Ep 5. Coup

The Crown season 3 episode 5, titled "Coup," delves into the political turmoil that rocked Britain in 1968. As the country's economy sinks into recession and strikes disrupt daily life, a group of high-ranking officials begin to plot a coup against Prime Minister Harold Wilson (played by Jason Watkins). Led by Lord Mountbatten (Charles Dance) and with the backing of the military, the group believes that Wilson is a communist sympathizer who is undermining Britain's position as a world power.

The episode opens with Mountbatten gathering a group of conservative politicians and military leaders to discuss their plan to oust Wilson. Mountbatten is a stern figure with a clear sense of duty, but he is also deeply skeptical of Wilson's leadership. The group agrees to begin recruiting allies and building support for their plan, keeping their intentions tightly guarded.

As the coup plans begin to take shape, several key players on both sides of the political spectrum confront their own doubts and fears. Wilson's Private Secretary, Marcia Williams (played by Emerald Fennell), worries that her boss may be too paralyzed by the crisis to take decisive action. Meanwhile, Mountbatten's nephew, Prince Charles (Josh O'Connor), feels torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing sense of discontent with their tactics.

As tensions mount, the episode takes on an increasingly ominous tone. Shots of military exercises and secret meetings underscore the sense of impending danger, while the growing unrest on the streets of London serves as a reminder of the real-life stakes of the political drama. The actors all deliver strong performances, with Dance in particular bringing a commanding gravitas to the role of Mountbatten.

Despite the episode's focus on real-world events, it also manages to explore the deeper themes that have made The Crown so compelling. The question of who truly holds power in Britain, and how that power is wielded, lies at the heart of the conflict between Wilson and his opponents. As the coup plotters gain momentum, the show raises important questions about democracy, accountability, and the role of the monarchy in modern Britain.

Overall, The Crown season 3 episode 5 is a gripping and thought-provoking installment of the series. Its exploration of a little-known episode in British history offers plenty of drama and intrigue, while its larger themes are germane to current debates about leadership and democratic values. Fans of the show will no doubt find this episode to be both fascinating and unsettling, a testament to the power of great storytelling.