Ep 4. Bubbikins

As Queen Elizabeth II continues to navigate her way through the changing landscape of 1960s Britain, she faces a series of challenges both personal and political in season 3 of The Crown. In episode 4, titled "Bubbikins," the focus shifts to Prince Philip as he sets out on a royal tour of the Pacific.

At the start of the episode, Philip is shown struggling to adapt to his diminished role within the royal family. No longer able to be actively involved in shaping policy or making decisions, he is relegated to performing ceremonial duties and attending formal events. Feeling bored and unfulfilled, he jumps at the chance to undertake a tour of the Pacific on behalf of the Queen.

One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the way it explores Philip's complex relationship with his mother, Princess Alice. Living in Greece as a nun, Alice is a deeply religious woman who has battled mental health issues throughout her life. When Philip visits her to inform her of his upcoming trip, it becomes clear that their relationship is strained and complicated.

Throughout the episode, we see flashbacks to Philip's childhood and his strained relationship with his own father, Prince Andrew. These moments provide valuable context for understanding the emotional distance between Philip and his mother. As he prepares to embark on his trip, he is deeply conflicted about his feelings towards Alice.

Meanwhile, back in Britain, the Queen is dealing with her own set of challenges. She is having difficulty connecting with her husband and feeling alienated by his absence. This is compounded by the fact that she is facing mounting pressure from the government and the press to modernize the monarchy and adapt to changing social attitudes.

One of the highlights of the episode is the way it juxtaposes the very different experiences of the Queen and Philip. While Philip is enjoying the thrill of adventure and the excitement of meeting new people, the Queen is essentially stuck in place, grappling with the weight of her responsibilities and the burden of tradition. It's a stark reminder of the different roles that men and women were expected to play during this time period.

As the episode progresses, we see Philip become increasingly enamored with the people and culture of the Pacific. He is particularly drawn to the island of Vanuatu, where he is introduced to a group of colonial-era "cargo cult" believers who worship Prince Philip as a deity. This creates a series of awkward and humorous situations as Philip tries to navigate the complexities of cultural exchange.

Ultimately, the episode culminates in a powerful moment of emotional reckoning for both Philip and the Queen. Without giving away any spoilers, suffice it to say that the events of the episode force both characters to confront some uncomfortable truths about their own personal histories and the complexities of their relationship with each other.

Overall, "Bubbikins" is a well-crafted episode that continues to explore the complex themes and character dynamics that have made The Crown such a compelling series. With strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and thoughtful writing, it's a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone interested in the history of the royal family.