The Balmoral Test

This episode and the one after it play out like gothic horror - Jane Eyre or Rebecca. The mood with the gloomy castles the metaphor of killing the animal are mesmerising. Diana's isolation in the large palace rooms is effective. Very well done scenes with the nightmare lunch with Camilla and callous behaviour of Charles towards Diana before the wedding. A scathing indictment of them.

One of the best episodes of the forth season. The symbolism and all the layers. But I find Diana irritating and perhaps Gillian Anderson, though I like her interpretation of Thatcher on the whole, is making her a bit to old. I am also delighted that the makers didn't make Charles into a monster. He was indeed the wounded deer, shot down by both his family, and a manipulative Diana.

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.

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.

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.