Having watched the whole series I'd have to say that this episode is one of the best. It explores the complex relationship between Charles and Philip told via the experiences each had at austere Scottish boarding school Gordontoun. It's hard to know how much of the tension portrayed between Elizabeth and Philip over the decision to send Charles there is true nor how much he really struggled. The meatiest parts are the extensive recollections of Phillip's early time at Gordontoun fabulously portrayed by 14 year old Finn Elliot. The cruelty meted out to a high profile royal of controversial European heritage was on full display. One of the highlights was the dramatic scenes of the 1937 funeral of his older sister Cecile in Darmstadt Germany where the teenaged Phillip had to walk through the streets surrounded by Nazi uniforms, salutes and memorabilia! Elliot puts in a powerful, moving and physically challenging performance of Phillip grappling with the death of so many of his family against the backdrop of his struggles at the school.
Review of Paterfamilias
