TV Series Review: ITV's Victoria
★★★★1/2
Written by: Daisy Goodwin
Starring: Jenna Coleman, Tom Hughes, Rufus Sewell, Catherine Flemming, Daniela Holtz, Nell Hudson, Eve Myles
Jenna Coleman as the young Queen Victoria in ITV's Victoria. Image Source.
After a successful run as the Doctor's companion Clara Oswald on Doctor Who, I was very much looking forward to Jenna Coleman's return to screen and what better way than the young Queen Victoria in ITV's Victoria. Last weekend marked the fourth episode of the series and its halfway point through the season. I was hooked after watching the first episode and was delighted to find ITV premiered the first two episodes together. Jenna Coleman was the perfect fit for the role and very believable on screen as the young queen who came to power at the age of eighteen. The show portrayed the early years of Queen Victoria's reign as she navigated the world of men to prove her worth as a fit ruler despite her age, gender, short stature and lack of societal experience due to being raised under the Kensington System. In the latest episode romance was in the air and the young queen found love in Prince Albert played by Tom Hughes. I am very much looking forward to further drama unfolding as the series continues.
The meeting that set Prince Albert and Queen Victoria down the path of love and romance. Image source.
Aside from the drama among the elites the series also showcased the lives of the royal servants Downton Abbey style. A scandal with the Queen's dresser Miss Skerrett is already under works, it will be interesting to see how this revelation to the rest of the royal household will impact on the Queen. The continued conflict and dislike between the Germans and the English were also present among the servants and it will surely play a part in helping to set the tone of the next episode as the parliament and the royal court boil over with Queen Victoria's choice of husband.
Nell Hudson as the Queen's dresser with a murky past that is bound to be revealed. Image source.
Despite the debate surrounding this period drama regarding its historical faithfulness it still gave relevant insight into the early life of a much beloved queen. The costumes and setting were beautifully done and visually pleasing. It has certainly been entertaining for me to watch the parade of fashion defined by the Victorian era. The haunting title music Alleluia composed by Martin Phipps also helped set the tone of the entire series heralding the coming of a queen. Coupled with its impressive cast ensemble this series is definitely not to be missed.
Live. Love. Laugh. Liberate.
- Avis Knows
The young Victoria ascending the throne. Image source.
Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria, "every inch a queen". Image source.
