The long-awaited fourth season of The Crown has finally arrived and with it comes all the pomp, circumstance and controversy one would expect.

Season 4 picks up in 1979 with the election of Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson), the first female prime minister of Britain, troubles with the IRA and the introduction of Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor) to Diana Spencer (Emma Corrin). All members of the royal household get their moment during this season as we see the queen (Olivia Coleman) forced into uncommon self-reflection while balancing the needs of the state with the needs of her family.

This season also dives headfirst into the complicated relationship of Charles, Diana and Camilla Parker Bowes (Emerald Fennell). The mood shifts rapidly from the charming first meeting between Charles and Diana to the emotional roller coaster that was their tour of Australia to the heartbreak of Diana feeling isolated and rejected by Charles who favoured his long-time love, Camilla. This became a divisive time in Britain’s history and judging by the reception this season has received in the UK, not enough time has passed to reopen these old wounds.

As the story unfolds from episode to episode, the line between history and fiction becomes blurred and Charles, more than anyone, pays the price. The creator of The Crown, Peter Morgan has done extensive research for this drama but admits that he has taken creative license, at times, to propel the story. It is these creative deviations from actual history that has brought heavy criticism of Morgan and fresh backlash for Charles.

The politics aside, season 4 brought all the glamour and complications of the 80s to life. While the country faced record unemployment rates and wide-spread civil unrest, Diana entered the public eye with her playful elegance and eye for fashion. The recreations of some of Diana’s most iconic looks was spot on, including her opulent wedding gown and the Bruce Oldfield blue ruffle gown. Costume designer, Amy Roberts, surely did her homework for this season.

The costuming was not the only compelling part of this season. While the entire cast did a brilliant job of portraying the complicated royal household there were a few stand out performances. Olivia Coleman is delightful and engaging very nearly every time she’s onscreen, no matter the role, and her interpretation of Queen Elizabeth is no exception. She brings a tenderness and a simple determination of character to the Queen that is both endearing and revealing. Helena Bonham Carter brings depth, honesty and humanity to Princess Margaret that stirs compassion and respect for the sister of the monarch. Lastly, Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of Margaret Thatcher was pure gold.

It took me nearly a week to process this season. I remember this era of Charles and Diana and I had a lot of feelings about them as their story unfolded in real time. This season brought all those feelings to the surface and then some. Remembering that this is a fictionalized telling of history, season 4 of The Crown does not disappoint. And now we wait for season 5.