Victoria: Et in Arcadia {Roundtable}

Victoria, away from London, struggles to handle domestic issues from the Isle of Wright before summoning the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary to her. Meanwhile, Bertie is not as attentive to his studies and Albert wants, which causes some strife between he and Victoria.

In this roundtable Cara and I are discussing both the personal and the professional aspects of Victoria’s life.

The Personal

Roz: Oh this battle over Bertie is not going to end well at all for anyone. I know we know how Edward VII turned out as a monarch, but to see him as a young boy who struggled with the pressures of being the future king (and probably with a learning disability). It’s far to see that Prince Albert wants to have some control over his life when everyone expects Victoria to run everything else. Between Albert trying to get Bertie to be serious about being king later, and Skerrett putting in her notice, Victoria is at odds with the two people who she most relies on.

MASTERPIECE
Victoria, Season 3
Episode One
Sunday, January 13, 2019; 9-10pm ET
Revolution sweeps across Europe and pressure builds on Victoria with new arrivals at the Palace.
Picture Shows: Prince Albert played by Tom Hughes
For editorial use only.
Courtesy of Justin Slee/ITV Plc for MASTERPIECE

Cara: It was hard to see the strife being in such close quarters caused. Though he may at times seem a little harsh or misguided, particularly by today’s standards, it’s clear Albert cares deeply about his children and their future. I think the scene where he changes tactics and uses archery as a way to teach Bertie letters shows us his good intentions and attempts to adjust his methods to suit the child. It’s not the first time Victoria and Albert have had a difference of opinion on raising children, and in this case they’re raising a future king, so the pressure is much greater. Francatelli and Skerrett leaving will be a hard blow for Victoria. I was secretly hoping that Victoria would ask her to stay on, even though she was married. But, I know that’s not feasible. Victoria came across as extremely petty when it came to their resignations. I wonder if Victoria being less close to people like Lehzen and the household staff is required as Victoria becomes a more mature queen. On an unrelated note, I was very glad the Duchess stepped in to prevent Joseph being fired. I won’t mind seeing more of him in the future. Although, I’m not sure how much more there is to see after those bathing scenes this week.

The Professional

Roz: Palmerston is still such an ass, but at least we won’t see him trying to seduce that Duchess again. This Austrian ramblerouser won’t make anything better between Victoria and Palmerston either, even if they desire it to make things easier.

It’s not related to Victoria exactly, but to see Joseph dismissed as a footman for not going to church (when he probably wanted to be in the sea) is a bit of a powertrip by Penge, but something he is always want to do. That he was saved by the Duchess was great (but probably going to lead to some cavorting between them).

MASTERPIECE
Victoria, Season 3
Episode One
Sunday, January 13, 2019; 9-10pm ET
Revolution sweeps across Europe and pressure builds on Victoria with new arrivals at the Palace.
Picture Shows: Queen Victoria played by Jenna Coleman
For editorial use only.
Courtesy of Justin Slee/ITV Plc for MASTERPIECE

Cara: I am as glad to see the Duchess turn away from Palmerston as I am to see Victoria gain a little bit of his respect. It was earned at a heavy cost to her marriage, but that will always be a challenge Victoria has to face. I enjoyed her decision to let the unwanted Hungarian guest speak because it would make no difference in the end. It was a smart piece of diplomacy, and I think it’s much better for Victoria to have Palmerston more on her side than against.

Victoria continues on PBS Sundays at 9PM. Interested in what we had to say about the previous two seasons, see our recaps here.