The Crown fans - can I just pick up from the latest Olivia Coleman series?

[BlowMeToBermuda]

Hi,

Just that really.

Haven't been fussed by the previous series, but although I'm not a massive Olivia Coleman fan (controversial, I know) I do like the look of her portrayal and the latest series with Charles and Diana looks really good.

Can't really be bothered to start from the beginning, but should I to get full understanding and appreciation?

Thanks

You can just start whichever series you want (keep Google open to check who is who/why he hates him etc).

However skipping Matt and Claire's portrayal is bonkers, imo, as they play their parts so well I often had to remind myself it's not a documentary filmed at the time.

Yes you can just start now if you want and I am sure it will all make sense. It’s a pity to miss Claire Foy’s Queen though. She really was brilliant in the role.

Yeah you can start now if you want but the first series was really good

Claire Foy and Matt Smith are fantastic. Definitely watch them first.

I think this series is the best out of them all so i would say just watch the latest one.
I love Gillian Anderson as Maggie Thatcher. She is brilliant.

Hmm ok. I'm clearly so impatient!

Oh gosh noooooo!!! The earliest ones are the best!!

You need to see Claire Foy and Matt Smith. Please watch them first.

You can also watch back over if you want. Start with S4 then do S3, 2 then 1. Nowt spoiling.

Ah no! Clare Foy was the best! Please watch series 1!

@maadlady, I forgot about Gillian Anderson as Maggie Thatcher. I have quite a crush on Gillian, so worried this might (almost certainly) kill it

Er, it’s fair enough to ask a question like this about a TV show that exists only in fiction eg Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad because that is the only place that you will be able to find out about the characters.

But with this, I am laughing at the idea that those of us born in say, the 80s would say “is it worth me taking an interest in the Royal Family when I didn’t live through all their history?

You just pick it up” from the point at which you become aware and find out about the past by looking it up or asking people.

The very first episode with George VI is so good. You’d be missing out if you didn’t watch the first few series.

Watch them in the right order. One and two were excellent, three not as good.

I didn't know some of the historical detail, but it's not as if any of it is a secret so you can pick it up anywhere. I thought the earlier series with Claire Foy were better as I think the role exposes Olivia Coleman's weaknesses as an actress - I read a review recently, I think it was Will Gompertz, and he summed up her performance really well. It's not just about the Queen though so even if you're not keen on Coleman in the role it's still enjoyable.

@Foxyloxy1plus1

Watch them in the right order. One and two were excellent, three not as good.

I agree

[quote BlowMeToBermuda]@maadlady, I forgot about Gillian Anderson as Maggie Thatcher. I have quite a crush on Gillian, so worried this might (almost certainly) kill it [/quote]
I would say it would not kill it, She rocks as Mags, especially when she attempts to go deer stalking with her Maj and joins in their parlour games.

It'll not kill your Gillian crush, I promise. It shows a really human side to Thatch without making her overly likeable or heroic and actually had me empathising with her which was something of a miracle after how her policies have affected my home region!

I’m struggling with Olivia Coleman, I’ve kind of given up 3 episodes in, I just miss Claire and Matt too much!
Thinking of skipping the rest of series 3 and going straight to 4 now.

Can’t miss 1 & 2 though!

You'll be missing a treat if you don't watch Claire and Matt. Beautiful acting. I loved series 1 & 2. Struggling a little with S3. Just watched the Aberfan episode and I've cried all morning.
I can't wait for series 4. Enjoy OP.

I think Tobias Menzies is amazing but Coleman is very much just Olivia Coleman dressed as the Queen. Clare Foy captured her experience brilliantly imo.

I loved them all so far but definitely watch the first two series - I’m not an OC fan, especially after watching The Favourite (we walked out half way through!) - and much preferred the original cast in all roles, but I do love Charles and Philip in series 3 so they saved it somewhat for me.

Can’t wait to get cracking on series 4 - had to wait for DP to come over tonight!

Ok, so it sounds as though I really should start from the beginning.

Quite excited now

One and Two were stunning. I abandoned Three. Olivia is better as older, frumpier Queen.
Binge or Ration? Dilemma.

The first 2 series are an absolute treat. So much better than the second two which slide into soap opera territory.