The Crown

10 Best Episodes of The Crown - Season 4

Step into the world of power, politics, and royalty with the acclaimed TV show, "The Crown." This gripping series takes you on a journey through the fascinating life of Queen Elizabeth II and the Prime Ministers who played a pivotal role in shaping Britain's destiny after World War II. With its compelling storyline and incredible attention to detail, "The Crown" offers a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street.

Prepare to be captivated as you delve into the intrigues, love lives, and machinations that unfolded behind the grand events that defined the latter half of the 20th century. "The Crown" seamlessly weaves together the stories of two iconic addresses, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of those who resided within their walls.

With eight seasons of binge-worthy content available on Netflix, "The Crown" has become a beloved favorite among viewers worldwide. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of royal dramas, or simply crave a well-crafted narrative, this series is sure to leave you eagerly anticipating each new episode. Get ready to be enthralled by the power and majesty of "The Crown."

Written by Sophie and last updated on dec 24, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The Crown - S4E4

#10 - Favourites (Season 4 - Episode 4)

While Margaret Thatcher struggles with the disappearance of her favorite child, Elizabeth reexamines her relationships with her four children.

The episode was rated 7.72 from 1045 votes.

The Crown - S4E7

#9 - The Hereditary Principle (Season 4 - Episode 7)

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Grappling with mental health issues, Margaret seeks help and discovers an appalling secret about estranged relatives of the royal family.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 1034 votes.

The Crown - S4E9

#8 - Avalanche (Season 4 - Episode 9)

Charles is caught in a deadly avalanche, prompting both him and Diana to reevaluate their commitment to their troubled marriage.

The episode was rated 7.75 from 1017 votes.

The Crown - S4E3

#7 - Fairytale (Season 4 - Episode 3)

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After Charles proposes, Diana moves into Buckingham Palace and finds her life filled with princess training, loneliness — and Camilla Parker Bowles.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 1058 votes.

The Crown - S4E8

#6 - 48:1 (Season 4 - Episode 8)

In episode 48:1 of The Crown, tensions rise between Thatcher and Elizabeth as the world condemns apartheid in South Africa. This gripping episode delves into their clashing opinions on applying sanctions, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. It's one of the best episodes of Season Four, with a great comeback that keeps you hooked.

As always, The Crown stays true to historical events while adding its own fictionalized twists. After watching, I couldn't help but research if this incident really happened. And guess what? There's a lot of historic truth to it. Seeing Queen Elizabeth step up her political game was awe-inspiring, and it gave us an insight into her position on Apartheid.

Olivia Colman and Gillian Anderson deliver brilliant performances, as expected. I found myself rooting for Queen Elizabeth in this episode, which is a rarity since Olivia took on the role. Don't get me wrong, her performance is great, but it's difficult to find sympathy for the queen at this stage of her life. And can we please give all the awards in the world to Gillian Anderson? Her performance in this episode is truly remarkable.

After watching episode 48:1, I'm eagerly anticipating the next one. Only a few shows can evoke this kind of excitement, and The Crown never fails to deliver.

The episode was rated 7.84 from 1006 votes.

The Crown - S4E1

#5 - Gold Stick (Season 4 - Episode 1)

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In the season premiere of The Crown, titled "Gold Stick," the show continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling. As Queen Elizabeth welcomes Britain's first woman prime minister, the dynamics of power and politics are set to take center stage. But amidst the political intrigue, a tragic event unfolds when an IRA attack strikes the royal family, bringing an unexpected wave of sorrow and heartbreak.

Fans of The Crown are raving about the new season, praising its ability to keep viewers engaged and eagerly anticipating the next episode. With each installment being an event in its own right, it's no wonder that this show continues to amaze its dedicated audience.

One of the standout performances in this premiere is Gillian Anderson's portrayal of a transformed character. Almost unrecognizable, Anderson's dedication to her role is commendable and adds an extra layer of intrigue to the episode. And let's not forget the haunting scene where a young Diana Spencer is introduced, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. This season promises to be a fascinating exploration of the Windsor Clan's journey, intertwined with political history.

While some viewers feel that the show has shifted from its original tone, others find the addition of Gillian Anderson as an incentive to continue watching. The mix of historical events and personal stories has a profound impact, particularly for younger viewers who are shocked by the realization that these events are based on real history. With its ever-evolving storyline and stellar performances, The Crown is sure to keep audiences hooked throughout the season.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 1121 votes.

The Crown - S4E2

#4 - The Balmoral Test (Season 4 - Episode 2)

In "The Balmoral Test," an episode of the hit show "The Crown," tensions rise as Margaret Thatcher visits Balmoral and struggles to fit in with the royal family. Gillian Anderson's portrayal of Thatcher is nothing short of outstanding, earning her praise from critics and viewers alike. The casting of Emma Corrin as Diana is also spot-on, adding to the brilliance of this episode. With breathtaking cinematography and a fitting soundtrack, this episode is a visual and auditory treat.

Despite her reputation, this episode manages to make viewers feel a sense of sympathy for Thatcher. The storyline is not only hilarious at times, but it also showcases the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of balancing personal desires with duty. The scene between The Queen and Thatcher at Buckingham Palace towards the end of the episode is a standout moment, leaving viewers in awe.

Overall, "The Balmoral Test" is a beautiful episode that captivates viewers from start to finish. Gillian Anderson's incredible performance, combined with the clever addition of subtle humor, adds depth to the usual tone of the show. It's no wonder that audiences are already anticipating awards for this extraordinary episode.

The episode was rated 7.88 from 1083 votes.

The Crown - S4E5

#3 - Fagan (Season 4 - Episode 5)

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In the episode "Fagan" of the hit show "The Crown," Thatcher's policies lead to a rise in unemployment, setting the stage for a desperate man to break into the palace. The intruder, Fagan, finds himself in the most unexpected of places – Queen Elizabeth's bedroom. This daring act awakens the Queen, and what follows is a gripping and thought-provoking conversation between the two.

Fans of the show were eagerly awaiting this episode, and they were not disappointed. The bedroom scene is hailed as brilliant, showcasing the exceptional acting talents of Olivia Colman, who portrays Queen Elizabeth. However, it's important to note that while the episode captivates, it also takes some liberties with the facts. As one viewer mentioned, it's a reminder to do some research to separate fact from fiction.

Some viewers even classified this episode as a "bottled episode," as it remained relatively self-contained, focusing on Fagan's story. A suggestion was made to start the episode with the second break-in and use flashbacks to delve into the trespasser's past, making for a more interesting narrative. Despite differing opinions, many felt a sense of sadness after watching this episode, in a good way, leading them to fall in love with the show even more.

One aspect of "Fagan" that stood out to viewers was its diversion from the usual family drama that permeates the series. Instead, it hones in on Fagan's desire for a platform to be heard, offering a refreshing palate cleanser before the anticipated events that lie ahead. Overall, this episode of "The Crown" showcases the show's ability to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and exceptional performances.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 1074 votes.

The Crown - S4E6

#2 - Terra Nullius (Season 4 - Episode 6)

In the episode "Terra Nullius" of the hit show The Crown, viewers are taken on a tour of Australia with Princess Diana. As she tries to balance her royal duties and motherhood, tensions in her marriage with Charles reach a breaking point. This heartwarming and heartbreaking episode showcases the incredible talent of Emma Corrin as Diana, who delivers a truly fantastic performance. The storyline focuses on the couple's tour of Australia and New Zealand, and it delves into some deeply sad moments. However, the episode is brilliantly executed, leaving viewers captivated until the very end.

One comment describes this episode as the moment when viewers start to see a different side of the Queen, as the once-heroine begins to show signs of decay. Another comment highlights how this season of The Crown explores Elizabeth's internal conflicts regarding motherhood, her reign, and even the institution of the monarchy itself. The episode brings forth the idea that treating people with kindness rather than royal hostility should be the new norm. Diana's powerful statement about being a present mother and fostering humanity in her son resonates deeply, making this a crucial moment for both characters.

Overall, "Terra Nullius" is a beautifully crafted episode that showcases the complexities of Diana's role as a princess and mother. It leaves viewers emotionally moved and eagerly anticipating what will come next in this compelling series.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 1067 votes.

The Crown - S4E10

#1 - War (Season 4 - Episode 10)

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In the final episode of The Crown's fourth season, titled "War," the tension between Thatcher and her own party reaches its boiling point. As her power is increasingly challenged, Thatcher fights tooth and nail to hold onto her position. Meanwhile, the unraveling of Charles and Diana's marriage becomes more evident, with Charles growing even more determined to separate from his wife. This heartbreaking storyline showcases the struggles faced by both Thatcher and Diana as they navigate their roles within the royal family.

One particularly powerful scene in this episode is when The Queen bestows the Order of Merit on Thatcher. Gillian Anderson and Olivia Colman deliver exceptional performances, capturing the emotional depth of their characters. Throughout the entire fourth season, the cast has been phenomenal, making it difficult to say goodbye but also exciting to welcome the new cast for Season 5 and 6. The Crown continues to prove itself as one of the best Netflix shows ever, leaving us eagerly anticipating a rewatch of the first four seasons.

This final episode encapsulates the season's overarching themes. Charles expresses his suffering, but Queen Elizabeth dismisses it as privilege, reminding him of the life they both have been fortunate to lead. The frustration of the characters is palpable as their struggles are laid bare. The entitlement of politicians is also highlighted, with Thatcher facing the consequences of her 11-year tenure in office. Emma Corrin's portrayal of Diana is nothing short of remarkable, evoking nostalgia for a time many of us may not have lived through. Overall, this season of The Crown focuses on the experiences of women and leaves us with a profound dislike for Prince Charles.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 1046 votes.

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