You must remember. This country has a past as well as a future." The calm, delightful and dignified British series returns for a second season, continuing to tell the story of a charismatic monarch who was perhaps the definition of unconventional. Already, in the season premiere, the production can be described as lavish, with money well spent on beautiful costumes and sets. If there's one thing to count on with this show is that there's no reluctance to dress the place up. Everything looks historically genuine and the cast look as though they're actually wandering the flamboyant corridors of Buckingham Palace in the 19th century.
The plot of the first episode is simplistic, concentrating on Victoria's life immediately after her daughter's birth. In attempts to protect her from stress, her husband decides to conceal the bad news about events in Afghanistan from Her Majesty. Inevitably, this results in Victoria feeling deceived as she is much happier to be informed of everything, including the movements of her army, especially considering that she is a soldier's daughter as the title references. The ambush that occurred in Afghanistan is perhaps short-changed in the story, but at least its impact on the country is identified. Victoria is truly a caring person, and her kind gesture and commendation of the lone survivor demonstrates her kindness. Elsewhere, all the supporting characters get their own interlocking storylines, all equally pale. Mrs. Skerret and Francatelli's relationship is especially frustrating and was never interesting in my eyes in the first season. The fact that they have been forced back together because of cooking troubles at the palace is unjustified. Prince Ernest returns to England, giving Albert a chance to fence again and for him to receive marital advice. Ernest continues to show his charm as he interacts with the Duchess of Sutherland, Harriet. Prime Minister Robert Peel is also getting some stick from parliament for the humiliation Britain suffered for the defeat in Afghanistan. One of the strongest aspects of the show, alongside its sets, costumes and music, is its cast. Jenna Coleman has truly captured the elegance and quirkiness of Victoria. She deftly dealt with the moments of comedy in the script with exquisite precision, and her loss of temper is down to a tee. Peter Bowles is wonderfully open-minded as the Duke of Wellington and offers a contrasting role to the Prime Minister. A new addition to the show, Dame Diana Ring, offers her acting supremacy - following her astounding exodus from Game of Thrones - and she steals every scene as is to be expected. In contrast, sometimes I do struggle to understand Tom Hughes, simply because he lacks variety in his voice. An often majestic, often candid episode of Victoria, just like the attitudes of its characters, but the grandiose of its sets and superb camerawork give it a fine quality. Director Lisa James Larsson makes good use of the money to depict haunting imagery of the slaughter in Afghanistan - even if the images are brief. Its fast-pace sometimes stalls its progression, but there's no doubt that the drama persists and Daisy Goodwin continues to translate Victoria's tumultuous time as monarch of Britain on screen. Her compelling speech at the launching of HMS Trafalgar was evidence enough of their strong connection with British history. And that's the most important thing - just like the brilliant The Crown on Netflix - as long as the show is steeped in British class and tradition, it can't go wrong. 7.5/10
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