10 Best Episodes Of The Crown

This phenomenal episode addresses the shocking tragedy befalling the town of Aberfan in which 144 people died, including 116 children, after a colliery collapsed. Chronicling the disaster and its incomprehensible consequences, the episode proves to be an incredible insight as to the strength of the human spirit, while also exploring how the role of being queen impacted on Elizabeth's humanity.

The episode starts with the beginning of a normal work/school day for the people of Aberfan, allowing us to form a bond with the innocent townsfolk that makes the heartbreak to follow all the more devastating. Watching the parents search forlornly for any surviving children is impactful without ever feeling manipulative.

The reactions from each member of the royal family speaks volumes, from Margaret justifiably asking for a heavy drink to start the day, her husband’s request to hug their children, to Prince Philip’s tears as he takes in the seemingly endless row of small coffins he sees before him.

Olivia Colman does an amazing job here, exploring why as the Queen she has become so robotic and unemotional, as she tries to connect with the mourning occurring throughout her family and the country. And when upon listening to the recordings of the mourning parents singing at full pelt the Queen finally sheds a tear, we are right there crying with her.