Imbroglio

I would give it a 20 if I could.

As so to the whole programme.

What a perfect episode. Reminds me of the one where Princess Margaret has a breakdown in her room (First season) and the one where she rides around London on a scooter with her soon to be husband on a scooter around London on a date (Second season)... The same atmosphere, buildup, perfect soundtrack, cinematography, editing, direction... An absolute masterpiece 👏

Despite being a slow starter, due to being mixed to mildly positive on the first two episodes, and ending underwhelmingly, Season 3 was actually not a bad season at all for me. Actually generally liked it, with it having a few outstanding episodes (especially "Aberfan" and Tywysog Cymru"), while not considering it as great as Seasons 1 and 2. "Imbroglio" was watched with mixed expectations, have loved the character development to Charles this season.

But the subject matter is less appealing, being someone who doesn't find this particular part of his life the most interesting one and it is a subject where prior knowledge for me was scant. "Imbroglio" actually managed to be a good episode, not as brilliant as "Aberfan" and "Tywysog Cymru" but a lot better than the previous episode "Dangling Man". It does rather quite well with making this event intriguing and educational, even if other episodes of 'The Crown' are more accessible.

For me, Camilla's parents could have been fleshed out more as characters, not enough is learnt about them and they come over as on the stock side.

Camilla's past perhaps could have been delved into more and occasionally the pace is a little over deliberate.

"Imbroglio" succeeds brilliantly in many areas. Josh O'Connor is indeed terrific and Charles' character writing has been one of the high points of Season 3, coming over as a real person with realistic motivations and not a caricature. Emerald Fennell has great chemistry with him and already the appeal is obvious, while Erin Doherty is a scene stealer. Marion Bailey and Charles Dance bring a lot of class to the Queen Mother and Mountbatten and their interference is where the episode is at its most intriguing, provides some tension and done in a way where it is easy to see their objections. Especially when a plausible reason is provided.

The production values are as classy and handsome as usual with a real sense of period. The music has presence while not being intrusive and knows when to tone down without being too low-key. There are parts that are thoughtful and sensitive and "Imbroglio" does well at making an unfamiliar subject (for me that is, being born well after it happened) intriguing and illuminating.

Overall, not great but good. 7/10.

Erin Doherty steals every scene she is in. This episode once again proves that the casting for this season of the crown is exceptional. Loved the score for this episode aswell.

One never knows how accurate these portrayals are. Charles is depicted as a sad man with few choices in his life. He has the misfortune of being the next king (although the Queen may outlive him yet). Here, he falls in love with the woman that would become his wife following the death of Diana. However, she is a bit of a party girl and with what happened to Edward, Mom and the gang get worried. The Queen Mother is most disturbed by his feeling and sets things in motion. I need to do a bit of reading.

Not the best episode, but certainly the most amusing. At the same time touching too)