The journey of “The Crown” on Netflix since its debut in 2016 has been quite remarkable. Initially, a critically acclaimed historical drama starring Claire Foy and Matt Smith, the series underwent two major cast changes and faced a shift in critical reception as it delved into more current and contentious subject matter.
The decision to split the final season into two parts, evident from season 6 part 1, appeared peculiar and, in hindsight, may not have been the wisest move. Focusing predominantly on Diana’s sudden demise in the first part introduced a morbid tone that diverged from the show’s initial success – exploring diverse historical stories within the framework of a larger family drama, examining the interplay of duty, tradition, and personal autonomy. With the mixed-to-negative response to the first part, the series’s legacy seemed to hinge on the final batch of six episodes. Fortunately, this concluding installment proves to be a much-improved finale.
The new episodes center around the early 2000s, featuring storylines such as William and Kate’s relationship, Princess Margaret’s death, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. In contrast to the preceding episodes that heavily focused on Diana’s relationship with Dodi Fayed, this season returns to basics by exploring lesser-known Royal stories from the period.
A clear standout in this six-part run is Ed McVey as Prince William. As the series concludes, focusing on the young royal makes thematic sense, providing a passing of the torch to the future generation and infusing the series with a sense of encroaching closure. McVey’s performance proves captivating, effectively capturing the essence of the young prince and navigating well-explored dynamics with other characters.
While strong episodes like “Willsmania” and “Hope Street” showcase William at the center of larger stories, the most successful episode is “Ritz,” which chronicles the decline and death of Princess Margaret. This episode stands out for its emotional depth, aided by Lesley Manville’s excellent portrayal and subtle, emotionally resonant writing.
The return of the political realm, featuring Tony Blair, adds depth to the season, offering a nuanced exploration of modernization versus tradition. The finale, avoiding spoilers, is deftly handled by Peter Morgan, providing a fitting one-off story while acknowledging the series’s end and spotlighting Imelda Staunton’s breathtaking performance.
In conclusion, while this batch of episodes may not win over those already disenchanted with the series, it represents a return to form. Although “The Crown” may not be at the pinnacle of its powers, it concludes on a positive note by going back to its roots while keeping an eye on the future. Staunton, Dominic West, and the central cast continue to impress, and the series wraps up suitably, ending on a high note – a surprising outcome considering recent expectations.