Streaming - Caught up in the present: the end of "The Crown"
It usually didn't take long. When the first new episodes of "The Crown" were released, it was only a matter of time before it was disputed again. What is really true about the story of the British royal family?
After seven years, one of the most successful series on the Netflix streaming service is now coming to an end. The last six episodes are being released today - and they begin with Prince William.
After the accidental death of his mother Princess Diana, William (Ed McVey) tries to return to his everyday life. His relationship with his father Prince Charles (Dominic West) is proving difficult. The teenager is adored by many women. And in the course of the new season, he falls in love with Kate Middleton (Meg Bellamy).
His grandmother Queen Elizabeth II(Imelda Staunton), on the other hand, has to deal with Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose popularity worries the monarch. Elizabeth II is soon confronted with the question of what reforms she is prepared to make if she wants to save the royal family from the crisis.
Ambitious series project
"The Crown" is likely to go down in history as one of the most ambitious series to date. With opulent sets, it told the story of the life of one of the world's most famous families over decades. The fact that the characters were played by different actresses and actors as they grew older was a successful idea.
Actress Claire Foy shaped the image of the young Elizabeth II. Also because few people are likely to have their own memories of the beginning of her reign. In the new episodes, on the other hand, Natalie Imbruglia's music plays on the radio and the cars no longer look like museums. The last season covers the years 1997 to 2005, a time that many people experienced themselves.
Perhaps it's also because the magic of the series has faded somewhat and some scenes feel a bit like a soap opera. The death of Princess Margaret (Lesley Manville), the Queen's sister, for example, is really dragged out. And in some conversations there is so much talk about feelings that the scenes could seem almost implausible even in normal families.
Debate about historical facts
The series makers have often been accused of going too far in some scenes for which there is no evidence. Former British Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden once criticized: "I fear that a generation of viewers who have not lived through these events may mistake fiction for fact." At the time, the question of whether warnings were needed was debated.
Annie Sulzberger, who was responsible for researching the series, told the Hollywood Reporter that they never claimed to be making a documentary. The makers tried to show the country, the institutions and the people in a way that made them human and gave "us a little insight into our own culture". "I don't think that was misleading in the slightest."
In her opinion, the audience shouldn't be underestimated either; they are smarter. In her opinion, many productions would otherwise need a hint. "And then where do you stop? Do you say that if something is set in the 19th century, then it's far enough away that you don't need it anymore? Or in the 1980s?"
Diana's supposed ghost scene
In any case, the British media kept a close eye on the final season. The fact that Diana (Elizabeth Debicki) can be seen again in the story after her accidental death sparked debate. Author Peter Morgan defended the decision in the US industry magazine "Variety". He did not want to show her ghost, but wanted to show how much she was still present in people's minds even after her death.
"I don't think it's possible to have a sensible conversation about The Crown in the UK," Morgan said, according to Variety. In the interview, he also argued that perhaps people work so hard on the series because it reflects their feelings about the royal family - it exists like a shadow family in the subconscious.
He also brought up a very interesting point in the interview. They are never given credit for all the speculation they have not addressed. "It's incredible what we could have written," said Morgan. Even though the series is now coming to an end, material about the royals is likely to continue.
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- Despite the disputes, Princess Diana's story in "The Crown" has kept viewers engaged with the British Royal Family.
- Dominic West's portrayal of Prince Charles and his strained relationship with his son Prince William has been a highlight of the series.
- The Duchess Kate, played by Meg Bellamy, entered Prince William's life during the final season, adding another layer of drama.
- Viewers in the USA have also been captivated by the history and intrigue of the Royals, as portrayed in "The Crown".
- The end of the series marks the end of an era for Netflix's streaming service, which has become synonymous with binge-worthy content.
- Queen Elizabeth II, played by Imelda Staunton, navigated political challenges and personal crises as the monarch of Great Britain.
- Prime Minister Tony Blair's popularity posed a threat to the monarchy, forcing Queen Elizabeth II to consider reforms.
- The series has generated intense interest and debate among historians and royal enthusiasts about its portrayal of actual events.
- The death of Princess Margaret, portrayed by Lesley Manville, was a controversial scene that sparked discussions about historical accuracy and sensationalism.
- Elizabeth Debicki's portrayal of Princess Diana, even after her death, was criticized but also defended by series creator Peter Morgan.
- The use of popular music like Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn" added a contemporary touch to the final season, making it more relatable to modern audiences.
- Actress Claire Foy's portrayal of a young Queen Elizabeth II set the tone for the series, making it a critical and popular success.
- The series has been an inspiration for other historical dramas, including a new Netflix series starring Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II.
- German viewers have also been enthralled by the royals' story, with "The Crown" demonstrating the universal appeal of royal intrigue and historical drama.
Source: www.stern.de
