" Wolferton Splash " is the series premiere of the Netflix drama , released on November 4, 2016. It sets the stage for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II by focusing on the final years of King George VI and the marriage of Princess Elizabeth to Philip Mountbatten. Episode Overview Director: Stephen Daldry Writer: Peter Morgan Primary Timeline: 1947–1951
The emotional heart of the episode. Harris depicts a man burdened by a crown he never wanted and a body that is failing him. "The Crown" Wolferton Splash(2016)
The tension between private identity and public duty, the physical decline of the monarchy, and the transition of power. Plot Summary " Wolferton Splash " is the series premiere
With a reported budget of £100 million for the season, the production design and cinematography (especially the Malta and Sandringham sequences) are cinematic in scale. Harris depicts a man burdened by a crown
However, the health of (Bertie) rapidly declines due to lung cancer. He undergoes a secret surgery at Buckingham Palace to remove a lung. Realizing his time is short, he begins mentoring Elizabeth on the responsibilities of the Crown. The episode concludes with the King taking Philip on a duck shoot at Sandringham (the "Wolferton Splash"), where he silently passes the mantle of responsibility to his son-in-law. Key Characters & Performances
Struggles with the loss of his naval career and the emasculating nature of being "the husband of the Queen."
