The Crown (TV Series) Smoke and Mirrors (2016) User Reviews

A "Crowning" Episode

[mackjay2 · 9/10 · 21 January 2017]

One of the greatest episodes in this magnificent series. It fully lives up to expectations in its treatment of the ceremony itself. The solemnity of the occasion is particularly well realized. The writing is brilliant in the way it incorporates the queen's conflict with her husband, leading into the preparations, and especially moving in the way that conflict is seen to resolve (at least for that occasion). Claire Foy is deserving of any award she can be given, but Matt Smith also deserves recognition for his nuanced playing of Philip.

And not to be forgotten is Alex Jennings's performance as the Duke of Windsor, whose abdication years earlier and "scandalous" marriage had led to his virtual banishment from the royal family. He adds unexpected depth to our perception of the ceremony.

"Smoke and Mirrors" might be seen as the first climactic episode of the series. While many great moments have preceded it, this one can stand alone as a fine achievement of writing, production and acting.

A gorgeous recreation of history and some great development for Philip.

[TouchTheGarlicProduction · 9/10 · 6 November 2016]

This episode contains the long-awaited coronation scene, and it is clear that a huge portion of the budget was spent on this. The result is gorgeous. I want to watch it side by side with footage of the real thing, to see just how accurate it is. The coronation isn't the only scene this episode that takes place in Westminster Abbey, either. The location is taken full advantage of in this episode.

Most of the episode focuses on the preparation for and planning of the coronation. Elizabeth places Philip in charge of planning the coronation. He generates a lot of conflict when he proposes a number of unconventional ideas, prompting a number of scenes which examine the purpose of a monarchy in a very interesting way.

Philip also receives quite a bit of character development in this episode, as his motivations are made clear and his increasing sense of emasculation is shown. Matt Smith is quite good in the role. I was skeptical when I heard he had been cast; I enjoyed him in Doctor Who, but he did not do a whole lot to make me confident in his acting abilities. But in this episode, he does very well.

Overall, this is a marvellous episode of the crown. It contains many great scenes, but will be remembered mostly for its pitch perfect recreation of the coronation.

The Duke of Windsor - a deeply selfish, vulgar and self-pitying person

[kathimcgraw · 8/10 · 6 August 2020]

A wonderful episode, and having spent many hours researching Edward, Duke of Windsor years ago, I feel The Crown was pretty generous in its depiction of him. The British certainly dodged a bullet when this despicable person removed himself from the throne. I hope this series will encourage people to seek out facts about his life, his behavior, his treatment of others, and quotes of some of the horrendous things he said.

Obscuring the truth

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 10 November 2020]

'The Crown' started off great and managed to get better and better throughout the whole of Season 1. From the very beginning, 'The Crown' managed to be an exceptionally well made, written and acted series, always compelling even when deliberately paced and became one of 2016's major hits when it first began. Period dramas are my kind of thing, so there were no doubts in seeing it. Anybody interested in the Royals should consider seeing at least one episode.

With its fifth episode "Smoke and Mirrors", we have one of the best of the first season and possibly of the whole series. It continues to progress what went on in previous episodes while introducing new material as we delve further into Elizabeth's life. It was great to see more of the Duke of Windsor and also more development to Phillip. All the great things of before are here and even if it did take liberties with the truth it and the whole series are incredible on their own merits.

"Smoke and Mirrors" once again has superb production values. The production and costume design are both classy and sumptuous, but it's the photography that stands out in this regard. Much of it is quite stunning and some of the best of the whole of Season 1, the ever beautiful Westminster Abbey looks great. The music is neither too intrusive or too low key.

It's on point in the writing as well, it always intrigues and provokes a lot of thought. The story is deliberately paced but not dull, the Duke of Windsor is not too one-dimensional but it is not hard to see why he was hated. Any politics is not over-emphasised or laid on too thick. There is a big emphasis on the preparation for the coronation and Phillip's character development, why he acts the way he does and his conflict was very believably done and appreciated.

All the performances are top drawer again, with Alex Jennings taking top honours this time. His performance being smarmy but subtle. Love the nuance Matt Smith brought to Phillip and Claire Foy's very telling expressions and eyes are very moving to watch.

Concluding, brilliant and one of the season's and show's best. 10/10

The Investiture

[lavatch · 10/10 · 31 December 2017]

The program "Smoke and Mirrors" begins with a flashback sequence to May 11, 1937, the day before the coronation of George VI. The opening sequence is a private moment with the stuttering Edward rehearsing his lines like a nervous groom before his wedding. The little princess Elizabeth is providing support in playacting the role of the Archbishop during the anointment ceremony.

Fast forward to 1953 and the preparations for the coronation of Elizabeth II following the death of her beloved father. One of the major themes of "The Crown" is to expose the self-inflicted asceticism of the English monarchs who reluctantly accede to the throne in the name of "duty." The reluctance was apparent in George VI, who lamented the coronation in Westminster Abbey as "a sight I'd hoped I'd never see." Now, the call of duty has fallen in the lap of the 25-year-old Elizabeth, who is navigating her way to the throne through the world of "the grey old men with mustaches."

One of the brilliant touches of the scripting of this program is in the character of Edward VIII, whose abdication indirectly led to the improbable ascension of his niece Elizabeth. Edward (or David as he was known to the royal family) serves as the foil to the superior Anglo-Saxon aristocrats, due to his resentment for the shabby treatment he and his beloved Wallis Simpson received from the British elite.

Even with the passing of seventeen years, David is still snubbed by both the royal family and the haughty Archbishop and must watch the coronation on television from his place of exile in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. David refers to the British royals as "jackals and hyenas" and provides a running commentary filled with contempt, as the televised ceremony proceeds. His most caustic remark is reserved for Elizabeth, who is no more than "an ordinary young woman of modest ability and little imagination."

The program also strikes another low blow at the hapless Philip. After Elizabeth gives him control over the planning of the coronation, he insists on televising the event as a nod to the new technological era and respect for the people. But at heart, Philip is still a classist snob, whose true motivation is to pander to the commoners out of fear for what happened in the violent Greek revolt against his Mountbatten clan. The greatest insult to Philip comes when his spouse forces him kneel before her at the coronation.

It is revealing that the final moment of the "Smoke and Mirrors" program is given to David, as he blasts out a mournful ditty on his bagpipes while residing in exile with the woman he adores.

Every minute was perfect

[lisafeld1 · 10/10 · 21 March 2018]

I'm often critical of historical dramas, and of "The Crown," because of how they sometimes heavyhandedly modify facts to create a good story. However, this episode was crafted perfectly. The music, the cinematography, the narrative was one of the more perfect episodes of any show I have seen.

What a performance sir Alex Jennings!

[Begovil · 20 January 2020]

When Edward VIII, the Duke on Windsor (the incredible actor Alex Jennings) cries at the end of this episode I could not but cry with him as well!

If I haven't reworded ten times the scene where he tells Tommy Lascelles and the archbishop off... absolutely brilliant!!! I couldn't stop laughing...

His is one of the most emotional performances I have ever watched because it is impossible not to sympathise with him while still played with such elegance and delicacy...

This poor man must have suffered so much by being pushed aside as some sort of renegade, from his own family and his own country... and for nothing wicked at all.

I do really feel for him and I hope he can have the joy he could not have in life wherever his soul rests.

What a masterful episode and what a masterpiece he made of it.

It's Time to Be Queen

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 28 November 2016]

Once again, terrific. We are on the verge of Elizabeth's coronation. Prince Philip is trying to find his place. He is blocked at every turn because of tradition and pageantry. Elizabeth feels for him and gives him the chairmanship of the committee to plan the big event, with some caveats (like, don't do anything). He is trying to be a man's man while playing second fiddle to the queen. He isn't even called King. Anyway, this is a marvelous presentation of British self indulgence and cruelty. We also get another look at Edward and Wallace. He is forced through loyalty to his wife to sit out the coronation. He is treated cruelly and given no respect, even after seventeen years. We also have the fate of Queen Mary. Cinematography is breathtaking again with some amazing shots within Westminster Abbey. Excellent series.

The things we do for love 💔

[husamfiras-80047 · 10/10 · 12 September 2020]

The episode was perfect and one of the best episodes in the series Can't wait to see the new season

Quiet and perfect episode

[Shantalecinematicexpresso · 10/10 · 7 January 2021]

This one got me in the first place, the coronation and how was worked behind, now we have a real,young Queen Elizabeth in our own during a hard era in England.

In other words I was glad to know about they put EDWARD VIII in this, and the last scene was so hard to watch. Simply beautiful

Queening and Queen Mary's Death

[vivianla · 13 September 2020]

We flash back to Elizabeth's childhood when her father asks her to help him prepare for his coronation.

Now Elizabeth tries on her crown - a crown really changes your appearance.

She gets ready with a woman helping her with the back of her dress. Philip is getting ready too.

Elizabeth's outfit is beautiful with a dress and white fur scarf.

I love this female's interviewer's outfit - button-down top with scarf tucked underneath.

The coronation is being set up and it is to be televised - something new and has not been done before.

Winston attempts to persuade Elizabeth to stick with the old. He explains if this was a business it would be praised to think of changes but we are talking about the crown here.

On the day of the coronation we see Elizabeth's father's brother watching with a crowd on television. Elizabeth wears a white dress with an extra v fabric at the front. Philip kneels in front of Elizabeth.