The highly-acclaimed drama series The Crown has concluded its final season, but unfortunately, it fails to live up to the high standards set by its predecessors. The season is marred by a misguided focus and poor storytelling, which relegates the central character of Queen Elizabeth II to the background. Instead of delivering a fitting conclusion, the season relies on predictable headlines and clichés to drive the storyline, particularly in its depiction of the marriage between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
In contrast, the relationships between William and his father Prince Charles are far more compelling, with Dominic West delivering a nuanced performance that brings depth to the character. Lesley Manville’s portrayal of Princess Margaret is another highlight of the season, bringing a level of sensitivity and emotion to the character. Her struggles with physical debilitation are particularly heartbreaking, and her relationship with Elizabeth is expertly depicted by Imelda Staunton. However, these moments of emotional depth are few and far between, and are often overshadowed by the weaker aspects of the season.
The show’s attempt to address real-life events and emotions feels clumsy and heavy-handed, failing to capture the emotional resonance that fans have come to expect from the series. The scene depicting Elizabeth’s funeral is particularly disappointing, lacking the emotional impact that fans had hoped for. The season’s failure to deliver can be attributed to its misguided focus, devoting too much time to the wrong storylines and neglecting the central character of Queen Elizabeth II.
Despite standout performances from Staunton and Manville, the season is unable to overcome its overall lackluster quality. With a rating of 3/10, The Crown’s final season marks a disappointing conclusion to a drama series that has captured the hearts of millions. The season’s failure to deliver a fitting conclusion is a disappointment, especially considering the high standards set by the previous seasons.