Vergangenheit
- Episode aired Dec 8, 2017
- TV-MA
- 1h 1m
A secret World War II document opens Elizabeth's eyes to grim realities about a family member. The Duke of Windsor campaigns to re-enter public life.A secret World War II document opens Elizabeth's eyes to grim realities about a family member. The Duke of Windsor campaigns to re-enter public life.A secret World War II document opens Elizabeth's eyes to grim realities about a family member. The Duke of Windsor campaigns to re-enter public life.
Photos
Storyline
Did you know
- Trivia"Vergangenheit" is German for "past" as in "background, yesteryear, foretime, and also past tense in a grammatical sense."
- GoofsSir Alan 'Tommy' Lascelles refers to Sir Edward Pakenham, but pronounces his name incorrectly as Pay-ken-ham; when in reality it is Pack-n-um, a mistake the real Lascelles would never have made;
- Quotes
Queen Elizabeth II: I've had a chance to think about your request to serve your country. I was keen to help you and, weighing it all up... the amount of time that has passed and my affection for you, personally, all spoke in its favor.
David, Duke of Windsor: But?
Queen Elizabeth II: But, on balance... I think not. And I'm sure you don't need reminding that under the terms of the agreement reached after the abdication, you are permitted to return to the United Kingdom only at the pleasure and invitation of the sovereign.
David, Duke of Windsor: Yes?
Queen Elizabeth II: I find myself unable to grant that permission.
- SoundtracksHappy Birthday to You
(uncredited)
Written by Mildred J. Hill and Patty S. Hill
Performed by Alex Jennings and Lia Williams
That is still the case with Season 2's "Vergangenheit". On the whole, Season 2 was every bit as good as the first (with the few disappointments such as "Lisbon" still being quite good). "Vergangenheit" is not just one of the best episodes of the season, but to me it is a show high point and is a perfect example of why 'The Crown' is such a great show and what it is all about. Everything is outstanding here, not just the usual praise-worthy things but the episode does a wonderful job with David.
David has lost none of what made him interesting and complex in Season 1. In fact, both increased here in "Vergangenheit" with darker and richer character development. It does reiterate and confirm that we know about him already (all in a less than favourable light), but it also shows the motivations behind the decisions he made and that there was more to it. As a character his development is moved forward rather than stuck or regressed, a likeable character he is far from but he is not one's definition of a stock villain. All the character writing here is great, but especially with David which is what sets "Vergangenheit" apart.
"Vergangenheit" once again has superb production values. The production and costume design are both classy and sumptuous, but it's the photography that stands out in this regard. Very elegant and tasteful. The music has presence but is not used or too much, some of it is beautifully understated.
Writing is constantly intriguing and intelligent, not coming over as over-serious or soapy. The story has a lot of intrigue and subtle tension, the pace is deliberate but not overly so. For the reasons said above, David has really grown on me. The more political elements don't get too much, which is remarkable considering the time period and the subject. The conflict grabs the attention.
Acting is on point across the board, with Alex Jennings taking top honours this time. His performance being smarmy but subtle. Claire Foy's very telling expressions and eyes are very moving to watch.
Concluding, brilliant and one of the season's and show's best. 10/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jun 29, 2021
Details
- Runtime1 hour 1 minute
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1