I “officially” think the whole idea of monarchy and feudalism carried into modern times is silly. That said, it is a part of the societal fabric of Great Britain, and, like most social institutions, should be allowed to change gradually over time. I think revolutions almost always end in needless bloodshed for a reason. It is a metaphysical fact that the human mind doesn’t change its ideas quickly -people’s habits and customs have an “inertia” to them, that make gradual change more likely to lead to lasting and peaceful change.
That is all preface for me to say that I enjoy watching “The Crown” on Netflix. I know a lot of it is probably speculation on the part of the authors and creators of the show, so it is more like “historical fiction” or even “alternate history science fiction”.
I’m more fascinated by the customs and mores of this society, especially of the British nobility, than I probably want to admit, as someone who holds a radical political philosophy that would (gradually) sweep it all away.
My favorite season so far has been the Margaret Thatcher years. I enjoyed seeing Gillian Anderson from the X-files as Thatcher. I thought she really nailed that character, both in looks and attitude. The tension between the Iron Lady and the Queen really captured a genuine dynamic between capitalist modernity and the remnants of feudal collectivism and tribalism. Even if there was no actual animosity between the two women in real life, as art, it was perfect.
