Scientia Potentia Est
- Episode aired Nov 4, 2016
- TV-MA
- 58m
As the Soviets test the H-bomb, both Churchill and Eden have major health crises. Angry about her inadequate education, Elizabeth hires a tutor.As the Soviets test the H-bomb, both Churchill and Eden have major health crises. Angry about her inadequate education, Elizabeth hires a tutor.As the Soviets test the H-bomb, both Churchill and Eden have major health crises. Angry about her inadequate education, Elizabeth hires a tutor.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe phrase "scientia potentia est" is a Latin aphorism meaning "knowledge is power". It is commonly attributed to Sir Francis Bacon.
- GoofsThe opening scene states it is 1940 with a large number of bombers flying over Windsor Castle. They are, unmistakably, Lancasters but in actual fact the Lancaster was not introduced until 1942.
- Quotes
Queen Elizabeth II: Shall we make a start?
Winston Churchill: One item overshadows every other on the agenda this week, Ma'am. The Soviets and their H-bomb. We now have confirmation that they have been testing in the Kazakh Desert. It is vital that we act swiftly to secure peace and vital that we British spearhead the effort. I have always been the person everyone wants in a room with the Russians because Stalin would only talk to me. With him gone, there is a great danger that Eisenhower will take it upon himself to run the show.
Queen Elizabeth II: And that would be bad?
Winston Churchill: Oh, a disaster, Ma'am. For all the obvious reasons.
[coughs]
Queen Elizabeth II: Of course. Remind me. Of the obvious reasons.
Winston Churchill: Russia... is a great old empire which demands and deserves respect. Americans like to wave the big stick and speak with a loud voice. In the matter of world governance, they are not yet ready. They need an experienced and elder power to guide them, school them.
Queen Elizabeth II: Yes, we could all do with some school.
"Scientia Potentia Est" sees Season 1 and 'The Crown' in general back on peak form. One of the season's very best, on the same level as and perhaps even better than "Smoke and Mirrors", and one of the best episodes perhaps of 'The Crown'. It has all the brilliant things that the first five episodes have, while executing them to even better effect, and has a much more interesting story and much stronger character writing than those in "Gelignite".
Visually "Scientia Potentia Est" is faultless. The expense really does show in the classy, sumptuous period detail and the atmospheric and elegant way it's shot. The music for me wasn't too intrusive or low-key and was beautiful scoring on its own. The main theme is not easy to forget.
Writing probes a lot of thought and is never less than intriguing and emotionally investable, it never veers into soap-opera land and doesn't sound too modern. The story handles its tense conflict with aplomb but in a beautifully subtle way and Elizabeth's story arc is intelligently and poignantly written, allowing one to root for her every step of the way. Churchill makes his most interesting appearance of the series and really fascinates as a character with more dimension to usual.
Absolutely agree with everybody that has praised the performances. Claire Foy is class and dignity personified with a very expressive face and eyes that tell so much in a subtle way. John Lithgow is here tremendously powerful as Churchill. The chemistry is undeniable and really scintillates at its best.
Overall, brilliant and one of the season's and show's best. 10/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Dec 22, 2020
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- Runtime58 minutes
- Color
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- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1