Ep 4. Act of God

The Crown season 1 episode 4, titled "Act of God", follows the devastating Great Smog of 1952 that engulfed London for five days, resulting in thousands of deaths. The episode opens with the smog descending upon the city, as people struggle to breathe and visibility is reduced to mere feet.

The young Queen Elizabeth and her newly appointed Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, are both faced with the task of managing the crisis. While Churchill is preoccupied with the political implications of the crisis, including potential economic fallout and government responsibility, the Queen is more focused on the human toll and how she can help.

As the smog intensifies, the physical and mental toll on the people of London becomes increasingly apparent. Hospitals are quickly overwhelmed with patients suffering from respiratory distress, and morgues are filled to capacity. The Queen's husband, Prince Philip, volunteers to help transport patients to the hospital in his car, and is deeply affected by the tragedy he witnesses.

Meanwhile, the Queen's uncle, the Duke of Windsor, makes a surprise visit to London. This puts the Queen in an uncomfortable position, as she must balance her familial relationship with her duty as monarch. The Duke's visit is also a source of tension between the Queen and her mother, who does not approve of the Duke's presence.

Throughout the episode, glimpses of the Queen's childhood are shown through flashbacks. These scenes provide insight into her values and priorities, and how they have been shaped by her upbringing. The flashbacks also give context to the present-day events, highlighting how the Queen's past has prepared her to handle the Great Smog crisis with compassion and strength.

As the smog finally begins to clear, the episode concludes with a poignant scene in which the Queen delivers a speech to the nation, acknowledging the tragedy that has occurred and thanking those who have shown resilience and bravery during the crisis. The episode ends on a note of hope, as the Queen and her family are seen enjoying a rare moment of levity amidst the dark clouds of the smog that had consumed the city.

Overall, "Act of God" is a poignant and powerful episode that highlights the Queen's compassion and resilience in the face of a devastating crisis. It also provides valuable insight into the historical event that had a profound impact on the city of London and its people.