With none of our usual shows to watch–hey, it was only Monday–, Tabitha and I sat down and watched The Crown. We are on Season 3 Episode 3: “Aberfan”. Should make for night of light television viewing, no?
The methodical way this episode began should have been our first clue. The shots of school children going about their day in school; the lingering shots of a little girl practicing for her school assembly, her dad coming home from work only to lovingly listen to her.
As an American… as a History-Political Science degree holder… I had no idea.
In the end, 116 children, 5 teachers, and 23 locals died.
Got me thinking about how our American Presidents respond to disaster. Roosevelt with his speech after Pearl Harbor; Bush traveling to the 9/11 site and making a speech as well. Moments where we put down our differences and unite as a country. Our President’s words speaking as if for all of us.
Aberfan wasn’t one of those moments. It took the Queen eight days to visit the disaster site. Reportedly, this is one of the Queens biggest regrets.
But “Aberfan” made for some solid performances on The Crown. I especially enjoyed the gentleman who plays Prince Phillip, and his response to the aftermath.
Thankful that “Aberfan” also helped me understand a moment in history.
JohnnyBGamer 