“The Crown Concludes with an Anticlimactic Finale released on December 14 : TV Review”

Navigating Endings and Vacuums: The Final Act of “The Crown”

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Bittersweet Conclusions and Lingering Absences

As the curtain descends on the last installment of “The Crown,” a narrative tapestry unfolds, marked by two profound vacuums at its core. The first is the poignant departure of Princess Diana, portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki, whose final chapters, tragic accident, and funeral consumed the initial part of the season. The second void is the inevitable passing of Queen Elizabeth II, played by Imelda Staunton, the very nucleus of the series. While “The Crown” couldn’t capture the real-time passing of Queen Elizabeth in 2022, the impending end of her reign permeates the concluding episodes, portraying the first half-century of her rule.

1. Echoes of Diana: Shaping the Post-Diana Moment

Since Emma Corrin’s introduction as Princess Diana in Season 4, the character has been an omnipresent force, dominating the latter half of “The Crown.” The recent absence of Diana generates a disorienting sensation, mirroring the collective emotions experienced worldwide over two decades ago. The show’s atmosphere, once vibrant with Diana’s charisma, now feels subdued — colors muted, volume dimmed. The mood, while authentic to the post-Diana era, casts a shadow over the ambitious and expansive project’s conclusion.

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2. Milestones and Constraints: The Challenge of Closing Decades

Creator Peter Morgan grapples with the challenge of encapsulating major milestones without the allure of tabloid scandals or the poignancy of premature deaths. The series could have extended into the late 2010s to capture the seismic impact of Meghan Markle on the royal family. Instead, it navigates available events, including the courtship of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Princess Margaret’s passing, and the enduring partnership of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles.

3. Focused Time Division: The Diana-Centric Part and Swift Time Leaps

“The Crown” strategically divides its time, dedicating Part 1 of the season predominantly to Princess Diana over eight weeks. In contrast, Part 2 swiftly propels the narrative from William’s post-funeral return to Eton through the turn of the millennium, the Iraq War, and Charles’ wedding. This compressed timeline spanning nearly a decade shifts the focus from the royals’ optimistic future to the conclusive past, symbolized by Elizabeth and Philip — portrayed by Jonathan Pryce, who metaphorically deems the couple a “dying breed.”

4. The Royal Succession Challenge: Crafting Protagonists from William and Harry

The unique structure of “The Crown” presents a dramatic challenge in cultivating Prince William and Prince Harry into protagonists. Similar to Charles and Diana’s generation, Morgan grapples with the task of passing the narrative baton, acknowledging the limited time with these characters. The struggle to fully develop William, Harry, and Kate into realized characters is evident, with vague allusions attempting to fill the narrative gaps.

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5. Elizabeth’s Resurgence: Balancing Beginnings and Endings

After seasons with a more marginal role for Queen Elizabeth II, “The Crown” repositions her in the spotlight. The grandsons’ perceived underservice stems from the series’ need to balance the inception of their story with the culmination of their matriarch’s narrative. While better suited to the latter task, the closing argument revisits conservative themes, paralleling Gillian Anderson’s Margaret Thatcher with Tony Blair’s role as a reformer challenging Elizabeth to defend the status quo.

6. Sincere Reflections: Rituals, Legacy, and the Truest Version

The final episode serves as an explicit meditation on mortality and legacy, allowing critics of monarchism — Thatcher, Blair, and Diana — to have their say. Ultimately, it is Elizabeth who commands the last word, articulating a profound perspective on why ritual, stasis, and pageantry matter. “The Crown” concludes as the truest version of itself, acknowledging the challenges and contradictions inherent in making compelling drama from ingredients often at odds: consistency over novelty, obligation over desire, stoicism over expressiveness.

The Crown” as a Reflection of Time and Tradition

As “The Crown” bids farewell, it leaves behind a legacy of navigating complexities, vacuums, and the enduring power of tradition. The series, while not devoid of imperfections, concludes as a poignant reflection of time, consistently weaving drama from the tapestry of history and tradition.

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