The third season embodies more historical drama, as Elizabeth II faces new paths to the throne and the political climate of the time. Over time, the young princess began her duties when she married Prince Philip. As King George VI's health deteriorates, the paths turn into a different turn.
As our royals enter into middle age in the middle of a turbulent and, at times, tragic period in U.K. history, there should have been more than enough cannon fodder to drive maybe slightly-less-sexy-but-still-alluring conflict.
The Crown season three doubles down on the series' practice of treating the tiniest diplomatic faux pas as something bearing the immediate potential to threaten the Empire to its veddy core.
There's some getting used to the new guard, so to speak, but The Crown's layered storytelling and deft interweaving of historically significant moments and interpersonal dynamics are certainly intact.
But it all looks wonderful. Let's hear it for the image compositors, stitching together the visuals so we really feel as though we're peeping into the Royal apartments and hovering over State banquets.
t's not at all clear if Margaret's words help her sister. But for viewers, the return of "The Crown," with its irresistible blend of heightened history and peek-behind-the-brocade-curtain drama, is a gloriously welcome gift.
This Elizabeth is, unsurprisingly, every bit as good as her Emmy-winning predecessor, and the rest of the new regime either meets or bests their counterparts.