30 reviews
This episode was my favourite so far, and it was fascinating to see a sympathetic and intriguing depiction of the young prince of Wales. Olivia Colman's callous depiction of the weariness and disillusion of the Queen as she really falls effortlessly into her role is brilliant.
- amypincott
- Nov 19, 2019
- Permalink
Definitely my favourite episode of season 3. I was very excited and eager to see Josh O'Connor take the role of the young Prince of Wales and he didn't disappoint. He became Charles brilliantly in every way from the way he speaks to his mannerisms and the way he walks. Also the writing was quite good and kept me interested to the point of watching it again. Cinematography also played a role as it took us to beautiful Wales and the magnificent last scene with Charles literally made me tear up. Now Olivia was amazing too on that dialogue with Josh.
- rodrick1987
- Nov 24, 2019
- Permalink
Josh O'Conner shines in this episode of the Crown. His performance is extraordinary and the final scene in the theatre was beautifully and tragically sad. The best episode so far, only Episode 3 comes close to this perfection.
- zrichardson-32076
- Nov 25, 2019
- Permalink
I've seen each episode of season 1 and 2 at least five times, and I'm working my way through season 3 for the second time. My first watching of this episode did not move me the way the second watching did. There are subtle details that are easy to miss on a first watching.
Some of the lower-ratings for this episode speak of how the Queen (Oliva Colman) is so heartless and cold. Without providing spoilers, I would ask such reviewers to re-watch the final scene between Charles and Elizabeth, and listen carefully to what Charles says about himself and, by inference, what he says about Elizabeth. Then think back to season 2 "Vergangenheit" and pay attention to what the abdicated Edward says about Elizabeth directly to her face. Hint: it has to do with her not "having a mind of her own."
One of the over-arching themes of the show is how wearing the crown changes the person. In season 1 we see a playful, somewhat innocent and reserved Elizabeth. In season 2 she starts to harden as the pressures to be queen while burying Elizabeth takes its toll. In season 3, in the episode "Aberfan," we see an Elizabeth as Queen expected to play the role of grieving sovereign, which is not natural for her. She retreats further.
Finally, in "Tywysog Cymru" we see an Elizabeth, fifteen-plus years into the role as queen, feeling betrayed by Charles for going "off script" without approval, and for then justifying that with claims that *he* has a beating heart; that *he* has a mind of his own ... which implies that his mother, Elizabeth -- who has had to bury herself for all those years -- does not. Watch the reaction on her face as Charles says that; then go back and watch "Vergangenheit" and watch her reaction when Edward says the same thing.
This episode is a masterpiece of subtlety. In ranks in the top five of all episodes so far in terms of story, filming, and acting.
Some of the lower-ratings for this episode speak of how the Queen (Oliva Colman) is so heartless and cold. Without providing spoilers, I would ask such reviewers to re-watch the final scene between Charles and Elizabeth, and listen carefully to what Charles says about himself and, by inference, what he says about Elizabeth. Then think back to season 2 "Vergangenheit" and pay attention to what the abdicated Edward says about Elizabeth directly to her face. Hint: it has to do with her not "having a mind of her own."
One of the over-arching themes of the show is how wearing the crown changes the person. In season 1 we see a playful, somewhat innocent and reserved Elizabeth. In season 2 she starts to harden as the pressures to be queen while burying Elizabeth takes its toll. In season 3, in the episode "Aberfan," we see an Elizabeth as Queen expected to play the role of grieving sovereign, which is not natural for her. She retreats further.
Finally, in "Tywysog Cymru" we see an Elizabeth, fifteen-plus years into the role as queen, feeling betrayed by Charles for going "off script" without approval, and for then justifying that with claims that *he* has a beating heart; that *he* has a mind of his own ... which implies that his mother, Elizabeth -- who has had to bury herself for all those years -- does not. Watch the reaction on her face as Charles says that; then go back and watch "Vergangenheit" and watch her reaction when Edward says the same thing.
This episode is a masterpiece of subtlety. In ranks in the top five of all episodes so far in terms of story, filming, and acting.
- DonMichigan
- May 26, 2020
- Permalink
I feel admiration for Josh O'Connor! He perfectly got into character; he really looks like Charles, despite there is no appearance similarity between them.
Personally I think this episode is the best one among the ten episodes in season 3. And when I check the ratings, I'm glad I'm not alone. :)
- bobcobb301
- Dec 31, 2019
- Permalink
Season 3 is becoming my favorite. The cast is extraordinary. Josh O'Connor captured the mannerisms and looks of Prince Charles making him totally believable, and sympathetic. The reference to Richard II at the end was beautifully poignant.
- thomasmiller-28738
- Dec 5, 2019
- Permalink
The crown manages to present most of its storys in a way that in times before netflix not even many full length films were able to. Brilliant. Entertaining. Makes you think.
And the weird thing is: I'm a 36 year old german male that never has been interested in the british royals. And then I started watching season one back in 2016. What a turn.
And the weird thing is: I'm a 36 year old german male that never has been interested in the british royals. And then I started watching season one back in 2016. What a turn.
I've watched some great episodes in this series and just when I thought the stories could not get better this episode proved me wrong. Such thoughtful writing and wonderful acting.
Watching the 3rd season with different actors was a shock at first, but this episode ties in season 1 and 2 and demonstrates how people change and become set in their ways as they grow older. Brilliant casting.
It was brilliant, the suffer from being part of royal family was described well.
The best episode ever. My heart is melted. Script, acting, everything was incredible. I adore this show, all the episodes but this one. OMG it is definitely the best ever.
I love Josh O'Connor as an actor, and he's the best part of this episode. He captures the sadness and lost-ness of Charles beautifully. But the episode itself was badly written. It was predictable and heavy-handed. And the Queen is depicted as miserable, cruel woman. This was hard to watch and mean-spirited.
- ecarlson-593-120461
- Nov 22, 2019
- Permalink
I never in my life believe the Queen was such a nasty person in 1969. Her reaction to Charles investiture was unbelievable.
This was by far the best episode of season three. Heartbreaking story. Phenomenal acting!
- jrarichards
- May 27, 2021
- Permalink
A lot has been already said about this episode being The Best of Season 3 and I simply have to agree. It's hard to highlight a performance in a series which the greatest highlight is the acting and I didn't expect to be so moved by any other depiction after the wonderful John Lithgow left the series with Churchill's death. But I was wrong and my mistake is represented by two words: JOSH O'CONNOR!!! Eager to see how he develops his character. Astonishing!
- raulmajadas-1
- Nov 7, 2020
- Permalink
We finally meet Prince Charles, the heir to the throne (still waiting, of course). He is portrayed as sensitive young man who is having trouble settling into his role. He is plucked out of Cambridge and sent to Wales to learn the language so he can show it off during his installation. The problem for the royals is that they have no feeling for the people of Wales and he walks into a nest of vipers. Like so many parts of the British Empire, the Crown looks strictly after itself. This proves a learning experience for the young Prince as he is lacking in basic knowledge of the country he where he is sojourning. The acting is superb and the relationship that develops with his tutor, who is opposed to the Crown, is very well done. We are also let in on the coarseness of Elizabeth again who sees her son as a pawn in the game. No more than that.
Just echoing what everyone else. This for me is the best episode so far with amazing acting from both Olivia and Josh.
- CurtisWall
- Nov 15, 2020
- Permalink
Season 3 was something of a slow starter, where a lot of change happened and change that took a while to get used to and accept. The first episode "Olding" had a feel of too much change too soon. This was disappointing seeing how good Seasons 1 and 2 were, where the best episodes were absolutely outstanding. But there was hope, as there are examples of shows that have seasons that start off slow but get better when given a chance.
Am so glad at sticking with Season 3, because despite not being too enthralled by "Olding" and "Margaretology" it does get a lot better. Like Seasons 1 and 2 the best episodes are also outstanding. "Tywysog Cymru", while not quite as special as "Aberfan", is one of the outstanding episodes. Really did love the character development of Charles and how he was portrayed and they are the main selling points of an episode that is representative of how much Season 3 improved so quickly.
"Tywysog Cymru", as always for 'The Crown', is very well made visually. The very meaning of elegant and sumptuous in the settings and costumes that are true to period and atmospherically shot. The music for me wasn't too intrusive or low-key and was beautiful scoring on its own. The main theme is not easy to forget.
Writing probes a lot of thought and is never less than intriguing and emotionally investable, it never veers into soap-opera land and doesn't sound too modern. The different viewpoints were really insightful, sensitive and thought-probing. The story is very absorbing, although it is not fast paced it's also never dull, and it it is intensely and poignantly handled. Not as devastating as "Aberfan", but it is certainly not an episode that left me cold emotionally. The final scene is one of the show's most touching final scenes, and 'The Crown' often delivered on great endings.
Charles' character development is insightful and made me see him (a controversial figure in the royal family) in a different light, coming over as a real person and not a stock figure or one-dimensional. The acting is without issues, with Josh O'Connor giving one of the best performances of the season in a very nuanced performance. Particularly in the final scene. Olivia Colman becomes more and more settled with each episode, was one of those that didn't warm to her at first but she is more relaxed and less over-firm (even if Claire Foy had a warmer presence). Charles Dance continues to be perfect casting for Mountbatten.
In conclusion, outstanding. 10/10.
Am so glad at sticking with Season 3, because despite not being too enthralled by "Olding" and "Margaretology" it does get a lot better. Like Seasons 1 and 2 the best episodes are also outstanding. "Tywysog Cymru", while not quite as special as "Aberfan", is one of the outstanding episodes. Really did love the character development of Charles and how he was portrayed and they are the main selling points of an episode that is representative of how much Season 3 improved so quickly.
"Tywysog Cymru", as always for 'The Crown', is very well made visually. The very meaning of elegant and sumptuous in the settings and costumes that are true to period and atmospherically shot. The music for me wasn't too intrusive or low-key and was beautiful scoring on its own. The main theme is not easy to forget.
Writing probes a lot of thought and is never less than intriguing and emotionally investable, it never veers into soap-opera land and doesn't sound too modern. The different viewpoints were really insightful, sensitive and thought-probing. The story is very absorbing, although it is not fast paced it's also never dull, and it it is intensely and poignantly handled. Not as devastating as "Aberfan", but it is certainly not an episode that left me cold emotionally. The final scene is one of the show's most touching final scenes, and 'The Crown' often delivered on great endings.
Charles' character development is insightful and made me see him (a controversial figure in the royal family) in a different light, coming over as a real person and not a stock figure or one-dimensional. The acting is without issues, with Josh O'Connor giving one of the best performances of the season in a very nuanced performance. Particularly in the final scene. Olivia Colman becomes more and more settled with each episode, was one of those that didn't warm to her at first but she is more relaxed and less over-firm (even if Claire Foy had a warmer presence). Charles Dance continues to be perfect casting for Mountbatten.
In conclusion, outstanding. 10/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 14, 2022
- Permalink
This is the best episode of Season 3. Great acting.
The second best of the season is Episode 6 about the Prince of Wales. Good to see Derek Jacobi and Geraldine Chaplin.
The second best of the season is Episode 6 about the Prince of Wales. Good to see Derek Jacobi and Geraldine Chaplin.
- valdemir-fernandes
- Apr 21, 2020
- Permalink
I don't normally review TV programmes and certainly not individual episodes, but this was such an outstanding piece that I had to tell the world!
Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles might be the best casting that I have ever seen and the construct of this episode reflecting on his time in Wakes and the stage references, were cleverly put together to deliver the struggles that he must have and must still be facing.
I am by no means a monarchist, but it is hard not to feel for the characters as they are portrayed in this series and this was one of the most heartfelt episodes yet, although I cried all the way through 'Aberfan'.
Simply brilliant and a clever way to incorporate Wales in to the programme more.
Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles might be the best casting that I have ever seen and the construct of this episode reflecting on his time in Wakes and the stage references, were cleverly put together to deliver the struggles that he must have and must still be facing.
I am by no means a monarchist, but it is hard not to feel for the characters as they are portrayed in this series and this was one of the most heartfelt episodes yet, although I cried all the way through 'Aberfan'.
Simply brilliant and a clever way to incorporate Wales in to the programme more.
- adamjohns-42575
- Aug 18, 2022
- Permalink
Half the episode was in Welsh...while the viewer could pick up story telling by the actors non verbals I was terribly bored and at end irritated.
- katehart-60172
- Dec 3, 2019
- Permalink
The third series of The Crown is so far the most disappointing. Although most viewers seem to agree, the ratings for single episodes are suspiciously high. So far, I liked episode 2 the best, even if Bonham Carter doesn't look anything like Margaret and I find her miscast.
At least there was some fun in that episode, which is sorely missing in most others. Maybe because the events depicted are generally tragic, minor or plainly boring.
This one, for a non-British citizen, is outstandingly boring. Apart from the fact that I was not aware of Welsh nationalists being as fierce as the Scottish, I found zero interest in Charles being shipped to Wales to learn some of the language and in the queen being so dismissive and uninterested in him.
The second point could have been gathered a long time ago by any observant viewer. Did anything in the previous episodes suggest a warm and affectionate relationship between Elizabeth and Charles? Or between Philip and Charles? The only person in his family Charles seems to connect with is his sister.
Apart from that, the whining of the Welsh about their past glories wasps useless as every single "minority" on planet Earth thinking they would have had it better without any neighbours invading them. Which is strongly debatable and anyway did not happen.
At least there was some fun in that episode, which is sorely missing in most others. Maybe because the events depicted are generally tragic, minor or plainly boring.
This one, for a non-British citizen, is outstandingly boring. Apart from the fact that I was not aware of Welsh nationalists being as fierce as the Scottish, I found zero interest in Charles being shipped to Wales to learn some of the language and in the queen being so dismissive and uninterested in him.
The second point could have been gathered a long time ago by any observant viewer. Did anything in the previous episodes suggest a warm and affectionate relationship between Elizabeth and Charles? Or between Philip and Charles? The only person in his family Charles seems to connect with is his sister.
Apart from that, the whining of the Welsh about their past glories wasps useless as every single "minority" on planet Earth thinking they would have had it better without any neighbours invading them. Which is strongly debatable and anyway did not happen.