Fairytale

The trailer really doesn't do justice to Corrin's performance in the series. Her quick--and necessary--transformation from coy and vapid teenager to a scorned, used and resentful powerhouse, what?, in the matter of one scene was breathtaking. Her isolation and pity from the rest of the Royal family created the nightmare that eventually is played out in full display for the public. Her mother-in-law's passive participation in creating all she suffered is both sorrowful and cruel. And the comeuppance that's down the road was more than justified. The fact that Prince Charles is still living and portrayed as the victim he really isn't must be more punishment than is really necessary. But if you're going to make a mini-series of this Royal family, this particular very unhappy chapter--for everyone--can't be ignored. Or...if ignored, it presents an incomplete picture of the fair criticism where such unconditional privilege leads. Emma Corrin knocks this one out of the ballpark.

Seasons 1 and 2 were quite excellent on the whole, with even the weakest episodes still being good. Season 3 started off rather slow and finished underwhelmingly, but it did have high points with "Aberfan" for example being one of the best episodes of 'The Crown' in my view. Still liked the show well enough to watch Season 4 and coupled with having a high opinion of Gillian Anderson (after her wonderful acting in 'Bleak House') watching it was on the cards.

"Gold Stick" was somewhat disappointing, despite still not being a bad episode. "The Balmoral Test" was better, though still with a few issues. "Fairytale" however for me was very good, close to excellent, and one of the stronger episodes of Season 4 thanks to one particularly great performance and the emotion. "Fairytale" is not perfect by all means, but while not as good as Seasons 1 and 2 in my view Season 4 doesn't deserve the amount of dislike it gets. Can understand why totally, just don't agree respectfully.

There are still a couple of the issues present in the previous Season 4 episodes. For my tastes, Gillian Anderson never properly disappears into Thatcher's character and it does come over as too much of a Thatcher caricature and Anderson trying too hard.

Actually thought that Olivia Colman's acting improved a lot throughout Season 3 but here she comes over as too cold and firm.

However, a lot is truly great. Emma Corrin is an emotional powerhouse as Diana, very poignant performance. Josh O'Connor continues to shine as Charles, bringing out Charles' conflict of choosing royal duty or following his heart with a lot of nuance and in a way where his point of view is understood. Emerald Fennell's Camilla has settled very well, and she comes over particularly well in Diana and Camilla's lunch scene which did have a surprising amount of tension.

Furthermore, as ever the production values are superb. The production and costume design are both classy and sumptuous, but it's the photography that stands out in this regard. The music is not overbearing or low key. The scripting is thought provoking and intriguing, uncompromising yet sensitive in its handling of this subject without descending into melodrama, also doing well in showing more than one point of view and in a way where all are understandable. The storytelling continues to advance and while deliberate it is also very absorbing and emotional. The second half did break my heart emotionally and it was hard not to sympathise with Diana, without feeling like you had to do so.

In conclusion, very good and close to excellent with so many great things. 8/10.

Emma Corrin is quite striking as Lady Di. Her face exudes what pain she is feeling. Charles has known all along that he is never going to be happy in a life chosen for him. Poor Diana is a real victim here. After the glow of fame leaves her, she is miserable. Her position is no fun.. Charles is rude and doesn't even try to give her a little affection. She is marrying the family, not him. Her lunch with Camilla is one of the most uncomfortable moments I've seen on film. The whole thing is sad as we've seen the Prince of Wales being driven into the ground by his own family. I wonder how he has managed as long as he has without going nuts.

Am I the only one who saw a mouse walking through the room of Queen Mum in the first minutes of the episode?

I realize this is only a show, but this episode can't help but make you feel for Diana. She was used and abused for the sake of the monarchy having a pretty face to show off to the world. Great acting and a heartbreakingly good storyline.