The last episode of The Crown Season 5 is titled “Deus Ex Machina,” and it primarily focuses on the events surrounding Princess Diana’s controversial interview with Martin Bashir for the BBC’s Panorama program. This episode paints a picture of a royal family grappling with internal tensions, public perception crises, and the ever-present shadow of the monarchy’s future.
Unraveling the Narrative Threads of “Deus Ex Machina”
“Deus Ex Machina,” a theatrical term meaning “god from the machine,” refers to a plot device where a seemingly impossible problem is suddenly and abruptly resolved by an unexpected and often contrived intervention. In the context of The Crown, this title alludes to the Panorama interview itself, portrayed as a turning point engineered to fundamentally alter the dynamics of the royal family.
The episode explores the motivations behind Diana’s decision to grant the interview, the methods employed by Bashir to secure it (including alleged deceit and manipulation), and the immediate and long-term consequences for both Diana and the institution of the monarchy. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the growing rift between Charles and Diana, the anxieties of Queen Elizabeth II, and the broader sense of instability that permeated the royal family during the 1990s. “Deus Ex Machina” doesn’t offer easy answers or clear-cut villains; instead, it presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of a family in crisis.
The episode culminates in the aftermath of the interview’s broadcast, showcasing the shock and repercussions felt within the palace walls. While the show takes creative liberties with dialogue and specific events, the overall narrative arc accurately reflects the profound impact of the Panorama interview on the royal family’s standing and Diana’s ultimately tragic trajectory. It underscores the immense pressure Diana faced and highlights the increasingly desperate measures she took to control her own narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Crown Season 5 Finale
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the complexities and details surrounding the “Deus Ex Machina” episode:
Why is the Panorama interview so significant to the plot?
The Panorama interview is a pivotal event because it publicly aired Diana’s grievances, exposing the cracks within the royal marriage and the monarchy itself. It allowed Diana to directly address the nation, bypassing traditional royal protocols and asserting her own narrative. This act of defiance, fueled by her growing disillusionment, triggered a chain reaction that ultimately led to her divorce and further intensified the scrutiny faced by the royal family. It shifted public sympathy towards Diana and intensified questions about the monarchy’s relevance in modern Britain.
Did Martin Bashir really use unethical tactics to secure the interview?
The Crown portrays Bashir employing deceptive tactics to gain Diana’s trust, including allegedly showing her forged bank statements to suggest that she was being spied on by the security services and that members of her staff were being paid to leak information about her. The Dyson Report, a real-world independent inquiry, later confirmed that Bashir engaged in “deceitful behaviour” and breached BBC editorial guidelines to secure the interview. This finding lends credence to the show’s depiction of Bashir’s questionable methods.
How did the Queen react to Diana’s interview in “Deus Ex Machina”?
The episode depicts the Queen as deeply concerned and disappointed by Diana’s interview. While the show doesn’t present her as explicitly angry, it showcases her profound concern about the damage the interview inflicted on the monarchy’s reputation and the potential for further instability. The Queen’s stoicism and dedication to the Crown are juxtaposed against Diana’s emotional vulnerability and desire for autonomy.
What was Charles’s reaction to the interview in the episode?
Charles is portrayed as feeling betrayed and humiliated by Diana’s revelations in the Panorama interview. He sees it as a personal attack and a further erosion of his public image. The episode highlights the deep resentment and animosity that had developed between Charles and Diana, fueling their eventual divorce.
Does “Deus Ex Machina” explain why Diana decided to do the interview?
The episode suggests several factors contributing to Diana’s decision. These include her feeling marginalized and unsupported by the royal family, her desire to control her own story and counter negative press coverage, and her growing sense of isolation and paranoia. She felt the interview was her only way to be heard and understood. The show highlights her vulnerability and her struggle to navigate the complexities of royal life.
How accurate is The Crown’s depiction of the events surrounding the interview?
The Crown is a fictionalized dramatization of real events. While it’s based on extensive research, it inevitably takes creative liberties with dialogue, specific scenes, and interpretations of characters’ motivations. The overall narrative arc regarding the Panorama interview and its impact on the royal family aligns with historical accounts and the findings of the Dyson Report. However, viewers should remember that it’s a dramatic interpretation, not a documentary.
What is the significance of the title “Deus Ex Machina” in relation to the episode?
As explained earlier, “Deus Ex Machina” refers to the sudden and unexpected resolution of a seemingly impossible problem. In this context, the Panorama interview acts as this device. While it doesn’t necessarily solve all of Diana’s problems, it drastically altered the landscape of the royal family and Diana’s place within it. It forced a reckoning and accelerated the eventual divorce of Charles and Diana.
Did the Panorama interview lead directly to Diana’s death?
The Crown does not explicitly link the Panorama interview to Diana’s death in “Deus Ex Machina”. However, it implies that the interview intensified the media scrutiny she faced and contributed to the overall environment of pressure and stress that surrounded her. While the show doesn’t directly connect the two events, it underscores the interview’s profound impact on Diana’s life and public perception.
What happened to Martin Bashir after the Panorama interview?
In the aftermath of the Dyson Report, Martin Bashir resigned from the BBC. He faced widespread condemnation for his unethical tactics and his actions damaged the reputation of the BBC. The Crown alludes to the subsequent scrutiny he faced, though it doesn’t detail his career trajectory after the interview.
What other storylines are interwoven within “Deus Ex Machina”?
While the main focus is on the Panorama interview, “Deus Ex Machina” also touches upon other storylines, including Charles’s continued efforts to modernize the monarchy, the Queen’s anxieties about the future of the institution, and the growing tensions between Diana and the royal family. It also subtly explores the evolving relationships within the younger generation of royals, hinting at the challenges they will face.
How does “Deus Ex Machina” set the stage for The Crown Season 6?
“Deus Ex Machina” concludes with the ramifications of the Panorama interview still unfolding. The season ends with the seeds of divorce firmly planted, leaving the audience to anticipate the next season, which will delve into the final years of Diana’s life and the subsequent fallout. The episode sets the stage for a tragic and ultimately transformative period in the history of the British monarchy. It highlights the fragility of the institution and the immense personal cost paid by those within it.
What is the overall message or takeaway from The Crown Season 5, Episode 10?
The ultimate message of “Deus Ex Machina” revolves around the power of narratives, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the enduring struggle between tradition and modernity. It highlights the complex dynamics within the royal family and the immense pressure faced by individuals caught within the institution’s rigid structure. The episode leaves viewers contemplating the cost of fame, the dangers of unchecked power, and the enduring legacy of Princess Diana. It suggests that even seemingly small actions can have profound and lasting consequences on individuals and institutions alike.