Gloriana
- Episode aired Nov 4, 2016
- TV-MA
- 54m
Margaret and Peter are reunited, but another obstacle stands in their way. Elizabeth is torn between her duty as Queen and her love for her sister.Margaret and Peter are reunited, but another obstacle stands in their way. Elizabeth is torn between her duty as Queen and her love for her sister.Margaret and Peter are reunited, but another obstacle stands in their way. Elizabeth is torn between her duty as Queen and her love for her sister.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe speech given by Group Captain Peter Townsend in this episode was actually a statement issued by Princess Margaret.
- GoofsIt is suggested that the Abdication was a whim that occurred on December 10 1936 as indicated by the opening title and the subsequent scene. The document was merely signed on that date after a week of discussion. Wallis Simpson had gone to France on December 3 to escape the press and therefore was not present.
- Quotes
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Oh, dear. Don't tell me, my wife?
Princess Margaret: Yes. Your tie.
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Thank you.
Princess Margaret: It's not easy.
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: I'm a little fed up with her myself, truth be told.
Princess Margaret: Why? What's she done to you?
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Don't get me started. Is she making life difficult for you and Peter?
Princess Margaret: Yes, she wants to delay the engagement.
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Well, it serves you right quite frankly. You both seem far too happy and far too in love.
Princess Margaret: Do we?
- ConnectionsReferenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #34.30 (2017)
"Gloriana" could have ended Season 1 with a bang, but unfortunately it was not quite glorious enough and didn't quite have the power that was expected. It is still good and has many fantastic things, the same fantastic things apparent in all the previous episodes. But what disappointed about "Gelignite", which was also not a bad episode at all don't get me wrong, returns here in "Gloriana" and just as problematically executed.
Shall start with what works excellently. "Gloriana" is exceptionally well made. The expense really does show in the classy, sumptuous period detail and the atmospheric and elegant way it's shot. The music for me wasn't too intrusive or low-key and was beautiful scoring on its own. The main theme is not easy to forget.
Writing probes a lot of thought and intrigue, it is much more than soap-opera and doesn't feel too modern. The story is far from perfect, but it does intrigue at least and is at its strongest in addressing the moral dilemma Elizabeth faces and the conflict that comes with the situation, done with subtlety yet tact. Edward's phone call to Elizabeth agreed was a beautifully handled scene. When it comes to the acting, Claire Foy comes off best in a dignified and very expressive turn that never resorted to histrionics or over-seriousness.
However, "Gloriana" is dominated too much by the Margaret and Peter subplot and once again it is on the bland side and is rather too one-sided. While Elizabeth's moral dilemma progresses and has emotional impact, the Margaret and Peter subplot doesn't have enough of either and ends on an incomplete-feeling note. The pace could have been tighter on occasion.
Furthermore, Vanessa Kirby again overdoes it and is annoying and the episode does go too far on making Margaret difficult to like or root for, with no dimension really.
In conclusion, many fantastic things here but for a last episode to such a good first season it could have been more. 7/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Feb 23, 2021
Details
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime54 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1