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.

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.

Diana's fairytale...gone bad.... Nevertheless this episode is one of the best so far...excellent performance by Emma Corrin and Josh O'Connor! Direction too! Plus a little mouse!

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.

The question with The Crown is, "Does it do the characters and story justice". And the answer is undeniably yes. It is worth watching relevant documentaries and reading historical journalism to get a fuller picture, as the Crown only gets about an hour to portray a story which has been documented in all is minutiae elsewhere. Emma Corrin deserves an Emmy for her performance, and is well supported by the other actors. The story is how I remember it, and my it's a history lesson to my children who were not around at the time. Some starry eyed Royalists won't like it, but this is how it was, my dears.