The Crown season 1 episode 4 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Philip, eager to embrace his passion for flying, is tutored by experienced pilot Townsend. Meanwhile, London grapples with a severe smog crisis,

Full Episode S01E04 Recap

### Opening Scene: Preparing for Flight - **Location**: Airfield - **Characters**: Philip, Townsend - Philip and Townsend are at an airfield preparing for a flight. - Philip is eager and excited, mentioning his royal title and his inability to fly despite it. - Townsend, an experienced pilot, guides Philip through the pre-flight checks and procedures. ### In the Air: Philip's Flight Experience - **Location**: In the Sky - **Characters**: Philip, Townsend - The flight takes off, with Philip expressing exhilaration. - Townsend instructs Philip on maintaining balance and controlling the aircraft. - Conversation reveals Townsend's wartime experience as a pilot. - They perform a dead-stick landing due to low altitude. ### Downing Street: Discussing a Warning - **Location**: Downing Street - **Characters**: Johnson, other officials - Johnson presents alarming environmental data to officials at Downing Street. - The data prompts concerns about public safety, leading to a decision to send a warning to the Prime Minister. - The scene highlights bureaucratic processes and the gravity of the situation. ### Buckingham Palace: Queen's Health Check and Rehearsal - **Location**: Buckingham Palace - **Characters**: Queen Elizabeth II, medical staff - Queen Elizabeth II undergoes a health check amid stuffy conditions. - The Queen observes the rehearsal of her funeral, showcasing her awareness of mortality and royal protocols. ### Office Scene: Discussing the Smog Crisis - **Location**: Office - **Characters**: Mr. Thurman, Mr. Collins, others - The smog crisis in London is discussed, with historical references to a similar event in Donora. - The conversation criticizes the government's negligence and proposes preventative measures. - The scene underscores the severity of the smog crisis and its historical precedence. ### Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II: A Royal Conversation - **Location**: Royal Residence - **Characters**: Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II - A detailed and symbolic conversation between Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II about the nature of monarchy and its divine mandate. - Queen Elizabeth II expresses concerns about the ongoing crisis and her role as monarch. - The dialogue reflects on the traditional views of monarchy and the evolving responsibilities of modern sovereigns. ### Government Response to the Fog Crisis - **Location**: Government Offices - **Characters**: Churchill, government officials - Churchill and government officials discuss the ongoing fog crisis. - Churchill is criticized for his lack of effective response to the emergency. - The scene highlights political dynamics and the challenge of managing natural disasters. ### Personal Moments: Philip and Townsend, Venetia Scott - **Scenes with Philip and Townsend, Venetia Scott** - Philip and Townsend share a moment of camaraderie and passion for flying. - Venetia Scott, a character impacted by the smog, illustrates the human cost of the crisis. - These scenes add depth to the characters and show personal impacts of the larger crisis. ### Climax: The Fog Worsens, Government and Royal Responses - **Location**: Various, including streets of London and Buckingham Palace - **Characters**: Government officials, Queen Elizabeth II, Churchill - The fog crisis worsens, causing widespread chaos and suffering. - Government officials struggle to manage the crisis, with Churchill's leadership in question. - Queen Elizabeth II grapples with her role and influence over government decisions. - The climax shows the severity of the crisis and the strain it places on leadership and governance. ### Conclusion: Churchill's Reaction and Royal Decision - **Location**: Buckingham Palace, Hospital - **Characters**: Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, medical staff - Churchill visits a hospital, witnessing the impact of the smog firsthand. - Queen Elizabeth II meets with Churchill, contemplating asking for his resignation. - The conclusion resolves the crisis with Churchill's renewed commitment to action and the Queen's decision to uphold constitutional norms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Philip in the scene?

Philip is a member of the royal family, eager to learn how to fly.

What is Townsend's role in the scene with Philip?

Townsend is an experienced pilot, guiding Philip through the flight process.

What historical event is referenced during the office discussion about the smog crisis?

The smog event in Donora, a small mill town in America, is referenced.

What does Queen Mary believe about the nature of monarchy?

Queen Mary believes that monarchy is a divine mission and monarchs are answerable to God, not the public.

How does Churchill initially respond to the fog crisis?

Churchill initially appears dismissive, attributing the fog to natural weather and not showing immediate concern.

What personal interest does Philip pursue in the episode?

Philip pursues his interest in flying and wants to learn how to pilot an aircraft.

How does the Queen feel about her responsibilities during the crisis?

The Queen feels conflicted about her responsibilities and the extent of her influence over government decisions.

What is the climax of the episode regarding the fog crisis?

The climax involves the worsening of the fog crisis, leading to chaos and suffering, and putting pressure on government and royal leadership.

What decision does Queen Elizabeth II contemplate regarding Churchill?

Queen Elizabeth II contemplates asking Churchill to resign due to his handling of the fog crisis.

How does the episode conclude with respect to Churchill's role?

The episode concludes with Churchill visiting a hospital and showing renewed commitment to addressing the crisis, while the Queen decides to uphold constitutional norms.

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Act of God