VICTORIA: Old Politics, Same Themes; Death and Depression {Recap}

Victoria gave us another two hours of politics, reminding us all that while times have changed, some issues don’t.

The first half of this week’s episodes deals with how Victoria (Jenna Coleman) can help improve the situation of British subjects struggling to feed themselves. As Queen, Victoria wants to help out some silk weavers with their work, via a ball. While the goal is noble, the method looks too grand for the suffering of many citizens.

I love that Victoria wanted to help those who needed it, but those elsewhere in her household are seeing more and more of the frustrations of the lower classes, particularly Mrs. Skerrett (Nell Hudson), who sees her friend often living in poverty. Skerrett’s friend sells the story of a young boy who stole from the Palace for more money as well – showing just how much that money means to her to keep her young daughter healthy and fed.

Victoria, Season 2
MASTERPIECE on PBS
Episode Two – “Warp and Weft” & “The Sins of the Father”
Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 9pm ET (2 Hours)
Discontent is growing in the country, and Victoria throws a costume ball in a
misguided attempt to help the silk weavers of Spitalfields – but the spectacular
event only exposes her naivety, and an unexpected grief finally forces her to put
childish things away for good. Despite giving birth to a healthy Prince of Wales,
Victoria finds herself paralyzed by an inexplicable sorrow. Meanwhile, a tragedy in
Coburg plunges Albert into his own private torment.
Shown from left to right: Jenna Coleman as Victoria and Tom Hughes as Albert
For editorial use only.
©ITVStudios2017 for MASTERPIECE

The second half, though tackles two issues that still haunt us all today: the death of a parent and postpartem depression.

Victoria gave birth to Albert, Prince of Wales, but then can’t seem to summon the energy to be seen out of doors, but she tries to muster energy when Prince Albert (Tom Hughes) learns that his father has died.

Struggles with both issues are never easy, but the episode focuses on watching the two of them handle them separately.

Victoria, Season 2
MASTERPIECE on PBS
Episode Two – “Warp and Weft” & “The Sins of the Father”
Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 9pm ET (2 Hours)
Discontent is growing in the country, and Victoria throws a costume ball in a
misguided attempt to help the silk weavers of Spitalfields – but the spectacular
event only exposes her naivety, and an unexpected grief finally forces her to put
childish things away for good. Despite giving birth to a healthy Prince of Wales,
Victoria finds herself paralyzed by an inexplicable sorrow. Meanwhile, a tragedy in
Coburg plunges Albert into his own private torment.
Shown: Tom Hughes as Albert
For editorial use only.
©ITVStudios2017 for MASTERPIECE

Prince Albert confronts many of his own issues while in Coburg, but his brother, Ernest (David Oakes) is equally troubled by becoming the new Duke of Saxe-Coburg. Though, while Ernest is struggling with new responsibilities, Albert is told by his Uncle King Leopold (Alex Jennings) that Albert could be his son.

Victoria continues on Sundays at 9PM on PBS.