The popular Netflix series about the British monarchy ends in autumn. The platform has released some information about this long-awaited final chapter. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
1. A sixth season in two parts
While previous seasons revealed ten episodes at a time, this time Netflix has announced that the final season will be split into two parts. We will be able to see the first four episodes on November 16th. The final six will be available on December 14th.
2. A mysterious little video
To coincide with this big announcement, the platform today released a short one-minute video in which we see the three actresses who have portrayed Queen Elizabeth over the seasons: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton. Since its creation in 2016, the series had one cast for two seasons before completely changing actors. This allowed the creators to make jumps in time.
3. The end of Diana
In the poster unveiled today with this announcement, we see Diana from behind, sitting alone at the end of a train platform. The fifth season ended with Diana vacationing in Saint-Tropez with her two sons at the invitation of Mohamed Al-Fayed. The first four episodes of the new season focus on the relationship between Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed, which led to her fatal car accident in 1997. People magazine has confirmed that the moment of impact will not be repeated in the series.
4. From 1997 to 2005
Netflix has mentioned that this sixth season will cover the events surrounding the British monarchy from 1997 to 2005. Elizabeth Debicki will be back as Diana. Dominic West (Charles), Jonathan Pryce (Philip), Lesley Manville (Margaret) and Imelda Staunton (Elizabeth) will also reprise their roles. Young Rufus Kampa and Fflyn Edwards will arrive as Princes William and Harry.
5. The return of turbulence
Diana’s death will obviously send shockwaves within the royal family. In the second part of the season we follow young William, who returns to Eton to study after the death of his mother and has to deal with the turbulence of the public. Later we will see the wedding of Charles and Camilla and the beginning of the relationship between William and Kate.
6. Avoid criticism
While the series was critically acclaimed in its first four seasons, The Crown’s fifth season received several bad reviews. The reasons? The authors were accused of glossing over certain historical events. It has to be said that this fifth season took place in the 1980s and 1990s and the events reported there are therefore much fresher in many people’s memories. The choice of Dominic West for the role of Charles was also criticized, as some said the actor was much more charming than the Englishman he played.
7. The true ending?
A few years ago, Peter Morgan, the creator of The Crown, said that the fifth season would be the last. However, he reversed his decision midway through because there was too much to discuss. Here’s hoping he changes his mind again, because it’s hard to believe that a series that followed the Queen’s coronation in 1952 won’t continue until her death in 2022.