Season 3 was something of a slow starter, where a lot of change happened and change that took a while to get used to and accept. The first episode "Olding" had a feel of too much change too soon. This was disappointing seeing how good Seasons 1 and 2 were, where the best episodes were absolutely outstanding. But there was hope, as there are examples of shows that have seasons that start off slow but get better when given a chance.
Am so glad at sticking with Season 3, because despite not being too enthralled by "Olding" and "Margaretology" it does get a lot better. Like Seasons 1 and 2 the best episodes are also outstanding. While not quite as amazing as "Aberfan" and the previous two episodes, "Moondust" is yet another episode to show this big improvement in quality. It is not one of the best episodes of 'The Crown' and has one thing that doesn't quite work, but when "Moondust" is at its best it is absolutely brilliant.
"Moondust", expectedly for 'The Crown' which was always high in the production values, is very well made visually. The very meaning of elegant and sumptuous in the settings and costumes that are true to period and atmospherically shot. The music for me wasn't too intrusive or low-key and was beautiful scoring on its own. The main theme is not easy to forget.
Writing probes a lot of thought and is never less than intriguing and emotionally investable, it never veers into soap-opera land and doesn't sound too modern. The different viewpoints were really insightful, sensitive and thought-probing. The story is very absorbing, although it is not fast paced it's also never dull and makes one interested in learning more about this part of history. Emotionally it's powerful and touching and Tobias Menzies' superbly understated performance really does help.
Only the simplistic portrayal of the astronauts disappoints, but while a flaw for me it is not that drastically bad to bring the episode down significantly, be fixated upon it and ignore the many fine qualities of everything else. This happened too with "Bubbikins" with the Greek accents and it's not right.
In conclusion, fine episode. 9/10.
