The Crown: Scientia Potentia Est
November 19, 2016 3:22 PM - Season 1, Episode 7 - Subscribe
As the Soviets test the H-bomb, both Churchill and Eden have major health crises. Angry about her inadequate education, Elizabeth hires a tutor.
I thought this was a cracking episode: great acting and fascinating themes (and no Margaret and Peter, yay).
And finally, for a fleeting moment I found myself wondering if monarchy isn't such a bad idea after all, if it meant that every head of state would have a kick-ass icy queen to tell them off when they've broken the rules. God knows the world would need that right now.
That moment passed, but nevertheless, it was nice to see Elizabeth grow two inches taller while the old dudes squirmed.
posted by sively at 3:20 PM on November 20, 2016 [4 favorites]
And finally, for a fleeting moment I found myself wondering if monarchy isn't such a bad idea after all, if it meant that every head of state would have a kick-ass icy queen to tell them off when they've broken the rules. God knows the world would need that right now.
That moment passed, but nevertheless, it was nice to see Elizabeth grow two inches taller while the old dudes squirmed.
posted by sively at 3:20 PM on November 20, 2016 [4 favorites]
I loved how Professor Hogg seemed like he was going to fall flat on his face, but ended up striking exactly the right tone. His selection also showed that Elizabeth's former secretary is exactly the right person for her.
And wow, I found Tommy's lack of deference to the Queen shocking.
posted by dry white toast at 8:38 PM on November 20, 2016 [3 favorites]
And wow, I found Tommy's lack of deference to the Queen shocking.
posted by dry white toast at 8:38 PM on November 20, 2016 [3 favorites]
I never really thought about it, but I'm glad that the show has really opened my eyes on how remarkable QEII was, how hard she had to fight against deep seated institutional sexism (from both men and women), and how she sought to better herself so as to be a monarch who could exercise informed agency.
Winston Churchill's stroke ==> "just a cold" lol
wondering if monarchy isn't such a bad idea after all
Edward VIII probably would have made a terrible monarch. I think the world got pretty lucky with George VI and QEII.
I'm not sure that Prince Charles would have done any good, even if he had been given the crown a decade or two ago. William might not be too bad, but the royal family is now more symbolic having ceded governance to the parliamentary system.
Thailand's recently deceased Bhumibol Adulyadej was well loved (lese majeste aside), but it looks like new king is going to be a doofus. Then there's North Korea.
posted by porpoise at 4:15 PM on November 21, 2016 [3 favorites]
Winston Churchill's stroke ==> "just a cold" lol
wondering if monarchy isn't such a bad idea after all
Edward VIII probably would have made a terrible monarch. I think the world got pretty lucky with George VI and QEII.
I'm not sure that Prince Charles would have done any good, even if he had been given the crown a decade or two ago. William might not be too bad, but the royal family is now more symbolic having ceded governance to the parliamentary system.
Thailand's recently deceased Bhumibol Adulyadej was well loved (lese majeste aside), but it looks like new king is going to be a doofus. Then there's North Korea.
posted by porpoise at 4:15 PM on November 21, 2016 [3 favorites]
> Claire Foy is outstanding.
Her scene with John Lithgow was an electrifying performance by both actors.
Matt Smith's scene with her was great too. It's almost like he was born to the gangly peacock role.
posted by porpoise at 5:38 PM on November 21, 2016 [6 favorites]
Her scene with John Lithgow was an electrifying performance by both actors.
Matt Smith's scene with her was great too. It's almost like he was born to the gangly peacock role.
posted by porpoise at 5:38 PM on November 21, 2016 [6 favorites]
So, pictures of Princess Charlotte were released today. My god, she looks exactly like the actress who played young Elizabeth.
posted by Melismata at 12:58 PM on May 1, 2017
posted by Melismata at 12:58 PM on May 1, 2017
And wow, I found Tommy's lack of deference to the Queen shocking.
Ok, so my wife and I are only now watching The Crown and I have to say I don't think I've ever seen such a pitch-perfect depiction of utter, vile arrogance as is Pip Torrens' playing of Tommy. Nor was I so happy to see a character go as I was when Tommy reminds the Queen of his retirement. His treatment of the Queen as little more than a minor marker along the holy path of tradition (of which he is the steward) was simply loathesome.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:33 AM on March 4, 2018
Ok, so my wife and I are only now watching The Crown and I have to say I don't think I've ever seen such a pitch-perfect depiction of utter, vile arrogance as is Pip Torrens' playing of Tommy. Nor was I so happy to see a character go as I was when Tommy reminds the Queen of his retirement. His treatment of the Queen as little more than a minor marker along the holy path of tradition (of which he is the steward) was simply loathesome.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:33 AM on March 4, 2018
Tommy's such an asshole.
I dearly enjoyed Elizabeth's standing up to the guys. The short, sweet scolding the first time and the "You betrayed our relationship" to Winston.
This definitely had more of "Just because you're the Queen doesn't mean you should be allowed to make any decisions like who you want to hire or anything."
Uh....was that Philip wanting the Queen to give him a blow job at the end?!
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:59 PM on March 10, 2021
I dearly enjoyed Elizabeth's standing up to the guys. The short, sweet scolding the first time and the "You betrayed our relationship" to Winston.
This definitely had more of "Just because you're the Queen doesn't mean you should be allowed to make any decisions like who you want to hire or anything."
Uh....was that Philip wanting the Queen to give him a blow job at the end?!
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:59 PM on March 10, 2021
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posted by gt2 at 6:53 AM on November 20, 2016 [10 favorites]