In a bittersweet finale, the popular Netflix series “The Crown” has come to an end with its final six episodes, leaving fans reflecting on the show's portrayal of the royal family. The concluding episodes of Season 6 delve into the struggles faced by Queen Elizabeth, Prince William, and Prince Harry, as well as the romantic woes of Kate Middleton. However, without the presence of Princess Diana, the show seems to lack the same captivating energy that had previously enthralled audiences.
The absence of Diana leaves a void in the public imagination, and this is reflected in the on-screen portrayals of the other royals. William and Middleton's characters are deemed to be colorless and lacking in depth, with viewers feeling vindicated in their perception of the couple as bland. While the actors do their best, the material they are given to work with falls short. William's character is portrayed as a generic "poor rich boy," wandering aimlessly and complaining about the attention he receives. In comparison to the earlier seasons, which dealt with politics, deaths, and dramatic divorces, this rendition of William feels dull and uninteresting.
However, despite these shortcomings, there are still redeeming qualities to be found in the final episodes. The acting remains strong, and the brief cameos from Claire Foy and Olivia Colman as younger versions of Queen Elizabeth provide a sense of continuity. The death of Princess Margaret is also portrayed with appropriate poignancy. Additionally, there are moments of intrigue, such as the appearance of Mohamed Al-Fayed, who spreads conspiracy theories about the royal family's involvement in Diana's death. Fans of "Game of Thrones" will also delight in seeing Eve Best, known for her role as Rhaenys Targaryen, playing Carole Middleton and orchestrating her daughter's relationship with William.
While there are some juicy moments to be enjoyed, the lack of tension in certain storylines is noticeable. For example, the depiction of Kate's initial hesitation in reciprocating William's feelings lacks believability, as viewers already know the eventual outcome. Queen Elizabeth's normally icy demeanor softens as she offers advice to William, urging him not to lose faith in his romantic endeavors. Meanwhile, Prince Harry stands out as the only member of the royal family having any fun, providing some comic relief with his mischievous antics.
As the show comes to a close, creator Peter Morgan has previously stated that he will not explore the Meghan Markle era, citing a "20 year rule" that prevents him from delving into events that are too recent. However, as “The Crown” ends on a somewhat lackluster note, it becomes apparent that Morgan may need to extend this rule to capture more compelling storylines. The struggle to create a captivating portrayal of William may be due to his relatively young age and lack of significant life experiences. Alternatively, it could be a result of Morgan's hesitance to upset the real-life royal by delving too deeply into his personal life.
All in all, “The Crown” has had a successful run, though the final episodes may not live up to the heightened expectations set by previous seasons. The show's ability to humanize the royal family and explore the complexities of their lives has been its greatest strength, and viewers will surely miss the captivating performances and dramatic storylines that have made “The Crown” a beloved series.
