Sunday, May 03, 2020
Yesterday, our high desert weather was a mess. The temperature dropped noticeably and daylight hours alternated between brief sunlights and shadowy periods with very high winds. One moment I might be outside in short-sleeves and another bundled in a warm jacket. The day felt more winter-like than spring. So, I brought in the dogs and let Netflix take over.
It’s been hard for me to find new shows streaming that I feel like watching. Maybe it’s because my moods aren’t good enough these coronavirus days to find writers’ fantasies appealing. Maybe it’s because watching again shows I’ve seen and enjoyed is easier. Unfortunately by now, I’ve too often re-watched and need something new.
So, I’m returning to “The Crown.” Yes, I know, almost everybody but me has enjoyed it. I tried a few times to watch it and always became bored. Yesterday, I started-up again, and from scratch, determined to stay with the series. Actually, it’s good–well scripted, acted, and photographed. But still boring. Let’s face it, an entire episode that focuses on whether to (1) “invite to the wedding or not”, or (2) “let Margaret marry or not”, or (3) “see if hubby will decide to kneel or not” aren’t particularly compelling. Even if they’re presented well-enough.
I suppose the whole point is how over time the monarchy is changing. It’s evolving from following stodgy family traditions to showing signs more of modern outlooks and behaviors. We do see this happening in real-time before our eyes. There already are on film four seasons, and the producers probably are rushing to capture today’s shift forward with Harry’s & Megan’s escape.
Many of my friends enthusiastically have recommended “The Crown” and its careful production lets me see better now why they’ve appreciated it. I suppose that upcoming episodes will grow more complex with Elizabeth’s increasing capabilities in her Queen-role. Actually, the series highlights complex questions, like why do the Brits continue supporting very high-pageantry and an incredibly expensive monarchy, when the country’s Prime Minister actually runs things?
Oh, what the heck: maybe another series is about to crop up that examines very closely our own confusing, and uber-expensive, political and social trends.
Dear Friends: If only “a Freud” were around to illuminate us on today’s social complexities. Diana
Diana's Morning Blog 
I thought the actors in the first two seasons were very good, and was amazed by John Lithgow’s performance as Churchill, especially the episode where he interacts with his portrait painter. Some of the episodes recalled event I barely remember my parents and grandparents taking about, like the London fog or the international events. I wasn’t as happy with the actors in the 3rd season and wished they had used make up to age the original ones, but it still held my attention. The episode where they introduce Prince Philip’s mother was fascinating. The actress who plays Princess Anne has one of the best performances in the series and the Welsh language professor saves the episode about Prince Charles investiture. A lot of more stuff comes out about Edward VIII that I didn’t know. The fourth season was filmed before the virus and will be released soon.
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I’ve seen most of season l and totally agree about the fine acting. I’m less impressed with the script, which although good for its purposes is boring. Unfortunately, I can’t hang in more and watch the series, too uninteresting. There’s a new Netflix out dealing with the Windsors, using film footage and taking a harder look at the family–all of it, from its German beginnings and relationships to world royalty, to its transition to a “British” institution. This new film has more detail about key incidents in “Crown” and emphasizes the House of Windsor as a serious business enterprise.
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