"Misadventure" was a highly impressive start for Season 2, which in general was of equally exceptionally high quality as Season 1. It is interesting when an episode of 'The Crown' primarily focuses on another character other than Elizabeth, this has varied up to this point with 'The Crown' (being a big success with Churchill but not as compelling with Margaret). Had little doubt that "A Company of Men" would do something to progress Phillip's character, something that did need to happen.
It does this very well on the most part. "A Company of Men" may not one of the best episodes of Season 2, let alone one of the best of 'The Crown'. Also thought that it was not as great as "Misadventure". It was a very good episode though, with most aspects in fact executed excellently. Although the pacing is not always secure, the much needed character development for Phillip showed a lot of promise with even more room for growth.
"A Company of Men" isn't perfect. Will agree that the episode does drag at times and that would have been solved if the side plot was more compelling and progressed more than it did. There was not an awful lot to it and it was like the writers laudably were going to great lengths to give meat to Phillip and that the side plot was a slight afterthought.
However, "A Company of Men" has a huge amount to like about it and most of the components as said are excellently done. Absolutely loved the character development to Phillip, something that dominates the episode. It is illuminating development and well balanced and it progresses Phillip as a character significantly. This is an instance of both hating and feeling sympathy for him, and seeing him in a dilemma that is uncondonable in what he does yet his point of view can be understood.
The acting is uniformly very good, with Matt Smith authoritative and nuanced as Phillip and Jeremy Northam a conflicted Eden. The production values have their usual sumptuous class and the photography once again can't be faulted. The music for me wasn't too intrusive or low-key and was beautiful scoring on its own. The main theme is not easy to forget.
Writing is thought-provoking and intriguing, with some subtle tension and an intimacy without being too closed. It doesn't come over as soapy or too modern. The story is too deliberate in stretches but everything with Phillip is highly intriguing, intelligently done and makes one eager to see how and whether it advances.
Concluding, very good if a slight step down. 8/10.
