Drama, controversy and scandal. What does that give you? Season 4 of The Crown.
It seems as though this year the show was hyped more than ever before, most likely due to the introduction of new characters Diana, Princess of Wales (Emma Corrin) and Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson).
Eager to see how the Netflix drama was going to portray these new characters, fans across the globe counted down the months to the season 4 release date in anticipation. But has it lived up to expectations?
In episode one titled ‘Gold Stick’, we are taken back to 1979 when the Conservatives win the general election and Margaret Thatcher becomes Prime Minister. We also see the fall of Lord Mountbatten and witness Prince Charles meet Diana for the first time whilst he’s dating her older sister, Lady Sarah Spencer.
The first episode certainly sets the scene for a powerful season and shows us both new and familiar faces, with Olivia Coleman returning as leading lady The Queen and Tobias Menzies returning as Prince Philip.
However, this season isn’t popular with everyone. And I can see exactly why.
Season 4 of the Netflix drama has had multiple mentions in national papers referring to it as being inaccurate. Whilst the basic storyline seems true enough, it does feel more than ever that the shows’ creators made each episode more drama filled and exaggerated than before.
According to the Mirror, The Queen’s former Communications Secretary, Dickie Arbiter, accused the programme makers of being “over the top on dramatic licence” with depictions of Prince Charles being “nothing like the man I worked with for five years.”
Despite the backlash the show has received, it is worth noting that it never claimed to be 100% accurate. To entice audiences, drama and emphasis on certain events and characters is needed, just so long as it’s not too extreme.
Overall, I would personally recommend watching The Crown Season 4!
It makes for good viewing and touches on a range of topics and historical events I didn’t know anything about, such as the Buckingham Palace intruder and the members of the Royal Family hidden away due to having mentally ill conditions.
Season 4 definitely isn’t perfect, but then again neither is the Royal Family.
Edited by Lauren Wilkins