All Hail the Queen on PBS

The trailers caught my attention, and it was from them that I first learned about a new PBS Masterpiece show, Victoria, telling the story of Britain's 2nd longest reigning queen, whose rule dominated the 19th Century.

I'm fairly interested in historical stories displayed in a drama format, and so I decided I would make a point to watch this show, starting on January 15 in a Daytona Beach hotel suite overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

I found myself enraptured from the start.  In fact, the arrival of end of the episode, especially towards the beginning of the series, would catch me off guard, as I would find myself wanting more.

It was amazing to watch Victoria accede to the throne in her late teens, and rise to the role bestowed upon her, even as other forces tried to take charge of this young woman, especially when it came to finding a husband.  The relationship she developed with Albert went on a bumpy road, yet somehow their romance came together in holy matrimony.  And then Albert, who came across as rather subdued and passive, had to find a way to fit into his role, overshadowed by Queen Victoria--with all her paperwork--as Lord Melbourne faded into the shadows.  It was a striking scene to see his speech at the anti-slavery meeting, and it was masterful to include that in the show.  Another favorite scene of mine was seeing him ride the train toward the end of the season, feeling the immense thrill of a burgeoning technology, even while I, as a major train enthusiast, shared in the thrill of watching him ride.

I was drawn in by Lord Melbourne, played by actor Rufus Sewell, who played Thomas Clarkson in Amazing Grace.  In this show, Lord Melbourne certainly served as a major driving force, and he was one of many characters who piqued my interest in the sequence of events in British history that drove me to start Googling various historical figures in the British government, as well as figures from other royal houses in Europe that figured prominently into the story of Victoria.  This was also the first time I've watched any kind of program starring Jenna Coleman, who I think makes for a fine actress.  I was particularly intrigued by one scene when she was just waking up one morning, her hair down, and looking so fresh as she suddenly decided she wanted to go to her other palace.

And the costumes amazed me, especially the regal outfits worn at the parties, and the especially regal vestments at the coronation and wedding ceremonies.

It's just like that grand song that starts each show, "Gloriana"/"Hallelujah", or whatever it's supposed to be.  I'm already looking forward to hearing that song start up the new season, and seeing how much of her life story the next season will cover, as the first season definitely got me interested in a remarkable story.  While Queen Elizabeth II surpassed Victoria as the longest-reigning British monarch not too long ago, I think this story has much to offer us as we consider the person behind the monarchs who dominate long stretches of British history.