Commentary by Candler Lowe, Campus Carrier Staff Writer

There is something about dramatic takes on historical events that draws me in and makes me completely forget about reality. Netflix’s latest release, “The Crown”, does just that. 

The show was created by Peter Morgan, who also wrote the play “The Audience” and the film, “The Queen,” both about Queen Elizabeth II, and is a Netflix original. “The Crown” is a compelling, dramatic retelling of Queen Elizabeth II’s rule. The first season, comprised of 10 episodes, follows Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) as she marries her husband and ascends the throne, through her first five years of ruling.  

The crown as a symbol and the disagreement between personal self and the monarchy were constantly at the forefront of my mind throughout the series. I found myself laughing with Elizabeth’s triumphs, crying during emotional and stressful times, and (on more than one occasion) throwing food at my computer screen when Phillip was a dick. 

The first few episodes dragged on and on for me because of “God Save the King”, but King George VI’s death was a large part of getting the ball rolling in the series. Once Elizabeth’s coronation is over, which unfortunately is halfway through the first season, the show finally intensifies and begins to delve more deeply into Elizabeth’s reign. Episodes five through 10 highlight her work with the Cabinet and for the people of Great Britain. She also has disagreements with family and friends as she struggles to juggle life as a sovereign and a wife, mother and sister. 

Even though I truly did not get into the show until that fifth episode, it was not hard to make it through the first four. The beginning of the series provides all of the background and context that really pull you into the show, including Elizabeth growing up, her family life and royal duties before the death of her father and her early romance with Prince Phillip (Matt Smith). 

Elizabeth is a caring individual and her internal conflict is one of the main points of the series. It is especially visible when her sister Margaret (Vanessa Kirby) becomes interested in one of the dedicated servants to the royal family, Group Captain Peter Townsend (Ben Miles). The citizens of Great Britain, including Elizabeth herself, are rooting for the couple to become married, but due to his divorcee status, and the Church of England’s policies against recognizing divorces, Elizabeth must choose as the Head of the Church not to allow the marriage. 

As far as the story line goes, it is impossible to deviate much from the actual history, but the dramatization of the events and relationships manage to walk the line between historical accuracy and complete enthrallment very tastefully. 

Although some claim that Elizabeth II as the protagonist is not dynamic and ultimately is a background character in her own story in history, Foy does what she can with what she is given, and owns the screen when she is on it. 

However, the other actors in the series are not constantly undermined, and many have their moments when they outshine the queen. The abdicated Edward VIII  (Alex Jennings), plays a compelling, secretive character, and often an advisee to the Queen. Her husband Prince Phillip has moments of character development and there are several moments throughout the series where the story is directed at his hobbies and life which takes a nice step away from the Queen. 

The series submerges the watcher in the previous century. No expenses were spared when it came to the set and costume design. The costume designs are period appropriate, down to the correct shoes and hosiery worn during the 40s and 50s. Each scene is decked with furniture and other props decorated with the elegance one would expect from England’s monarchy.

“The Crown” is a beautiful amalgamation of all of the things I love about period dramas. It is historically accurate, the design is thoughtful, sophisticated and period-appropriate, and the actors fit into their roles with the elegance expected from real royalty. I give the show, and Peter Morgan, its creator, two thumbs up.

 It has been officially renewed for another season, and personally, I’m counting down the days until next November.