Ep 2. The Balmoral Test

In the second episode of season 4 of The Crown, titled "The Balmoral Test," the Queen and her family retreat to their Scottish estate of Balmoral for their annual summer holiday. The episode explores the tradition of the "Balmoral Test," in which the Queen puts her guests through a series of challenges to see how they handle themselves in the rugged Scottish Highlands.

The Queen becomes preoccupied with testing the new Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, who is not accustomed to the ways of the Scottish countryside. While the rest of the family and their guests enjoy fishing and hunting, the Queen subtly puts Thatcher through a series of tests, including a picnic in the pouring rain and a hike up a treacherous mountain. Thatcher quickly realizes that she is being tested, but she remains determined to pass.

Meanwhile, Prince Charles struggles with his role as the heir to the throne and his growing unhappiness in his marriage to Princess Diana. Diana, who has never been to Balmoral before, is eager to impress the Queen and fit in with the rest of the family. However, she quickly learns that the Queen and the other royals have a strict code of behavior and expect their guests to follow suit. Diana feels out of place and overwhelmed, but she tries to put on a brave face and make the best of the situation.

As the episode unfolds, tensions rise between the Queen and Thatcher, as well as between Charles and Diana. The Balmoral Test ultimately reveals a lot about the characters and their relationships with each other, and sets the stage for the rest of the season.

Overall, "The Balmoral Test" is a captivating episode that delves deep into the dynamics of the royal family and their guests. It showcases the beauty and mystique of the Scottish Highlands, while also exploring the challenges of tradition and expectation. Fans of The Crown will not want to miss this thought-provoking and dramatic episode.