As ‘The Crown’ wrapped up its final season in 2024, viewers were taken on a journey that not only concluded the epic saga but also brought the story full circle. The finale, a masterclass in storytelling, subtly echoed the themes and events of the series’ early episodes, creating a sense of closure while honoring its origins. This deliberate return to the beginning, both narratively and visually, reinforced the show’s exploration of the British monarchy’s enduring legacy.
From the first episode to the last, ‘The Crown’ has been a show about cycles—political, personal, and historical. The finale brilliantly reflected this by mirroring scenes, dialogues, and even specific shots from the inaugural season.
Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
This return to the series’ roots served as a powerful reminder of the unchanging nature of the monarchy, despite the dramatic shifts in the world around it. The final episode’s visual callbacks to earlier moments emphasized the continuity of tradition and the weight of history that each monarch must bear.
One of the most striking ways the finale echoed the beginning was through its portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. The final scenes juxtaposed her early days as a young queen with her later years, illustrating the immense growth and burden she has shouldered throughout the series. This parallelism highlighted the cyclical nature of her reign and the monarchy’s persistent struggle to adapt to modernity while maintaining its core identity.
Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter
Another layer of this return to the beginning was seen in the show’s thematic exploration of power and sacrifice. The finale revisited the sacrifices made by the Queen and those around her, bringing the story full circle to where it all began: the realization that the crown, while a symbol of immense power, demands significant personal sacrifices. This theme, which has been a constant undercurrent throughout the series, was brought to the forefront in the final moments, tying the story together in a poignant reflection.
The return to the beginning was also evident in the character arcs of other key figures. The finale revisited the initial struggles of Prince Philip and Prince Charles, drawing clear lines between their past conflicts and their resolutions (or lack thereof) in the series’ conclusion. This not only provided closure for their characters but also reinforced the idea that the challenges faced by the royal family are as much about personal growth as they are about duty and public perception.
The show’s creators also used music and location to reinforce the connection between the finale and the series’ early episodes. The soundtrack featured motifs from the first season, subtly reminding viewers of the journey they’ve witnessed over the years. Additionally, key locations that played pivotal roles in the early seasons, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, were prominently featured, grounding the story in its historical and emotional origins.
The finale also revisited significant historical events that were central to the show’s early narrative. By doing so, ‘The Crown’ not only reflected on the passage of time but also on the enduring impact of these events on the characters and the institution of the monarchy itself. This retrospective approach allowed the audience to see the full arc of history that the series has covered, from the post-war era to the dawn of the 21st century.
-Sushmita Sarkar