The grand finale has arrived, and while it's the end of an era for the Queen, for the monarchy, and for Charles, the story of "The Crown" is far from over. The crown will inevitably continue, and I am a witness to history. An era has ended for the Queen, but what comes next? How will things develop?
The narrative seems to have notable tenderness and warmth, but an underlying awkwardness can be detected in the storyline. On one hand, Charles, albeit reluctantly, takes photos with his sons during Diana's scandal to counteract public perception. However, in the following moment, he persuades the Queen to attend Diana's funeral. Amidst this, the main focus remains on the royal family, with the prime minister nearly fading into the background.
Diana's passing is undoubtedly tragic, but what's particularly poignant is her realization that her scandal-plagued boyfriend lacks the courage to speak up. Despite undergoing similar hardships, she refrains from pressing him; instead, she displays understanding and forgiveness. Her response to his confession is remarkably powerful yet subtle, as her simple acknowledgment with "I know" speaks volumes, conveying both gentleness and strength in comforting him.
It's hard for this season to match the excitement of the first two because that's how the times have evolved. There's no more grandiose turmoil, just subtle undercurrents and a sense of foreboding at dusk, making it impossible to match the scale of the past. It's not that the series has declined, but rather that this is how the era has unfolded.
It seems that following Diana's departure, what remains are the unresolved tensions between father and son, particularly William's grievances against Charles. William holds Charles accountable for Diana's tragic fate and is conscious of both their efforts to capture media attention. The scriptwriter employs the grandfather role as a means to resolve familial conflicts, eventually transitioning to William's journey to college. The portrayal of the prince's emotional struggles is portrayed with a mixture of glorification and dilution.
During their marriage, my family still subscribed to newspapers, and the media frenzy surrounding everything from their initial meeting to their lavish wedding was vividly remembered. I recall the coverage on CCTV, labeling Diana as the first commoner princess, intricately linked to William. However, subsequent rumors surfaced about Kate Middleton's alleged early preparations to marry into the royal family, involving activities such as skiing and dancing. Despite their temporary breakup, Kate ultimately had the last laugh, continuing to hold a prominent position even today.
Then there's the brotherly bond, Harry's insecurities growing up in his brother's shadow. The royal family isn't as noble as imagined; they are mortals too.
My preference leans toward the storyline centered on the Queen herself, especially concerning Tony Blair's rise in popularity, which prompts her to contemplate modernizing the monarchy. Through a series of personal reflections and inquiries, she arrives at a realization: the monarchy's purpose isn't necessarily modernization but rather symbolism. It's the enigmatic allure and enigmatic nature of royalty that captivate people's curiosity. It's not merely the mundane aspects of their lives that fascinate, but the very fact that they are part of the royal family.
The Queen maintains a steadfast commitment to her beliefs and understanding of her role. She sees it as a profound responsibility to the monarchy and a means of offering elucidation to the public about its significance and purpose.
Episode eight has been my favorite so far. Throughout the series, the Queen's portrayal has been far from naive, rarely displaying moments of playfulness or hearty laughter. However, in this particular episode, we witness a glimpse of her carefree nature from the past. The company of Princess Margaret brings a sense of brightness and pleasant memories to the Queen's otherwise weighty life. During that time, they shed their roles of monarch and subject, embracing each other as sisters and friends. Margaret comprehends the Queen's happiness, responsibilities, and burdens, offering a unique understanding.
Margaret, with her free-spirited nature, is partly due to her inherent disposition and partly because of her sister's dignified persona. Despite once dreaming of being the Queen herself, Margaret realizes that the stringent royal protocols stifle personalities like hers, making her fully grasp the significance of such rules. She is fortunate not to bear the burden of the crown, yet unfortunate due to the comparisons, suppression, and restrictions she faces. Nevertheless, the strong bond between the sisters persists.
As the festivities conclude, the sisters walk on the cold streets, briefly experiencing the joy of their childhood moments before Margaret watches her sister enter the palace gates. The poignancy of Margaret's reluctant expression and goodbye words deeply moved me, bringing tears to my eyes.
The casting in this series is truly heartfelt. The young princesses were almost like visual effects, remarkably reflecting their adult, middle-aged, and elderly versions not only in appearance but also in essence. The seasoned actresses portraying the older versions excel, displaying remarkable chemistry and interactions. Episode eight stands out and deserves a five-star rating, perfectly aligning with the series' tone.
The intricacy and layers that compose the crown at the series' start are both captivating and isolating for those who bear its weight. It grants supreme authority while also fostering detachment. It offers a glimpse into its wearer's life but veils itself in shadows, quietly observing from a distance. Elizabeth, burdened by this weighty crown, bears it upon her neck. In doing so, she sacrifices some of her happiness, dedicating her entire life to the monarchy. From her youth to old age, her steadfast dedication and initial intentions remain unchanged, fulfilling the vow she made.
As "The Crown" draws to a close, so does the Elizabethan era within the series, yet history persists beyond its narrative boundaries. In the flowing river of history, every individual is akin to a mere grain of sand. However, Elizabeth and the monarchy stand as notable entities along this historical path, leaving an indelible mark despite the transient nature of time.
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