The first two episodes of 'The Crown's' Season 2 lived up to the exceptionally high standards that the first season had (a season that had two disappointments that still managed to be good). "Lisbon" was a step down and while still a good and intriguing episode it suffered from the problematic character writing for Phillip. While loving 'The Crown', expectations were mixed for "Beryl" when seeing that it was a Margaret-centric episode. Speaking as someone who didn't generally care for how she was written in Season 1.
Season 2 actually though saw an improvement in Margaret's character writing, where she seemed more sympathetic, more mature and not as gullible and her character development was richer. A big contrast to Season 1, where she felt underdeveloped and where the writers went too far on making her unlikeable. The richer character writing and the more grown up portrayal of her is especially evident in "Beryl", one of the best Season 2 episodes and one of the best Margaret-centric episodes.
My only issue with "Beryl" was the emotionally cold and too flimsy to the point of irrelevance platonic family friend subplot.
Once again however the production values are superb. The production and costume design are both classy and sumptuous, but it's the photography that stands out in this regard. The music is not overbearing or low key. It's on point in the writing as well, it always intrigues and provokes a lot of thought. Nothing soapy about it.
Furthermore, the story is deliberately paced but not dull. While the platonic family friend subplot was uninteresting, the Margaret and Tony one is very exciting and charming. Which made it easy to invest in it. Really loved Margaret's character writing, here she shows a more sympathetic edge and a maturity while also with moments of vulnerability. The climactic scene is powerful and her loneliness is moving and easy to relate to.
All the acting is very good, Vanessa Kirby plays Margaret absolutely beautifully and Matthew Goode is also ideal casting. Their chemistry scintillates and has a real charm to it.
In conclusion, a wonderful episode. 9/10.
Season 2 actually though saw an improvement in Margaret's character writing, where she seemed more sympathetic, more mature and not as gullible and her character development was richer. A big contrast to Season 1, where she felt underdeveloped and where the writers went too far on making her unlikeable. The richer character writing and the more grown up portrayal of her is especially evident in "Beryl", one of the best Season 2 episodes and one of the best Margaret-centric episodes.
My only issue with "Beryl" was the emotionally cold and too flimsy to the point of irrelevance platonic family friend subplot.
Once again however the production values are superb. The production and costume design are both classy and sumptuous, but it's the photography that stands out in this regard. The music is not overbearing or low key. It's on point in the writing as well, it always intrigues and provokes a lot of thought. Nothing soapy about it.
Furthermore, the story is deliberately paced but not dull. While the platonic family friend subplot was uninteresting, the Margaret and Tony one is very exciting and charming. Which made it easy to invest in it. Really loved Margaret's character writing, here she shows a more sympathetic edge and a maturity while also with moments of vulnerability. The climactic scene is powerful and her loneliness is moving and easy to relate to.
All the acting is very good, Vanessa Kirby plays Margaret absolutely beautifully and Matthew Goode is also ideal casting. Their chemistry scintillates and has a real charm to it.
In conclusion, a wonderful episode. 9/10.