The Balmoral Test

A very interesting parallel between the privileged life and normal life; which is kept up throughout as Diana excels and Thatcher fails. Wonderful acting, and a good storyline.

This episode not only exposes the privilege of The Royal Family and their acknowledgement of their privilege, but it also portrays it in an amusing, yet silly and humorous manner. Thatcher's lack of awareness of all the policies was comical, yet very awkward to witness. It was also compelling to witness the contrast between Thatcher and The Royal Family during their hunt.

One can only wonder what non-Brits make of our crazy nation after they have watched this episode. On the one hand you have, again, an incoming leader, the country's first female PM, meeting the establishments leader, a Queen who has already been there seemingly forever. Poor Maggie, an excellent performance by her and DT, having to holiday with this clique of overprivilege with their wax coats, boots and traditions. We were cringing with Maggie - never thought I would do that - while the Royals disported in nursery style amused as much by the PM's discomfort as their own inane parlor game. Then the coin flips and we see the antithesis of Mrs T arrive and be a great success. Subtle? Maybe not. True? Well, err, only they would know what really went down that weekend. It was all very well carried by all concerned though I left it uncomfy and dismayed that this might well be how the people who run this country spend their time and considerable money. But then maybe that was the point.

Marriage for love is a relatively new concept, especially when it comes to royalty. Charles needs to marry. He is in love with Parker-Bowles but can't have her. So because he has had a good time with Diana and she is young and pretty, she falls to him. Margaret Thatcher has taken the government by storm and has an off with their heads mentality. Her visit to Balmoral is a disaster. The problem with this whole episode is that Diana would have had lots of experience with the trappings of the royal family. Also, why wouldn't Thatcher have some knowledge of what she would face on this outing? The story is interesting but is sitting on a weak foundation.

At the start of season three I have to say I was rather put off by the recastings. None of them are bad per-say, they just don't compare to the first two season's younger versions. But since then, we have had four absolutely phenomenal castings in the form of Anne, Charles, Thatcher, and Diana. I would argue that these portrayals have given the show new life, and I am now more engrossed in the show than ever before.