The Crown season 6 part 2 review: A heartfelt farewell with a scattered narrative

In the second part of The Crown season 6, while William learns about his responsibilities, Queen Elizabeth thinks about the Crown’s future. The second part is now streaming on Netflix.

Story

The royal family is still recovering from the passing of Diana. Since her death, William’s popularity has surged, especially among young girls. He has the good looks of his mother, but he is not how she was with the crowd.

William struggles with grief, enters university, finds love, and realizes the responsibilities he has as a member of the royal family and a future heir to the throne.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth slowly loses her close ones and prepares for her eventual death as well.

The fear of her downfall and the future of the monarchy constantly haunts her, forcing her to take drastic measures.

Performances

Ed McVey, as Prince William, and Imelda Staunton, as Queen Elizabeth II, take center stage in this second part.

Ed McVey lives up to the transformation his character goes through. He is reclusive and not willing to speak initially. However, by the end, McVey shows a more responsible William, who speaks his heart out.

Imelda Staunton plays the Queen during a time when she is worried about the people of the country, who probably don’t love her anymore.

Apart from that, Staunton also puts herself right in the middle of the argument over whether the Queen should continue her reign or not.

The viewers, along with Staunton, discover what the right answer to that is.

Positives

The Crown season 6 part 2 is quite absorbing, even though it runs slowly. Hence, the pace is no longer a problem. The series captures the grieving of the royal family, especially William, with patience.

Thanks to McVey’s performance and good direction, a viewer is always left trying to understand how William is coping and reacting to the popularity he is getting until he explains what it feels like to be him.

The growth of William is the most notable aspect of the second part of the season. It’s like viewers want him to grow and take the reins someday. When the character does start talking later, one can see a future king in him.

Coming to the Queen’s arc, the second part makes you feel for her as she revisits her past, loses her friends and family, and worries about the future.

The conversations she has with her past selves manage to establish her as someone far better than those who have come after her.

Lastly, the second part feels a bit empty, and it should, as it’s the final season. The show makes sure to give viewers touching moments, such as William joining Queen Elizabeth on her golden jubilee, that feel like a parting gift as the show comes to an end.

Negatives

While The Crown season 6 part 2 feels completely different from the first part of the season, it is also scattered.

Sometimes, episodes feel like standalone ones with no goal for the finale. The constant jump between Queen Elizabeth and William’s story disrupts the connection the viewers make with the plot and characters.

Verdict

The Crown season 6 part 2 is a mesmerizing and absorbing send-off to the show. It just keeps hopping between its plots, which is the only mood killer.

Other than that, it offers strong performances from the cast, immense growth, and some memorable and touching moments.

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Also Read: The Crown season 6 part 2 ending explained: Does Queen Elizabeth step down?