In the second episode of the final season of "The Crown," titled "Two Photographs," the series delves deeper into the complex relationship between Princess Diana and the paparazzi, painting a stark contrast between the public's fascination with her and the royal family's disapproval. The episode opens with a chilling portrayal of the paparazzi culture, introducing Mario Brenna, the photographer who allegedly earned a fortune for the first photos of Diana and Dodi Fayed's romance.
The cold open features Brenna's interview, where he chillingly describes the paparazzi's predatory nature, likening them to "hunters, killers." This sets an ominous tone for the episode, foreshadowing the relentless pursuit that would ultimately contribute to Diana's tragic end. Contrasting Brenna's aggressive approach is the serene Scottish portrait photographer Duncan Muir, a fictional character who serves as a gentle reminder of Queen Elizabeth's enduring presence and the values she represents. Muir's interviews reveal his deep admiration for the Queen, highlighting her unifying influence on the nation and the void her passing will leave.
As the episode unfolds, the royal family gathers at Balmoral Castle, where they discuss the implications of Diana's involvement with the Fayed family. The government's concerns about Mohamed Al-Fayed using Diana to leverage his long-denied British citizenship add a layer of political intrigue to the narrative. The Queen's exasperation with Diana's actions is palpable, as she struggles to understand the younger generation's disregard for the royal protocols.
The episode then shifts to Saint-Tropez, where Diana and Dodi's idyllic vacation is marred by Mohamed's machinations. His eagerness to confirm the intimacy between Diana and Dodi is unsettling, as he orchestrates a media frenzy to further his own agenda. Brenna's stealthy capture of the couple's intimate moments on the yacht Jonikal is a stark reminder of the invasive world Diana lived in.
Upon Diana's return to London, the fallout from the leaked photos is immediate and dramatic. The royal family's damage control efforts are put into motion, with Charles's private secretary suggesting a "counterphoto" to emphasize the contrast between Diana's scandalous lifestyle and Charles's dignified family man image. The photoshoot at Balmoral, with William and Harry, is a strategic move to counteract the negative publicity.
Diana's humanitarian visit to Bosnia is overshadowed by the media's obsession with her personal life. Her frustration is evident as she struggles to focus on the serious cause of landmine survivors, a cause she was deeply passionate about. The episode highlights her resilience and dedication to making a difference, despite the constant media intrusion.
The episode concludes with a poignant scene of Diana on the diving board of the Jonikal, a haunting reenactment that echoes the iconic photo taken just days before her death. The Queen's final monologue places the blame on Diana for her "erratic," "reckless," and "out of control" behavior, ignoring the role of the paparazzi and the royal family's own complicity in the tragedy.
"Two Photographs" is a gripping and somber exploration of the relentless media scrutiny that Princess Diana faced, and the royal family's struggle to maintain their dignity in the face of public scandal. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the public's insatiable appetite for gossip and the price of fame.