The third episode of the sixth and final season of "The Crown," titled "Dis-Moi Oui," is a poignant and heartrending portrayal of Princess Diana's final hours. This episode is a masterclass in storytelling, capturing the tragic essence of Diana's life and death with a raw intensity that is both captivating and distressing to watch.
The episode opens with a stark portrayal of the doomed relationship between Diana and Dodi Fayed, even if they had survived the night of August 31, 1997. While vacationing on the Jonikal near Monte Carlo, Diana speaks with her psychotherapist, Susie Orbach, revealing her souring feelings towards Dodi and the overwhelming pressure from the press . The therapist advises Diana to leave the chaos behind, highlighting the unhealthy dynamics at play, not just within the royal family but also within the Fayed family.
Dodi's conversation with his father, Mohamed Al-Fayed, is a study in emotional manipulation. Mohamed pressures Dodi to propose to Diana, promising him equality and a business partnership, which speaks volumes about his motives and the control he exerts over his son . Dodi's pathetic willingness to entertain this idea further complicates the narrative, painting him as a character trapped between his father's ambitions and his own desires.
Diana's decision to return to London is met with obstacles, as the only way she can take the private jet is by asking Mohamed for permission, a request that leads to a series of events that would seal her fate . The episode then takes us on a tense journey through Paris, where Diana and Dodi are hounded by the paparazzi at every turn. Their visit to a jewelry store, where Diana points out a ring with the slogan "Dis-moi oui," is a moment of brief respite that quickly turns into a nightmare as fans and photographers swarm the store .
The couple's return to the Jonikal is marked by Diana's announcement that their summer is over, and her need to return to London. Dodi's reluctance to let her fly commercial leads to a phone call with Mohamed, where Dodi lies about Diana choosing a ring, setting in motion a series of events that culminate in their fateful trip to Paris .
In Paris, the tension is palpable. Diana and Dodi are constantly under siege, with Mohamed controlling their every move from afar. Their arrival at Villa Windsor, a detour orchestrated by Mohamed, adds to the stress, as Diana is anxious to speak with her sons . Mohamed's absence at the villa and his subsequent phone call, where he offers the property to Diana and Dodi, is a chilling display of his manipulation and control .
The episode reaches its climax at the Ritz hotel, where Diana's panic attacks become almost unbearable. Dodi's purchase of the "Dis-Moi Oui" ring and his subsequent proposal are met with a firm rejection from Diana, who has come to realize the true nature of their relationship and the forces at play . Their conversation in the Ritz suite is a powerful moment, with Diana urging Dodi to break free from his father's influence and take control of his own life .
The final moments of the episode are a heart-wrenching portrayal of Diana's last night. Dodi's fake confrontation with his father, staged for Diana's benefit, is a poignant moment that highlights the tragic nature of their situation . The couple's decision to leave the Ritz and return to Dodi's apartment, despite the dangers posed by the paparazzi, sets the stage for the tragic conclusion that history has already written .
"Dis-Moi Oui" is a haunting and powerful episode that captures the tragic final act of Princess Diana's life. It is a story of love, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit by the paparazzi, told with a sensitivity and intensity that is both respectful and gripping. The episode serves as a reminder of the human cost of fame and the tragic consequences of a life lived in the public eye.