The Crown: Season 4 [DVD]

This fascinating drama, with its hypnotic and wounded characters, forces us to ask the big question -- should Britain choose its head of state by non-hereditary means? Should questions of courtship, betrothal, marriage, conception, and birth remain matters of state?

Ordinarily, you wouldn't call any movie or series without gun shootouts or high speed car chases to be exciting ir thrilling, but that's just what this Season 4 of The Crown is. I binge watched the entire season in one sitting because I simply couldn't make myself stop. The intimate glimpses into the private life of Queen Elizabeth and her family will have you hooked. The writing is superb, the performances spellbinding, particularly Gillian Anderson as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The fascinating relationship between the PM and the queen is the highlight of Season 4. Each woman, each so strong willed and intelligent, each convinced of her own role in the governing of the country, rarely can see eye to eye on anything, yet both are aware of the strength and integrity of the other. Background stories on their personal lives are intertwined with the public face each woman presents to the world. This season of the series also introduces the long-awaited appearance of Diana Spencer. Seeing again the turmoil of the courtship and marriage of Prince Charles and Diana, told now with all the heart-breaking details we didn't know at the time it was happening will provide all the drama and entertainment anyone could ask for. Knowing how their so-called fairy tale romance ends in real life doesn't take away a thing in the sheer fascination of the story. Many smaller stories about other royal family members and characters enhance the main tale (e.g., the queen's other children, Mrs. Thatcher's relationship with her husband, her children and members of her own political party) will hold your interest and linger in your memory long after you finish watching.