The Crown

The crown depicts the highlights of Elizabeth II's life from just before she became queen through the vicissitudes of being the symbolic head of one of the world's most powerful nations. Just a young married mother when she ascended the throne at age 25 in 1952, she survived one prime minister after another, family scandals that rocked the world and tragedies both national and personal. Her marriage with Phillip of Mountbatten, while rocky at first, became one of the pillars of strength which she leaned on.

Through it all, Elizabeth remained ever aware of her divinely-anointed responsibility to put the well-being of the crown above everything on earth, even above her family and herself. And this is one aspect of the British monarchy that I find most admirable, even relevant - how monarchs like Victoria, Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II take their duty to the crown utterly seriously. One of the coronation rites mentioned in the drama was the anointing of Elizabeth as queen. This part of the ceremony is not shown to the public and was not shown onscreen. But it greatly intrigued me because of how powerfully it seemed to have affected the monarchs, making them faithful and dedicated to the crown. If only all heads of states around the world are as serious and dedicated to their duties!

The drama is well directed and acted. It is reported to be among the most expensive TV series and it shows. The quality of production is top-notch.