events brought to life, and curious newcomers fascinated by the luxury and mystique surrounding the Royal Family. The show has several unforgettable episodes, but a few stand out each season. Whether because of their fateful retelling of major events, unforgettable performances, lush production values, or a healthy mix of all, these episodes are the best from each season ofThe Crown.
“Hyde Park Corner”
Season 1, Episode 2 (2016)
The Crown’sfirst season does a splendid and admirable job of turning Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) into a compelling character before she is named her nation’s next ruler. Like any young protagonist, Foy’s interpretation of Elizabeth is still finding her footing as a young woman and considering what prospects lie ahead in the wake of her marriage to Prince Philip (Matt Smith).
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However, Elizabeth’s reality comes crashing down in the episode “Hyde Park Corner.” The plot sees her learning the tragic news that her father, King George VI (Jared Harris), has passed away, leaving her next in line to inherit the throne. It’s heartbreaking to watch a grieving young daughter forced to make so many critical decisions about her nation’s future in the immediate aftermath of her father’s death. “Hyde Park Corner” also includes one of the show’s most iconic sequences, in which Queen Mary, played by the mightyEileen Atkins, prepares Elizabeth for the hard and stoic role that awaits her.
“Dear Mrs. Kennedy”
Season 2, Episode 8 (2017)
Netflix’s acclaimed seriesprimarily focuses onevents relating to the British Royal Familyand the nation’s history. However, showrunnerPeter Morgandid take the occasional and much-appreciated chance to explore the US' radical political developments throughout the 20th century. The second season explored the “American Camelot” when Elizabeth hosts an extravagant dinner party at Buckingham Palace with US President John F. Kennedy (Dexter’sMichael C. Hall) and his First Lady, Jackie (Jodi Balfour).
It’s interesting to see a British perspective on historical figures so deeply ingrained in American pop culture - the Kennedys were truly larger-than-life. Hall distinguishes himself from other versions of JFK on screen with his more reserved performance. Meanwhile, Balfour’s interpretation of the nation’s most famous First Lady is far less endearing than the more emotional performances fromNatalie PortmaninJackieorJeanne TripplehorninGrey Gardens. The dynamic between Elizabeth and Jackie is the episode’s motor, with Foy and Balfour creating a fascinating tête-à-tête that will keep audiences on edge.
Season 3, Episode 3 (2019)
The third season featured a jump in the timeline several years later, withOlivia ColmanandTobias Menziesinheriting the roles of Elizabeth and Philip. While Colman’s interpretation of the Queen isn’t as young and naive as the more empathetic version of the late ruler that Foy brought to life, she showed her emotional qualities in the devastating episode “Aberfan.” The episode detailed the Royal Family’s reaction to the horrific tragedy in the Welsh village of Aberfan, where a deadly mudslide nearly destroyed an entire community, killing 116 children and 28 adults trapped inside an elementary school.
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“Aberfan” avoids a sensationalist approach, opting for a taught, reserved depiction of such a significant event that pays respect to the real victims of the crisis. Much of the plot revolves around the government’s and the Queen’s seemingly cold reaction to the disaster, reinforcingThe Crown’sthemes of duty versus emotion. Colman delivers a masterclass in acting, particularly in the episode’s last haunting seconds.
Season 4, Episode 8 (2020)
The fourth season ofThe Crownproved its best installment to date. The expanded roles ofJosh O’ConnorandEmerald Fennellas Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles and the introduction ofEmma Corrin’s Princess Diana helped revitalize the series with the same sort of youthful presence that Smith and Foy had added to the first few seasons. The season also brought Margaret Thatcher, played by a bravuraGillian Anderson, whose combative dynamic with Colman’s Queen Elizabeth was among the season’s best aspects.
“48:1” veers from the season’s relationship drama to focus on the political side. It features the most significant conflict between Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth, a battle of wits over imposing economic sanctions on apartheid South Africa. The episode is tense, riveting, and insightful, presenting Thatcher and Elizabeth at their most ruthless and allowing Anderson and Colman to deliver fierce, commanding performances. “48:1” isn’t afraid to show the characters' ugliest sides and, in a rare turn for the show, casts the Queen in a somewhat negative light.The Crownis amongNetflix’s best political series, and “48:1” is a perfect example of why.
“Annus Horriblis”
Season 5, Episode 4 (2022)
Unfortunately, the fifth season ofThe Crownwas its weakest. Although the scandal of Prince Charles' (Dominic West) divorce from Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) is very compelling, these events have been covered so elaborately by the media in real time that there weren’t as many buried secrets forThe Crownto unearth. Since viewers did not need a refresher on what happened, the season’s strongest moments were those where it explored the metaphorical decline in the Royal Family’s prominence in British society.
This is most evident in the episode “Annus Horribilis,” which features the striking image of Windsor Palace burning to the ground due to an unexpected fire.Imelda Stauntonproved she was just as worthy of playing Elizabeth as Foy and Colman during an emotional monologue near the episode’s end. Staunton captures the perfect blend of heartbreak, concern, and resolve as the Queen recounts the series of heartbreaking tragedies that the Royal Family suffered in 1992. It’s a powerful scene that reminds audiences why she’s among her generation’s finest Thespians, making her Emmy snub all the more puzzling.
